Page 55 of Benga's Rise

Cort takes a deep breath that calms him. “Thank you. We’ll talk to Major and Jordan about shielding him. That will happen today. I just don’t know when.”

Hade surprises me. “Thank fucking Christ.”

Cort relaxes more and it’s noticeable on his face and in his eyes. “I’m glad you get it. Web doesn’t, so we need to cover what he can’t even imagine.”

“I’ll keep him safe for us, Boss.” Amos is a good Brother.

“That’s good because I can’t imagine trying to do this without him.”

Everyone takes that in and I feel the air change. “We got it,” Falcon says.

Cort must feel it because he nods and looks determined. “We got this. Thanks, Brothers. The As are in their building until Major leaves. We’re on city Ops, so if you need help with tech, let someone know.”

“I’ll get Chaps in for the day. He can jump in if he’s needed or run Lead for the screens.”

Cort nods. “That will be good. Thanks, Falcon. Cover your classes or whatever you’re scheduled for. I’ll need you in the meeting room when the tour shit is done. This is Badass Territory Lead Presidents. Raid, get the others in so we can get through what’s needed for the day.”

“On it, Pres.” Since I’m doorman, I bow letting them in.

Cort shakes his head at me, but he’s smiling.

~*~

I feel like we’re in the home stretch when we make it to the Lobby. This was a good tour, but it’s been longer than usual. Major is pretty quiet letting the Presidents talk to Cort. The trainer is talking to Falcon and Mounty. I’m watching everyone hoping they leave soon.

“Raid! Leo comes in and jumps at me. I catch him and let him hug me. “I got a progress report even though I didn’t do all the work for six weeks!”

I set him down noticing everyone watching. Great. “That’s good, Little Brother. Does it show you followed the rules?”

He smiles. “Yep. I got all As so I listened to everything everyone one was willing to teach me and I was a good Brother helping the other kids. The teacher even wrote it.”

One of the Presidents laughs. “That’s good Badass rules to follow, Little Brother.”

Leo nods seriously. “The Brothers are teaching me good and I only have to do the good stuff.”

The President looks at me then back at Leo. “What’s the bad stuff?”

Shit. “I don’t have to carry drugs or shoot anyone. I keep my nose clean, learn everything I can from everyone willing to teach me. No drugs, no putting my hands on girls and remember to watch out for my Brothers.” He looks proud and I put my hand on his shoulder.

The President looks at me. “Carry drugs and shoot people? Is he yours?” He’s like Cort, I feel he’s pissed.

I smile, but Leo answers. “He’s my Brother. They saved me from the gang. They beat me up and made me carry their drugs. I didn’t shoot anyone. Raid made sure the Brothers helped. Cort doesn’t let anyone sell drugs here. Even kids like me are safe and we learn the Badass rules so we can help people like big Brothers. I have to go to work. Raid can tell you, he tells you everything right.” He walks away and I’m laughing.

Cort and the President that asked are too. “How old is he?”

Cort answers. “Ten. He’s only been here a couple of weeks. I’ll make sure he acknowledges you the next time.”

The President waves it away. “He’s learned quickly. Good job, Brothers. Ten is too fuckin’ young to be pulled into a gang.”

Cort nods.“The gang is gone. Falcon gave the kids a new focus. He has the Masons helping with it.”

Major asks. “New focus?”

I smile. “Badass.”

Major laughs. “I hope Crow is watching this, Cort. You’ve got the Masons spreading Badass.”

They all laugh. Cort nods. “We have over fifty now. They’re good Brothers to have.”