Page 114 of Ranger's Rise

I walk in and greet the Prospect. His eyebrows raise at my Shaggy visitor. “They need visitor badges for training and the cafeteria.”

He does his shit and smiles when Shaggy walks to the bikes leaving Victory to give his information. The too big khaki pants and light-yellow oversized shirt over a tight white T makes him look smaller. Those Birkenstock sandals with tube socks is just frightening.

“I need his license. I have your information, Victory.” He hands her a badge and she clips it on.

“Leif, I need your license!” she yells getting everyone’s attention.

I smile at the look on his face. “To eat and watch a woman’s fighting class?”

“Freedom trains the Brothers too. I told you that. This is their building and Training is secure. Give me your license. I’m hungry.”

I smile showing teeth to the Prospect and he laughs. “Where’s Scooby?”

I walk away laughing. “I’m in the cafeteria when you’re done, Victory.”

“Order me the skillet!”

I give her a wave, but don’t turn around. My sister makes me smile. Lorelei is smiling when I sit. “Did you kill Leif and Victory is mourning his body at your house?”

I crack up and the Prospect has to wait for me. “A skillet and a burrito. Coffee and OJ for two. Thanks.”

“So, she’s not mourning the body.” Lorelei looks stricken by the thought of him still walking around.

“No, they’re here. She’ll bring him in once he gets his badge. What happened?”

“He started a whole debate with Daniel about the Brothers and the good they do. He was pointing out that some drugs are good and Raid got pissed. Victory was happy and pointing out how smart Daniel is and Raid took Daniel to the sitting room. This morning he went on and on about food and people working for a dollar a day because of us. Raid left, Daniel is eating at school and I’m here. The man is nuts.”

I laugh and don’t disagree. “Thanks for not sending them over.”

“Raid offered knowing it was your late night and that would leave Ranger alone with them. They can’t stay tonight, Freedom. I love you and Victory, but he’s not good for Daniel to be around.”

I nod just as they walk in. The Brothers watch, interested in the new guy. “I understand.”

As soon as Victory is close, the Prospect is by her. “I ordered for her. Shag...Leif, help yourself. They’ll charge it to my badge.” I frown as he walks away. He doesn’t pull her chair or ask if she wants anything. Victory plops in her seat. I guess she noticed.

“How do you like the commune?” I ask, to get killing the pussy off my mind.

Her face lights up. “I love it. The store is doing good now that I’m there. Marley said it was a struggle before, but we’re making a profit and I get to explain everything. They asked me to do a meditation class and even Reiki. I’m so glad I did this. It’s like a dream come true.”

I can’t help but smile. “I’m glad you’re happy and it’s doing what you love.”

“I am.” She stops for the Prospect to put our food in front of us.

Shaggy is back with two plates full of food. There is no way he’s eating all that. After dropping his plates, he walks away. We wait.

“Does he have something wrong with him?” Lorelei has me clamping my mouth shut. Tapeworms would make those plates make sense.

Victory isn’t happy. “No, I’ve never seen him eat much unless I’m cooking. He usually eats crackers and rice cakes.”

Fucking great, a leech. “Marley’s handling your money?”

She looks at me confused. “Yeah. He did like you and we go over everything at the end of the month. They’re so happy I know how to make and spend for the store. He helped me with the house too. I love it.”

I smile. She’s really happy there with my parents taking an active role in her life. I’m glad. Shaggy is back with two glasses of orange juice and a small plate piled with pastry.

“How are you going to eat all that?”

He shrugs sitting down. “I’m going to take the pastry with me for later.”