Page 9 of Ranger's Rise

Chapter Two

Two days

Ranger

Following Mounty to the meeting room, I don’t expect the sight before me. The table looks like rough wood that’s glazed and on fire right down the center. The lights or something in the center crack is glowing, causing it to look like that fire is moving. Cort is standing at a wall with Badass on fire right behind him. It fits with the other logos on the walls here. The Phoenix Rising logo sits above the Badass as if they’re a steppingstone that Phoenix used. Falcon told me yesterday that that’s exactly how Phoenix was formed. The sight of it hits me today. Feeling it run through me, I pull my eyes away and focus on Cort.

He’s watching me with a smile.“I’m glad you feel it too.”

He sees everything. “I do, I’m honored, Boss.”

VP smiles. “We all are.”

He’s another one that sees everything. I guess they all are, but there is something that draws me in deep here and Cort feels like the reason. The constant Badass theme feels like home. My dad and Tito, our old Pres, would be proud. When I sit, I reach to the center of the table making Mounty and Falcon laugh. I shrug. I want to know. It’s not hot or even warm. “Cool fucking table.”

The Brothers laugh. “You were brought up in the Club too?”Falcon asks.

I’m surprised, he hasn’t asked much of personal from me. “He was. There’s something that struck me the first time we met. Badass runs deep in him and he fits,” Cort says making me smile.

“I feel that too. My first thought walking in was my dad and old Pres would be proud. They died a little more than three years ago, so it means something.”

He nods and somehow, I know he understands what that feels like. “We feel that too.” Again, VP confirms everything I’m thinking.

“That’s good. I need some time off and Ranger said he’d fill in as SAA. He’s got the experience and a track record for fair.”

Everyone is watching Falcon. I’m watching Cort. “Okay. You need time off, is this open?” He looks confused.

Falcon swings his head. “No, Boss. Inner Circle, I think.”

VP stands. “Inner Circle and Ranger stay.”

Brothers move out, but Web, Banks, Amos, Hade and the twins stay seated. Cort has his eyes on Falcon. “I’m going to a monastery.”

Cort stops him. “Web and Ranger stay.” The others leave and I’m wondering why.

Cort waits for the door to close. “Before I ask Ranger to leave, is this Masons?”

“No, Boss, it’s personal but does have ties. Juanita has been asked to work there for placement.”

“No! They can’t separate them!” Web yells.

Falcon holds his hand out. “That was her concern. I was asked by Badass through the Masons toaccompanyher, making sure the kids aren’t split from the core grouping. The plan or concerns Badass sent has at least two or three letters sticking together depending on numbers.”

“You have an interest in the letters?” Cort asks looking at me.

“I do, Boss. I don’t have an outreach yet. My military team transported similar to a government facility. They were adults, but it made an impact. The shield and kids struck me and I want to do more than watch. They don’t need to be stuck in a facility. I’m willing to make the commitment and understand what the shield means. Guarding that and them won’t be a problem.”

He nods and looks at Web. “I did his background when Anton and Akai asked to work with him. I can trust what I know for work, but he’s asking for more. Do you trust him?”

Cort nods. “I do, Brother. Badass isn’t a word to him. This is his life. Like us, he was brought up learning lessons to make his family, community and world better. I think he was being groomed to Lead, based on what I’ve seen.”

I smile at that. “Teach, Enforce and Lead were the focused lessons.”

His smile says he got them too. “We can talk about continuing that when things settle here. For what you’re asking, Web, I’d trust him with my life, yours and the letters. He may run a Club in our Council someday, Web.”

Holy fuck. “I’d be honored and need to say, Badass upbringing teaches us to honor those things in our life that are good. Hurting kids, people, or a community is the reason we Enforce. I’d never hurt anyone intentionally and would give my life to Enforce those Badass beliefs.”

Web looks surprised then smiles turning to Cort. “I trust that. He’s you, but younger.”