He gives it back and looks like he's deciding something. “With the kids moved up on our priority list and shit brewing at the PD Security we will need some help. We're trying to clear you to do the kids but Driscoll will need time too.” The PD?
“Something has changed with Strapper. I had a concern, but my dad mentioned him. We're keeping a close watch. His behavior just doesn't fit the Brother we know. He won't be able to step back to Driscoll's number two. We have a brother training and Driscoll is two months out on finishing his classes. With the lead detective going rogue without Prince input, Strapper's behavior and Driscoll needing time to get the degree, we need someone picking up that slack and watching the detectives. You have the degree, a Brother's loyalty and Transport off your plate. If you could get covered two days a week that puts you at PD and takes some daily set up time off your plate from the Transport. With training and stepping to PD a couple of days your cut stays close to the same. If you find this works for you, we'll keep you at PD, but you have to know I want you back on HS or Family.” He smiles.
“I can't say I'd jump at Family right now. I have no problem on an HS Team when you need me. Stepping to PD now with bodies being found works for me. I'd like the shot there.”
He laughs. “You're a better fuckin’ detective than anyone Driscoll has. He asked for you specifically.”
I look at him wondering if he sees the problem in that. He nods. “Strapper is already being watched. You stepping into his job and with his perceived claim on Sheila, may bring him out. I'm counting on it, with all of us knowing it is a probability. I told Driscoll he isn't to name you as his two publicly. He'll put you with the detectives on a task force for the bodies. It gets you in the door. Jessie usually handles that spot, so putting you there wouldn't be unusual. Jessie will be stepping up Family so it will all fit. This won't go unnoticed by Strapper, but it won't be a blatant slap in the face either.”
It's a good way to do it. So my challenge will be the detective. I can ask Driscoll about him. Prez has enough on his plate. I think about the garage. “I can free three days from the garage. Is Nomads staying with me?”
“Yes, if you think you can keep up with what we're throwing at you.”
I smile. I like the garage and work, but only opened it to get in the door here. Nomads was a bonus. I was looking for PD, but took Nomad.
He leans forward. “You wanted PD from the beginning?”
I smile; he always knows. “I can't say jumping from Family to Nomad was my favorite job, but it worked for what I needed at the time. I would have gone to PD, but needed to get out of the yard. I knew where I was heading with Sheila and no good would have come out of it at that time, so I took Transport as a Nomad. PD would have been my preference.”
He watches me. “Do you want more in PD right up front? I asked for two and you're giving me three days.”
“I'll take the three. With training babies, the garage, Nomads and a new family, I'll need to ease in like you did here with Transport.”
He laughs when I say training babies. “They aren't like babies Brother. Dakota has a call into Mitch about Stella. He sat with her at the daycare last week. He's in awe. Get with Driscoll about the three days. He'll take anything you can give him. Let me know when you need more or you have too much. We can switch Nomad to Princes Security and work you in more at PD.”
I nod.
“I was concerned about your lost cut on Transport but the extra day will even you out.”
I shake my head no. “I do fine in the garage and with the Officer's cut. I'm not worried.”
His eyebrows draw down. “Don't you split that with Jared?”
“No. I buy parts from him like everyone else. He would donate it anyway. He put a shitload up for Alex's Goodwill fund when he found out about it.”
“Goodwill fund?”
Oh shit. “It covers the dog food and vet bills for the Vets. I set it up for Alex when the dogs started showing for them. It was part of the Transport cut. Alex told Jared and he set it up as a trust adding a fuckin’ hundred grand. Kaleb matched him.”
He sits back surprised. “When?”
“I sent mine through Trapper a month ago. Jared was last week.”
He nods looking relieved. “Princes matched yours, but Alex didn't tell me about the Baxters trust. He was distracted when he came for bath time. Uncle Danny was waiting for him.” He smiles. Alex is cute with his helping out.
“I don't think he understands. He was buying food himself at first. That's why I took it before vet bills started becoming an issue.”
“Fuckin’ Alex and his heart of gold.”
I nod. “When do I start with the PD?”
He smiles, I bet knowing I'm excited. “Tomorrow if you can get covered that quick. We have two bodies, both homeless.”
“Is there anything else I need from VP, Dakota or Princes?”
He smiles. “A bike and truck. Do what you need. The bill goes to Joey.”
I nod. “I'll just kit out the truck. Does my HS bike stay with HS?”
“I'll have them release it to you. You'll need a spare for HS but you can pimp out the one you're comfortable on for PD.”
I give him a minute and he stands. “I have nothing else. If I get anything else, I'll let you know. Keep me up with where you're at or if you need Nomad switched. Jessie will get with you about the training and what you want that schedule to look like. The kids are like we were, anytime is good.”
He man hugs me. “I'm glad you followed us Jax. Sheila is happier than I've ever seen her. The Princes and Brotherhood are honored to have you Brother.”
I'm floored and swallow hard. “Thanks Prez.” He smiles like he knows.
I walk out thinking about all he said. Darren will take Transport. I had no problem running it because we needed it, especially the first year. Now I'm a little relieved to walk away from Transport. We're good and haven't had anyone picked up in a couple of years, but being head of Transport, I would have stepped in front of my crew. With an old lady and kids, I don't want jail as even a remote possibility.
Since my day is covered, I head to PD and meet with Driscoll then the Activity Center for a schedule on free time, then Jessie about naps and best times for the kids, then Jared about garage help. Finally, I meet Tim about picking up another day and how he's doing at home.
He needs a place to live. He got in a fight with another boyfriend hitting his mom. Fuck. It clicks. I head Nomad, but don't ride like I did. Without leaving for Transport and having a house I have his solution, even if it's temporary. “I have the RV. Princes has the lot on the side of us. Let me find out if we can set it up there for you. It’s solar and has propane for cooking.”
He’s surprised. “Fuckin’ seriously?”
I tell him I'll come get him after I make the calls. Darren helps get it cleared and I call him in. They'll clear a spot tomorrow and Vinny will get it set up. Darren will look at something a little more permanent and let me know. For a quick fix, this will work for now. If he wasn’t so young we could get him in an apartment or with the Prospects.
Tim is relieved. We get the RV set at Trapper's for tonight.
***
Sheila
I drop the kids and switch out to my bike. Eliza is waiting at the gate. We go right to Jess's lab.
“I'm glad you came!” She's got the biggest smile on. She's beautiful when she smiles, just like her mom.
“This place is incredible,” Eliza says walking around looking at all the doohickeys Jess is working on.
Her smile gets bigger. “I love it here. It's different than the Lab in Mass, but this one is all mine.” She giggles making me laugh.
After looking at some of her gadgets and an arm that looks real she asks why we're here. I'm glad she isn't a reader. This stuff is cool but, seriously? It's way over my head and boring as hell.
“Uncle Steve brought us Stella's dog. They named him Dexter because he's smart.” I get the 'that's sweet' and continue.
“He said Stella is smart like your mom. What should I be doing for that?”
She giggles again. I'd tell her she's cute, but it might piss her off so I smile. “Let her tell you. She's interested in a lot of things according to Dakota. Keep her in books, shows she likes, anything that interests her and when you see her focusing on something give her more of that.” I nod. I can do that. “My mom is coming down to see her this week. She could probably tell you more.”
“Thanks. I'll see what she says. Right now everything is new so she hasn't shown one thing that's an interest. I can tell you she has no interest in dolls; they're just jumps for the bikes.”
She smiles, nodding. “I didn't play with dolls either. My iPad was my best friend.”
I think I need to call Brantley. I nod and give her a hug. She gives me a funny look. “What?”
She looks at a smiling Eliza. “You're initiating contact.” What? “Jax and the kids are good for you. That's all.”
I smile and pull Eliza out waving with a big smile of my own. He is and they are.
At Security we get to our classes. I have more officers mixed in this class. I'm not impressed. After going through more procedures we head to pop-ups. I'm really not impressed. I set them to watch the board and set the big board to follow me through. I run it telling them what I'm doing at each room. When I get back two have shit eating grins.
I give them a look. “Comments?”
The short guy smiles bigger. “We were told you were good at this. You're not much higher than us.” Fuckin’ dickwads. I don't say a word, but reset the computer to run at a faster speed and run through.
When I get back I find the dickwad's eyes. “HS runs at a faster speed. My ride and shoot is dead center at one-thirty-five. I'm third on the leaderboard all around. If you question my ability one more time I'm shooting your fuckin’ ass. You have no fuckin’ clue what HS is trained for, yet you have an opinion. I'll let you in on a little secret that may save you from getting shot here. All of HS has been training since we were kids. You have no shot at coming even a little close to that ability. We will train you to get the best that you have to give. While we do, keep your fuckin’ mouth shut and learn what we're willing to teach. If that's too hard for you, get the fuck out.” He doesn't say a word. “Now I'll set the computer back and you can go first. It will be interesting to see what you heard when I was explaining it the first time.”
He gives me a look then gets to the door. Asshole. I set the computer and the green light goes on. Dickwad runs through slower than his first time, but he hit everything right. He comes through the door and looks at his time then down. Shit. “Believe it or not that was better than the first. You didn't hit a single bystander and your aim was better. The point of pop-ups is taking out the threat as quickly as possible. Making that assessment in the shortest time possible. You get the aim squared and the time will work itself out.”
He looks at me and nods. Thank fuck. They all run through slow, but the aim is decent. I give advice as they come out and they follow it on the second round. Our time is up and they're not happy. I smile. They're willing to learn and dickwad is back in line. “I have Ops after lunch or I'd let you run through again. What's after your lunch?”
“Computer,” a guy in the back says.
“Jason is good. Don't give him shit or he'll shoot you. If you want more time here I'll ask him to bring you back down if it's open.” I get more than half nodding. “Go to lunch, I'll find Jason.”
Dickwad hangs back as I'm talking to Jason. He'll give them an hour. I swipe my phone and look at him. “I wanted to apologize. We hear shit and see some things, but are pretty much kept away from the elites. I shouldn't have given you shit for what I didn't know.”
I nod. “Don't give anyone here shit. There are two women on HS Ops Teams. Proving ourselves gets old. PMS days I'd have just shot you.” His eyes go big and I clench my jaw then follow him out smiling behind his back.
I meet Eliza for lunch making it into Ops a few minutes early. Brantley is here talking to Josiah.
When he's done I step up to the console. “Brant, I need to get the kids iPads with kid shit on it.”
He looks at me smiling. “Stella's a little young isn't she?”
Josiah tells him she's not. My eyes snap to his and he smiles. Okay then. I look back at Brantley. “Jess said it was her best friend. Uncle Steve says she's like Mitch. I want something to help her sign and maybe educational games or shows with different levels. Mitch will be down this week. I'll find out more when I talk to her, but for now can you get me set up with that?”
He nods smiling. His eyes are shining. “That's going to be interesting to watch. What about Brandon?”
“He's like Colt and Mase.”
He looks shocked, making me smile. “Okay. I'll bring them by tonight.”
“Just sign for me, I'll let Joey know.”
“Not a fuckin’ chance. I got it. I can't wait to give it to them.”
I laugh, hugging him. He's a good Brother to have. I miss the look and smile he gives Eliza.
Darren comes in with Taylor. “We're clearing the wooded areas again. Abel is on Air.” I nod. “Three Teams – Taylor's One, Jessie Two, Sheila Three. Every Team is Two Security and One HS trainee. Sheila you have Aaron.” I'm surprised, but nod. “Bull has fire already waiting and a bus waiting for transport. We're hoping word spread and we don't have many to transport. Your Teams are waiting. Brantley will give them the Op and leads.”
We go to the locker room. I split with Taylor and meet them when I'm changed. Outside the men's locker is a meeting room with boards showing Brantley in the middle and the marked grids on each side of him. I look for my Team on the grids. Once I memorize where we'll be, I look at the roster. I've worked with one Brother before. S48 is new to me.
Jessie pulls me back. “We need to assess the new guys. Aaron is young, but HS qualified. He wants in.” He watches for a reaction. I'm blank and stay that way. “VP says he's ready.” I nod.
If there was a lead to HS leads Jessie would be it. Taylor second and I'm third. We just know the order; it's never been said or listed anywhere, but that's the way it is. Since they're inner circle I listen to everything they say, advise and don't say. He's not thrilled with Aaron being out, but he won't shoot it down because Uncle Steve said he's ready and Jessie listens to Uncle Steve just like I listen to them. He won't put him on his team because he's not thrilled and knows he may be too critical. I'm a hard ass, but I'm fair. Taylor is a great trainer, but doesn't assess the kids. He was away for too long and tends to be easy on them. All this is understood with the little he actually said.
Brantley goes over the roster and I'm surprised Eliza is on with me. I'm glad and hope I get a reason to smile today. We all get to our bikes. They split them to teams and I throw chin at mine. “This is like every other Op; follow your lead, don't talk shit and keep your Brothers' backs. Aaron you’re at my side then we'll switch with 48.” I look at S21. “We're assessing for HS, stay alert and keep our backs clear, you're on back door.” He smiles. I guess he likes that position. If he thought about it, he would get that I know he's good and will keep anything from coming up behind us. We get in our formation and pull behind the other Teams.
Josiah: “HS Team Three, Kicker is your Ops lead. This is Josiah on control. Your lead is She Dog. I need check-in.”
I run first then S21, Aaron and S48.
Eliza: “Team Three, roll on my one.” We watch Team One pull out to the right. Team Two follows. “Three, two, one.” I pull out to the left and run 85 until we're away from town. Hitting a hundred I'm glad everyone kept formation and has no problem keeping up. When we run HS Ops it's important that the townspeople see the team all together. Staying tight means less problems with people pulling out or trying to turn in between us. It also serves as an unspoken signal for them to keep alert. We don't run such tight formation on Security bikes unless something is going on.
Eliza: “She Dog, second ri
ght. Fire is waiting to follow you in.”
Me: “Roger Kicker.” I slow noting tight formation and turn. We ride by a tanker and fire truck.
Eliza: “Team Three, slow it down you have an overgrown drive on the right. The house is a half mile in. There has been activity and at least three known. Owners say it's empty.”
Me: “Roger Kicker.” I turn on the path, this isn't a fuckin’ drive. “Alert S21, take the back with S48. Shooter you're with me.” I get roger’d and slow as we get past the first cropping of trees. I notice the path around the house. “Stand ready Team Three. Something's off here HS Ops.”
Just as it’s out of my mouth shots are fired from the first and fourth window. I hit the first and Aaron hits the second.
Eliza: “Halo is two out, She Dog. Activity in the back looks like two behind a truck.”
Me: “Stay in formation going right around the house.” I'm the only HS here and I'm not too sure about S21 being responsible for S48. Going around S21 hits a window and a pussy falls out. I guess he's okay to run S48. Aaron fires on my right hitting a pussy taking aim as we clear the box truck in the back. “21 and 48 keep going. Clear from the front. We're setting to go in, Kicker. That's five by my count.” I shoot the second pussy.
Eliza: “Roger She Dog. Halo is one out. You're being switched to VP with Eagle Eye on Air Ops.” I roger her and hear the clicks.
Enforcer: Book Four (Princes of Prophecy) Page 15
