by L. Ann Marie
He walks to the side and back. “You will see women riding with us. They are HS leads. There is no gender bias in our Club. Don’t fuck with them. A woman with a ‘Property of’ patch is off limits. If you talk to her it better be in public. If you touch her you will be dealt with and anything goes with the Brothers. Property of means she belongs to someone and it isn’t you. I bring this up because it was already an issue. Tell your Brothers and make sure it’s no longer an issue.” He looks at the officers.
“You are all trained and can make it into Security. We will be training you for the next two weeks on the paperwork, hologram boards, shooting, defense, and sniper. Anyone that qualifies or comes close to HS and wants additional training can get that.” Some officers murmur and like the idea.
“If you ride, or want to ride, the maximum bike patrol is lifted to twelve. You can let Driscoll know and he will issue bikes accordingly. Which means you have to actually know how to ride. Yes you will be tested. Before we go see the new PD bikes I have two last things. If you try to pull over an Officer for speeding you will be shot. Do I need to repeat that?” The men shake their heads no.
“Last before the bikes. Your Chief was skimming from payroll. Your pays are being adjusted and you will get what we stole back from him. From today on your pay will run through us and we will keep it straight.”
One of the problem guys stands up. “How do we know you’re not stealing from us?”
Prez smiles. “We pay straight time. You will see your hourly rate and your hours. If you don’t show for work we don’t pay. It’s that fuckin’ simple. Now what is your name?”
“Hanson.”
“Hanson you no longer work for the PD. Turn in your gun and badge and get the fuck out.”
Hanson is going to get shot. “You can’t fire me. We have a Union.” Jessie shoots his foot and I didn’t even see him pull his gun. I go and pull Hanson’s gun and throw it to Jessie. I unstrap his ankle holster and take that too. He’s whining on the floor so it’s fairly easy.
“Hanson. Your town no longer has a drug problem. You did nothing to help with that cause. Your town no longer has a gang. You did nothing to help with that one either. You had a PD head that was skimming from his own people and taking payoffs all over the fuckin’ place and you didn’t know. Since we didn’t get paid to do your job while you did nothing, I think you should acknowledge that we are the good guys. We treat people like we want to be treated. We protect our women and kids and we right the wrongs being dealt by assholes like yourself. Dakota can you tell me Hanson’s crimes.”
I step forward. “He beats his wife and his partner covers for him. He drinks on the job, takes advantage of prostitutes, and shot a man covering it as self-defense.”
Prez is pissed. “You have the nerve to question my integrity? I’ve shown you nothing, but honor and Brotherhood. Get a Prospect to drag his ass out of town.” I move and he tells me to stay. Jessie goes out the door. “Does anyone else have a question about my motives or integrity?” He looks at the men then me.
“Alvarez. He does not think he should have to take orders from a wetback, wrong race, but beside the point. He is Hanson’s partner and covered the shooting and a prostitute’s death. He choked her. He likes his women young, like ten, and pays for that in online auctions. We would have killed him if we were running trafficking.”
Prez is shocked. “Driscoll cuff him and send him up to VP.” He looks at the men and I feel that he is shaken. The men are looking back at him all thinking the same thing. They had this guy working beside them. “If you have anything in your closet we will know. You might as well leave now. For those that are staying we have the bikes out front. Go check them out and Driscoll will have your training schedules when you come back in.” Jessie is pushing through the doorway and everyone moves aside for him then leaves quickly.
He stops and looks at Prez then me. He does not say a word.
Prez looks at me. “Why didn’t I get that?” he growls out.
I am surprised and do not know what to say. ‘I do not know; he was not blocking.’
“No! You talk! Are you blocking for them?”
“No Pres. I do not block for anyone.” What the hell?
“That’s bullshit! You blocked the video feeds in the plant! There wasn’t anything wrong with them.”
Fuck. “I did. I was giving Jessie a minute to calm Jess down without the audience. I did not block him or her just the view.”
“And his mic. This, right here, are you blocking here?”
“I did not know I blocked his mic until you were pissed. I was ashamed to say it. I was just blocking the video. I am not shielding anything from you or them, you can see that.” I feel him and he relaxes.
His hands go through his hair and Jessie clenches his jaw. “The fuckin’ guy was sitting here and I had no fuckin’ clue. Why didn’t you throw it to me?” He is not pissed, but he is not happy.
“I was, but you told me to stay and you were pissed. I thought you knew and that is why you were pissed.”
“Jeremy loses shit when he is upset or cries, can it be the same thing?” Jessie asks. I breathe a little easier.
Prez looks at me. “When did you get it?
“When I was telling about Hanson. He jumped to Alvarez and I saw then.”
“I didn’t get it. I was pissed, but I should have gotten that.” He is concerned and I do not know how to help or even if he wants me to right now.
“I want your help. I shouldn’t have jumped to you blocking, you haven’t given me a reason for the distrust Brother, I meant no disrespect.”
“I did not realize blocking the video was going to block the mic or you talking to Jessie. I know better than to try shit like that, but thought I could give him a minute. It was a stupid mistake and I will not do it again.” He waves it away and looks at Jessie.
“You have the training set for this?” He is upset with himself. Jessie nods, but he is worried.
“Can we find an office and jump, maybe being away from all the kids or all the extra you are doing is wearing you down?”
He looks hopeful. “Yeah, Jessie get someone to stay at the door.”
“I’ll do it myself. Go Brothers. Get your go-go juice before I start whipping tampons like Tiny.” He walks out the door and we bust out laughing.
I sit up on the table and he sits with his knees touching mine. I watch his eyes and close mine on an out breath then jump. We soar over the reservation to my tree. The ancestors are happy and we see the sun hit just perfect for a rainbow. I laugh. ‘It must be you my new Brother. The ancestors are painting you beautiful pictures as a welcome.’ He laughs. The wind swirls around us and I feel the ties we have. ‘We are bound Brother.’
‘Is this good Dakota?’
‘Yes, there is always strength in numbers and I am able to show my abilities to those I am bound to. It is an honor to be bound, we are able to share abilities and guide each other in the ways of the ancestors.’
‘Are you bound to anyone else?’
‘Jeremy and Christian are also bound to me. The ancestors guard our abilities and will share what we are to become when it is time.’
‘Do you have my abilities and I yours?’
‘Yes my warrior Brother. We will share what is ours, with guidance from the ancestors and each other. They have given us a gift and we show acceptance and appreciation when we use it for the purpose it is intended.’
‘For good? When we use it for good?’
I laugh and soar away. ‘Always for good. The ancestors are happy with their warrior Prince. Show them your appreciation my warrior Brother.’
He soars by me. ‘How do I do that?’
‘With what is in your heart, Brother, show them your love for all that is good.’
The sun shines brighter and I laugh, when the rainbow darkens, he laughs soaring under.
‘It is time Brother. We take our gifts from the ancestors with us and do what needs to be done.’
&nb
sp; I open my eyes and he has tears on his face. I look away. “I didn’t know how to share what is in my heart Brother. Thank you. I felt the acceptance of the ancestors all through me.”
“Yes. That is the joy they have giving us our strength. This is how it should be for us. Gaining strength from each other and giving to each other. That is the gift of binding us.”
He is searching from me. “It is easier to read you.”
“Maybe the ancestors took the doubt so we can become who we are to be, free of what would tear us apart. They bound us at a time when it was needed. It happened with Christian the same way.”
He watches me looking more relaxed. “Will I have your abilities?”
“Some, some you will get as the ancestors see you are ready. We can test them, but should do that with the Shaman or other warriors blessed with the gift of healing.”
‘Jeremy or Aubrey?’ he asks in his head.
I laugh. “I was thinking of Josiah and Chevy, they are here and older with an understanding of what is needed.”
‘I don’t know them as you do Dakota.’
‘I trust them with my life my warrior Brother, you can as well.’
He nods and turns, then freezes. “Fuckin’ freaky higher plain Brothers,” Jessie says and I smile touching Prez’s arm.
He looks down. “I feel that.”
“I do too, but not coursing through me. It is like this with Jeremy and Aponi.”
“Does this mean you drank enough of the Kool-Aid that you’re good for a while?” Jessie asks making me laugh. I nod at him. He smiles. “Good we got shit to do and this pow wow ain’t getting it done.” I love this guy.
Prez says him too. I walk out shaking my head feeling good that doubt is gone and we can help each other when it is needed.
I make the call for the rogue officers and the Chief has a friend with three others. I give him the names and numbers of the officers and take what he has.
The Desk Sergeant calls the officers in for a meet and Driscoll likes all, but one. Prez reads him and throws him out of the meeting within five minutes. He is using our shared abilities and I thank the ancestors for binding us.
Jessie isn’t happy with the initial results of the men; he says they are like Casper’s losers. Strapper steps up and asks to help train them. Prez allows it if he agrees not to shoot them making Driscoll laugh hysterically. He made no such agreement.
Joey and Sebastian show to collect payroll information and Prez fires the payroll and accounts payable clerks.
With all the people needing jobs and businesses needing workers I think a temp to hire agency would work well here.
“Make it happen. We have a store front empty at the end of the next block. It will be a good central location and free our HR from finding everyone jobs or hiring for every fuckin’ business in town,” Prez answers before I ask and I laugh pulling my phone. Jessica comes in as I am talking to Shilah and wants to help. I just hand her my phone and she is off. I really like her and I am happy for Jessie, but I need to watch myself around her. It is odd that I do not read her well, but she has the ability to draw me to her and Jessie is a close friend and Brother. One that will shoot me if I step wrong. I smile at the words thinking I will not ever step right again.
I check with Driscoll before I go and tell him to call if he needs me. Jessie is taking Jess for a ride so I ride back to the compound with Prez. He throws respect as he pulls in his drive and I smile. I feel the same.
Chapter Eleven
Jessie
There is no fuckin’ way she’s getting out of this bed smelling sweet and ready. I turn her and slide down her body. “My baby angel smells good already.” My mouth finds her tasting as good as she smells. I don’t stop until I get every bit of her in my mouth, on my fingers and face, I don’t give a fuck where she ends up as long as it’s on me somewhere. I wipe my face on her stomach as I make my way back up her. She holds my face in her hands and kisses me so sweet. I pull away and flip her over. I’m on my knees, I pull her up and onto me. I need a ring above the bed so I can hold her in my favorite position. That’s not now though. I slam in and angle the top of her out. “My baby angel is going to sing for me.”
“Yes, harder Jessie.”
I moan. “I fuckin’ love harder Jessica. Balls deep as hard as you can take it baby angel.” I pound into her until my arms are shaking. She loves me talking to her so I do the whole time I’m hitting and grinding her down, she comes making my strokes slide easier. “Fuck baby angel I’m losing it. Come with me babe.” My hand moves from her waist to her pussy and she’s off within a minute. I slide my fingers to where we are joined, putting pressure with my palm on her clit, my fingers tap my balls while I’m hitting up and I’m gone with her. “Holy fuck babe!”
“Yes, it felt like it was holy, or heaven, maybe just Jessie.” She giggles, I love that sound. “Love you Jessie.”
Mmm, I make my way up her neck kissing her until I get to the ear. I bite her lobe and pull down. “Love you baby angel.”
She turns kissing me and I fall back with her on top. “Not sure the condom is good for twice babe.” She pulls it off me and cleans me with my shirt. Her mouth is on me and I’m not changing her mind. Fuck I can’t.
***
Dropping Jess at the temp place I watch Todd walk to the door, look in and nod to Josiah. He walks toward the back. Love the fuckin’ Brotherhood.
I fly getting myself to work. I have training in an hour, but I have to deal with Gene first. He’s not in Ops so I try his office. I call up tracking and find him in with Prez. Perfect.
I knock and walk in. Prez smiles. Uh oh, what’s this? I sit and Gene watches me. I watch Prez. “I was talking to Gene about the Ops at the plant. He didn’t know that you run Ops no matter where you are. I’m telling you so you don’t show at his house to teach him a lesson. He saw the pussy on the roof and has no problem with you running your Ops.”
I laugh. “I wouldn’t paint your house or put your truck on the roof.” I get serious. “Does Dakota run his own Ops?”
“Yes. He doesn’t listen to me either.” I laugh again, but I’m not feeling it.
“We’re young, but trained well. I have no problem asking for help or backup if I need it, but I’m not trained for HS. I’m trained to extinguish threats against us using any and all options open to me.”
He smiles. “You’re a trained assassin.”
“See that has such a negative connotation to it. I prefer my way.”
“You’re smart too. I know your training. I entered it...” I wave my hand at him.
“No one knows my training. What’s listed is a bit fuzzy on details. VP doesn’t believe in advertising and refused to list my skill levels, jobs and kills. I’m okay with all of that. What I’m not good at is having to tell someone while I’m on a job that I am on the job. You had video showing one shooter. There isn’t any reason backup should have been called based on the five Brothers in the building, two of them HS and one pussy with a fuckin’ rifle. Even if he had a hostage we didn’t need more than two HS there. We figure one HS for three armed pussies. It’s always worked for us. When you had Dakota in the building you didn’t need any other Brothers. Adding me, with the training that does show, should have prevented you from calling more people to the building.”
He’s not saying anything. “The MC worked because we didn’t misuse man hours. We used a formula that worked and everyone understood. Every Brother knows every job and how long it should take to finish that job. We figure three armed to one HS when many times the partner stood around because it’s just not needed. We don’t ask if they want a lawyer, we shoot them. It doesn’t take more than two trained in HS to shoot one man. This isn’t a pissing contest. If you sent five from Security and one HS to that job you’ll send them to the next. We pay by the hour, that’s a shit ton of money that we have to make at the end of the month because we were being overly cautious. Dakota didn’t run a business as big and profitable as Lightfoo
t by wasting money on labor. Why would you change your standard operating procedures now?”
He looks pissed, but covers it quickly. “I don’t know you or your people. I’ve heard, but I never worked Ops with you. I didn’t think of you in that building I thought of Dakota with biker backup.” I look at Little Ben. Something’s up with the attitude and he knows just what Dakota is capable of.
“From now on you use the formula we wrote. You’ll find it in the three ring binder that is on every leads desk. That book also has our operating procedures, get acquainted with it. This is no longer Lightfoot. I get that you’re pissed Dakota gave up the company, but he did it for a purpose. Whether he shares that reason with you, or not, you still make the same money.” Prez says looking at the door.
“Why are you so pissed?” Dakota says from the doorway.
He walks in with a tray of coffees. I love this guy. Before he goes by me I take mine. He lets Gene take his then gives Prez his.
“Again, why are you so pissed?”
Gene looks at me then back at Dakota. “You gave them the company. We worked building it up and you gave it away.”
Dakota watches him and takes a sip of his coffee. “We worked for the last two years. Before that it was me that did the work. I did not realize with three years you deserved a say in what I do with my company. The company I started when I was fifteen years old.”
“We built it bigger in the last three years.”
“Yes. It has increased in profits every year since day one. I paid you very well for those three years thinking the bonuses were enough appreciation for the already inflated pay rate that I was giving you. I see now that you expected a piece of the company. With the Princes you would have made more. The Officer payouts are double what you got in bonuses from me. They are able to afford that by working smart and making sure everyone feels appreciated. Apparently that is not something I excel at, but I am learning. Today I learned that a man I admired and called a good friend was using me for money. That is a tough lesson to learn. It saddens me that you hid who you are, and you did it for money that I would have gladly given had you asked.”
