Page 88 of Ranger's Rise

“Boss.” They make me smile.

“Brothers. I can’t bend or look down, Anton.”

He takes my hand and puts a phone in it. “New phone. I synced for you.”

I lift it so I can see.“Thanks, Little Brother. I was wondering about that and the suit.”

“Pres ordered new, gun, too. We got your back. I work. Later, Boss.”

I clamp my mouth shut. Fuck. He’s cute. “He’s slow, but he’s talking more,” McCabe says.

“Yeah, thelateris new.”

“We have a problem with a couple of Brothers. Do you have time?”

I’m glad they’re not covering everything for me. “I do.” I move and realize my thumb is covered. With my other hand I hit the keypad button and code us in.

“You’re good with both hands.”

“Ambidextrous.”

When I turn to sit, a Prospect is at the door. “Sorry, Boss. I need to switch your bag.”

“Come in. Thanks.”

He’s gone quick and didn’t make me say anything else. “So...”

I hold the smile when McCabe lays out the problems. Brothers not liking each other is a normal Club annoyance. I like the normal in what has been an odd day.

When he leaves, I get through Security and the Flight Training schedule. Nothing has changed and I’m relieved. Standing is getting harder in the pants. I feel like my leg is burning more now than this morning. Freedom texts me for lunch and the Prospect meets me in the cafeteria and hooks up a new bag then is gone before I can thank him. I give a tight smile to the Brothers that thank me.

Freedom watches, but doesn’t say anything until we sit. “I hope your whole day hasn’t been trying to figure out what to say.”

I smile. “Some, but not all. I had a meet and got to work for a while. My first bathroom trip was enlightening and weird. I stood back and confirmed my aim is still good.”

She laughs. “So you saw that you’re covered.”

“Yeah. I hope my hair grows back fast or I need to cut it. It doesn’t look as bad as I imagined.”

The Prospect comes for the order and Freedom tells him, “He can’t turn or look up.”

He moves to the side of Freedom so I can see him. “Sorry, Boss. I’ll let the Prospects know. What can I get for you today?” That easy. If I could swing my head I would. Everything is just that easy.

We talk and I answer the Officers that come in but don’t turn to see them. “Tonight is my late night. Do you need anything?”

“I need to change for the pool. The fabric moving against my skin is starting to burn.”

She nods. “Patcher has some cream for it. I’ll get you shorts and a T and meet you in the medic room.”

“I can get a Prospect. You have a class.”

“I was getting them from here. The basketball shorts will be better than cargos and the T is Phoenix so you’ll still be in Club clothes.” She’s right.

“Thanks. You won’t be late?”

She kisses my lips. “If you don’t stop talking I will. I’ll meet you at the medic room.”

I shut my mouth and let her go. Patcher is at the door again. “Glad I’m here, Ranger. I just finished with a Brother.”