Page 87 of Ranger's Rise

I don’t say a word. I protected Cort? It’s kind of the job, but I don’t remember that. Alder is handing Doc strips of fabric. “I don’t remember anything but taking my eyes off the dick.”

“We all saw it, you don’t have to remember, Brother. I’m sure the Brothers will let you know.”

Holy fuck. The dick was going to hit Cort. I’m so fucking glad I was there. I shouldn’t have turned away. “He wouldn’t have had time to even get close to Cort if I had just shot him.”

Doc laughs. “Cort was right, Badass runs deep in you. You may have shot him, but Cort would have been burnt. I don’t think watching yourself get burned is a good idea. Let it go and let us do our part, Brother. The IV bags are on the shelf there.” He points and I turn my body so I can see. It says Ranger on the label. “This is for hydration. Every hour a new bag goes on. A Prospect will find you with the new bag. There are three doing the EMT course and they know how to change them. Sleep through the night, but make sure it’s changed when you go to bed and as soon as you’re up. If you wake, change the bag. You have them at home too.”

“Thanks.”

He nods and steps back. “So, new fabric and the altered spray. We’ll see you at two, Brother.”

“I’ll be here.”

I walk out with a smile. Cort is here with Amos and Banks. Amos hugs me as soon as I’m out the door. “Thank you, Brother. I’m swimming with the Js, Banks horned in, but I got Jacques.” They’re fighting over Jacques.

I smile clamping my jaw. “Thanks,” I say through my teeth.

He steps back and Banks hugs me. “Thanks, Brother.”

I have no idea what to say. I can’t just nod. “Let him go, Brother, he can’t turn his head or move it right now.” He holds up my holster. “Anton put a clip so you can carry the bag on your back. Let’s get this on you. We got shit to do.”

“Roger, Boss.” I’m so fucking glad they aren’t sidelining me.

He gets the holster on me and clips the bag up, then winds the line so it’s not hanging. “Freedom is at her class. She’ll meet you for lunch.”

I walk with them to the elevator. “Thanks.”

“Inner Circle starts in ten. I’m glad you got here early. Swimming is at four and Jinx took the As ride for tonight. Flights are running regular training. All Ops are ground for today. If your head is clear, we may run them on surveillance tomorrow.”

“Roger, Boss.” I’m relieved. So much is swimming in my head, I don’t want to be distracted when I need to be clear.

At the meeting room I sit, relieved that only VP and Cort are here. I have no idea where Banks and Amos went. “Doc will be pissed, but you need to see this.” Cort sits on the side of me and holds his tablet up. When he hits play, I see us running. VP goes right for Freedom when Cort yells. He’s watching them. I see my head turn and go right back. Doc was right, the pussy was already throwing fire. He moves the tablet, but I can’t turn. “That’s all you need.”

“Thanks. Thanks for stopping Freedom, VP. I only remember turning my head. I knew I was wrong.”

“So was I. Thank you for covering me. I only saw Freedom run and lost my focus. I should have had the fucking dickass. I feel like shit for leaving you out there to cover my ass. It’s not enough, Brother, but I’m so fucking sorry and thanks for being there. You can’t throw chin, nod or really respond to that and I’m not expecting it. Just tell me what you need or what will make this easier and I’ll get it done.”

“I will, Cort. I think you took care of everything I need right now. I just wanted to take Jacques swimming. I haven’t thought about much else.”

VP laughs. “Web said he’s excited you’re still going. They had to show him feeds of you walking in. Him, Mario and José were crying but smiling when they saw you.” Fuck. That’s good.

“I won’t miss it.”

“Make sure we know what can help so we can. We get that you’re not going to want to, but you need to, so we’re not making every minute of your day awkward or uncomfortable. Raid, let them in.”

I smile. “Thanks.”

The Officers come in and every one of them thanks me. I give a tight smile to all of them. It is awkward.

Cort stands. “He can’t nod or throw chin. His upper body has to be sore from the plating and heat burns so he’s moving slow. Mounty, don’t even think of one of your bear hugs. I apologized and thanked him for saving my ass. We need to be done so he’s not feeling weird for not responding. He can’t and doesn’t owe it.”

Everyone says, “Roger, Boss.” And I clamp my mouth shut to stop the laugh.

“Jesus. Laughing hurts too. Don’t make him do that shit,” VP says and I hold it in. Fuck.

“Stop talking, Raid,” Cort says then gets on with the meeting. I turn my chair so I can see him and relax.

Walking to my office, I go over the meeting. I don’t have my phone. Amos gave me his tablet so I could make notes. I emailed them to me before I gave it back. I need to check on the flight suit, my phone and the Flight Training schedule. With no Aerial Ops or surveillance, my Ops time is canceled. I’ll have to find something to do with that time. Anton and McCabe are waiting at my door.