Page 67 of Master's Rise

Chapter Nine

Eight days

Cort

Riding to breakfast with my Officers feels good. It’s been a good week. Everyone is caught up and focusing on the new Training and combined Ops. My schedule was handed to me on Monday and there have been no more problems with me moving like I always have. We got more Brothers and Seren still loves me, even though I told her this morning about the Club party set for tomorrow. Life is good.

“I like when you’re in your head and happy, Boss.” Hade has the Brothers laughing.

“I like when you’re clear and can feel that, Brother.”

“Me too.”

Vick and Sharp are on, but the contractor, Paul, Trask and Beacon are waiting for us when we pull in. “Boss,” they say together.

“Brothers. Officers ride every Saturday for our breakfast. Nothing special, just a ride with your Brothers and some decent food. We talk about the week but it’s not mandatory or any type of planning session. I finish my workout for eight, so that’s when they pick me up. That was your invite. Since you’re here, you’re welcome to join us for breakfast.”

I get thanks and they all look proud. I'll take it.

Trask holds me back as the Brothers file in. “Dave Martinez was found. The scene was trampled and disturbed by the Brother managing the market and one of his stockers. The stocker went to the shed to store a box of decorations and dropped the box and a tree or something. The tree hit the body, knocking it to the side. The Brother went to check it out with a cashier and were waiting inside when the deputies showed. The cashier puked all over the place. Cause of death was ruled suicide by laser.”

“Interesting.”

He smiles. “I would have listed it as an accidental death. Stupidity written in as cause.”

I nod. “He was pretty stupid.” I walk in listening to him laugh. I need to have a drink with the manager. He did good bringing the cashier with him. Love the fucking Brotherhood.

We talk about the week we had and the one coming up. Hade likes Herman, our new Green Beret ex-deputy trainer. The fucking guy is sharp as a tack.

It turns out, Trask didn’t trust the two we already weeded out so we have five new deputies on a fast track to becoming Brothers. Right now, they’re training, riding and working with Trask on the names we pulled from the bar and the try for Seren.

“What did you do to Seren?” Raid asks like I beat her or something.

“Nothing.”

“She’s pissed at you. She spent her life with people giving her shit and wasn’t pissed. Today she’s pissed.”

“You’re like a fucking dog with a bone, Raid.” I smile. “It’s good to see it again.”

He isn’t letting me off even with the Brothers laughing. “Fine! I forgot to tell her about the party. She was helping the Club chick set her new place up. They had a girl’s day planned.”

“Fuck, Boss. What are you going to do?” Web asks like the world will end.

I smile. “Already done. I got Prospects to move shit and shop. The girl’s day moved to today and Seren covered in the pizzeria. Freedom said it was no problem and will get Harmony and Victory settled if I send dinner. Prospects will deliver if from the steakhouse. That’s what I was doing when you were talking to her. She loves me again and everyone can be happy.”

“You’re a fucking piece of work, Brother.”

I want to lean over and cold-cock him. “Do I need to remind you that I’ve been fucking busy? You put me on more shifts and I have a job too. All my shit for the week is done. All my meetings handled. I forgot one thing.”

“We going to the office?” Hade asks.

I smile. “Might as well, girl’s day means I got nothing to do. Paul, did you decide on where you want to live?”

“Yeah, Boss, a condo. Seren’s house is just too big. I appreciate the offer.” He’s a good Brother.

“I’ll let her know. Amos, you moving?”

I can already see he’s not. “No, I like the apartment.”