Page 103 of Master's Rise

I nod but Major talks. When he tells him about the deputy, I don’t move to even breathe until Dan shows no reaction.

He’s pissed about Crow, Jules and my dad but loses it with Byron. They were close.

I get up and find the kitchen while he tells Major about Byron. Taking my time, I make it back with waters hearing him tell Major about my women’s movement. Fuck. I shrug while they laugh.

“We will deal with the Sheriff. I’ll make sure you’re not interfered with, Cortland. Seren is a good woman, take care with and of her.”

I nod. “She’s everything and I plan to show her that.”

He nods. “I believe you will. You’re a character but with a good heart. Crow wasn’t wrong about you and your family. I’m sure you’ll be seeing more of me.”

“Dan, there are people that need shields from time to time. I can help with that.”

He laughs. “McCabe already called me. What you did is good. Our friends lost everything and could use good men to show them how to move on. I’ll remember your offer and let you know if it’s needed.” He watches me so I nod.

“We have much in common, Cortland Masters.Freemasonry teaches not merely temperance, fortitude, prudence, justice, brotherly love,...”

I finish it for him,“Relief, and truth, but liberty, equality, and fraternity, and it denounces ignorance, superstition, bigotry, lust, tyranny and despotism.Theodore Roosevelt said that. A smart man Teddy was.”

He laughs and Major shakes his head. “Seren must love debating you. The girl does the same thing.”

I stand knowing we’re done. “She wins. I have learned a few new quotes from her.”

He slaps my back as I walk out. “I’ll visit her at her pizza shop soon.”

“She’ll like that. Thanks for the time and help, Dan.”

Major shakes his hand and we’re walking back to Byron’s. “Thank you, Major. For Crow, my dad, Jules and Byron.”

“I wish we knew sooner but it wouldn’t make them less gone.”

I think about finally letting go and agree.

~*~*~

We wave from the portico with the LED lights lit. I know it’s an impressive last look. Major is proud. He told me so twice. Seren is right, it means something to him that he was right, but it means more to me.

Jordan was in awe of Web’s albinos and spent all afternoon in geeky heaven. I left him alone to the geekdom. Raid took Major around town and let him get his fill of the Ducati. I’m glad he likes it, I’ll keep it ready for him.

My angelic Badass had Major wrapped when she started asking questions about the Clubs and their statements. We were all eating in my meeting room and he was surprised, then excited to answer every question she had. He’s sending her information. The Officers found it funny. I was just happy to watch. My girl makes me proud.

“Boss, Jordan is adding onto the Club to house more IT. He’s got some programmers that are going to make life easy for us.”

I look at him wondering if he missed Jordan worshiping him. “Web, you’re like the top dog of shit like that.”

He shakes his head. “I don’t have time to program. I have real shit to do. I take his shit and make it usable to us. He took almost every program I made from his.” He laughs but my brain jumps in.

He makes it useable and Jordan took it? “Get with him about a company, he programs, you engineer it to be usable. We could make a shitload.”

He looks up with a smile. “Bet Badass would buy. Prospects, Security, contractors...”

I push him away. “I don’t need all that shit. Jordan does. Go, start a company before he lands at the Club.”

Hade and Falcon are laughing. McCabe and Mounty come out the door smiling. “Boss,” they say together.

“Mounty, McCabe. Our Sheriff is not an issue for much longer. Some friends are handling it legally and quietly.”

Trask laughs. “Good. People need to be safe.”