Page 57 of Benga's Rise

I roll to her side and do a weird one arm almost hug to her shoulders. “Your strength shows me I can do this. I’ll never be you, but I’m going to fight like you until I make it.”

When she turns, I see tears in her eyes. Freedom doesn’t cry. I hold on and get a squeeze back. “I need to go. I’ll see you tomorrow. Call if you need rescuing.”

She’s out the door, but never looked at either of us. I see concern on Victory’s face. “She’s been working and saving for years. Today she bought a building. You’re acting like you did in school. What is going on? Is this another universal cleansing? I didn’t see any of this coming.”

Universal cleansing?

“Raid in.” He saves me from asking.

“Kitchen,” I yell.

Victory kisses my cheek. “I’m going to check on Freedom.”

I nod as she passes Raid and walks out. “That’s not a good sign. Did I piss her off?”

“No. She’s checking on Freedom. Something about a universal cleansing because Freedom bought a studio in the village.”

He’s happy about that if his big smile is anything to go by. “Good for her. I just found out she knew other martial arts and she’s opening a place. I feel like the kids are growing up. She’ll do good down there. There’s a whole subdivision already in and another just starting.”

I have to laugh. “I didn’t know that. When did they...forget it. When I can drive, it will be a good outing.”

“I’ll take you. We can check out where Freedom will be. We have the village wired, but we can get her whole building under feeds.”

I shake my head. She teaches for them, so they know she’s not getting hurt, but they’ll still keep watch. I like the safety net they give.

“How was therapy?”

“Good. I don’t want to take anything away from the therapist, but Cort taught me more this week than anyone in my life. He says he learned from you, so thank you.”

His head tilts looking cute. I smile. “You’ll have to trust me.” I’m not sure Cort wants me telling everything his Officers said or what he said. It’s not even my business. It was a lesson that I needed.

“Okay. Were you making tea?” Raid accepts that so easily I’m smiling.

“No that’s Victory’s. It’s some herbal thing you saved me from.”

He laughs looking at his watch. “They’re running a little longer,” I tell him.

“What would you like?” He’d be shocked if I said you.

I don’t of course, with the cast from hell on. “Water, thanks. If you leave a glass on the counter, I can get it.”

He fills the glass and brings it to me. “Then you wouldn’t need me.”

The things that go through my head stay there as I laugh. “There’s method to your madness.”

He sits and I love the comfortable way he smiles when he’s happy. “Yep.” He stands right back up as the therapist comes in.

“I thought I heard a man out here. You must be Raid. I’m Juanita Holstrum. It’s good to finally meet you. Damn, you’re a giant.”

I smile watching him. “I am, but I’m gentle. Mostly.”

Juanita smiles. “I’ve heard all about you, Raid. I have you at a disadvantage, but what I’ve been told is admirable.”

Raid looks embarrassed. “Thanks. If you think it will help, I can show at your sessions.” I think he surprised her.

“That proves what I’ve heard is true. I think that we will be getting to that point sooner than I expected, so thank you for offering.”

“Anything,” he says simply, making me smile. I know he means it.