Page 10 of Ranger's Rise

I laugh. “I don’t think so, but I’m honored to be considered that way.”

VP laughs. “That’s what Cort said when Major said he is like Crow.”

Falcon laughs, nodding with Web and Cort. “So, he fits and I want to do this for Badass. Dan brought it to me before Juanita was asked.”

I watch Cort’s head swing with the smile that says he’s proud. “You’re another that will be running a Club in our Council. When you get back, we’ll work on that with Ranger so you both get what you need to be the leaders you are meant to be.”

“Thank you, Boss. It wasn’t on my radar, but I see the signs pointing that way now. So, this is a month-long process. I’ll follow the Badass plan and make sure the kids stay together. A couple aren’t mobile, a few aren’t attached to anyone.”

“Bring them home with you. We’ll give them a family of Brothers to help,” Web says, but he’s looking at Cort. He gets a nod and Falcon nods.

“So, I need to leave tomorrow. Masons will get us there and home.” The fucking guy didn’t tell me that.

There is no surprise or reaction from Cort. “Raid, get Ranger’s cut from my office. Web, are you sure you’re okay with him working and helping out with the kids? He can help take them out a couple at a time.”

“I’m good, Boss. I could use help with the Js too, but wasn’t sure about asking Vick. VP is too busy and I can’t bring Ant Irma or Seren in.” He has no concern.

I look at Cort. I’m surprised by Web’s lack of concern.Helooks concerned. “Get Ranger up to speed. Patcher and Doc need some time off. I’d say Falcon too, but he isn’t an option. Let me think of who else can handle this and be trusted.”

Falcon leans forward. “Freedom and Mounty.”

Cort nods. “Is Seren still wearing a mask in your wing?” The question tells me she doesn’t talk. That’s good to know.

“Yeah. Doc said another month. Freedom is good. She protects the women here. If you trust Mounty, I’ll ask him.” He’s showing no concern if Cort trusts them.

They don’t mention Hade and I wonder why. He’s a trusted Officer, or he used to be. I noticed Falcon and Brinks watching him more lately.

Cort nods. “Talk to him. Vick will get emotional. McCabe may be another hand to count on, but I think Beacon would be good too. They both are committed to kids from the gang, so I don’t want to add to their plates. Let me think about that. I’ll talk to them and let you know.”

Falcon swings his head. “McCabe took my outreach for here and Masons. He’s leaning to the Masons more and more.”

“Thanks. I’ll hold off on him. Falcon, go with Ranger, Freedom and Mounty to Web’s with Doc. You probably need some background.”

“Roger, Boss.” He types on his tablet.

Cort’s head turns with the door. “Let them in, Raid.” He looks at me. “I can do the whole presentation here or at Church.”

I smile. “Church. You have a Mason too, so you’d have to do it anyway.”

He nods and watches the Officers make it around the table. “Ranger is our new Officer, addition to Inner Circle and temp SAA while Falcon takes some time off to help Badass at another location. Today he gets his cut, but will be presented to the Club at Church on Sunday.”

VP stands behind me while everyone but Hade, throws words of congratulations out. Mounty pulls me up and into a bear hug. “Let him go. You’re worse than Victory. It’s my job to guide cuts on the Officers. Drop that one, Brother, and let me do my job.”

I smile sliding my cut off, fold it putting it on the table and keep my back to VP with my arms back. “I like the Brothers that know how it’s done. I’m the Brother that will help guide your way when you get lost or need an ear. Trust in me like you do Badass.”

“Shut the fuck up before you say the whole fucking presentation. He’ll get it Sunday. Welcome to Phoenix Rising Inner Circle and Officer rank. We’re honored that you’re jumping in just when we need you, Brother.”

I nod. “I am too, Boss, and will work to show you and my Brothers that honor and appreciation.”

Jinx and Brinks laugh. “You sound like Cort,” Jinx says.

VP and Falcon laugh and I sit. The meeting goes on and it’s like every other Security meeting I’ve been in. I give status on the choppers coming in on Tuesday and the crews on Monday.

We have only two trainee classes running starting Monday so everyone will have some breathing room. Brinks offers time to Mounty and Cort clears some admin shit to keep Flight Training running without me at every class. “Shultz is in boot camp, so Ranger is short a trainer until he’s done. Anyone have ideas?”

“We could ask Badass. They have trainers in everything up on their website.” We all look at Web. He shrugs. “The President offered.” The President of Badass Territories offered them help? I’m not surprised they’d offer, but why? They run great here.

Cort nods but is slow to answer. “We do have an offer, but I’ve taken quite a bit from them. I don’t want to ask if I don’t have to.”