Leader: Book Three (Princes of Prophecy 3) (23 page)

“How is the new chopper, Dakota?”

He smiles. “It is good Prez. I am glad you went with the same model. They handle very well and everything is where it should be.”

“Are you happy with the new pilots?”

He hands me his report. “I am. They are both positive where the Princes are concerned and fight with a vengeance. They have already moved to their new houses and Abel has his kids in school. They are not far from the compound and love the Brothers patrolling the streets.”

I nod, this is good news. “Who came off Baxters International?”

“That would be Abel. He did not last because of the time away from home. He went out on four missions in a row and was gone for almost three months. He said it felt like being back in the military with better pay but no down time.”

“He’ll like being home every night. This is good. They have no problem with you being their lead?” He laughs again. I’m glad he’s happy now.

“Not at all. I believe Cloud talked to them and showed them video of our Ops. They both take readers in stride, leading me to believe it is not their first experience with it.”

“Are you ready to run the Air Program?”

“I am and have written our first schedule included with the weekly paperwork. It is the last page in the folder. The ancestors are pleased with our direction and I feel confident stepping into the lead.”

I laugh. “You’ve been running your own and Jared’s Ops right along, Dakota. This just makes it official.”

He looks at me and I know he’s going over the Ops. “You are right my great leader. I am happy to make the official step forward taking Air Ops lead and working to protect what should be.”

I slap his back smiling and follow him to the meeting room. Everyone is here. I look around the table and think about how far we have come. The men and women here have worked hard for our cause and vision of a better life.

“I am struck by how much we’ve been through and how it feels right now. Maintaining our way of life was always the hard part. With more good than bad happening and the tools and Brothers to keep that good flowing it feels fuckin’ good to say there is no ‘old’ to report and decide on. This brings us to our status.”

I look at Joey and she gives her report with the smile that never dies. Brantley gives his report with the same smile. Taylor is busy, happy, and training is going well. Dakota tells them of his new pilots and choppers then the state of the new towns. Everyone is surprised they’re already feeling the impact of our Security running the PDs. Driscoll is happy with his new officers and thanks Taylor and Jessie for setting him up. Sheila gives a report on the Center making me smile. She never says anything. I love to see the good being felt by all of them. Jessie tells of our membership climbing again and Prospects on a three page waiting list.

Darren looks at me. He has nothing but guns, parts, and new on his plate.

“Our new. My old lady shocked us all with her homeless program. I have agreed to sponsor the homeless Vets. This means we visit, mentor, listen and guide them when it is needed. They are men and women that need a hand, but should be treated with respect. They want to earn their own money for their programs and needs. We make that path easier for them.” Everyone nods.

“The homeless neighborhoods are doing well following the policy and procedure books. The nonprofits sponsor them, but the Princes will be monitoring. We have surveillance up and running in all the neighborhoods and Vet houses. Bull has the feeds already manned on every shift so a problem can be corrected immediately.” They throw chin to Bull.

“With the new towns came more open jobs. The dealers and extended family have left the area and opened opportunities for the women in the towns to find jobs. If you come across a job, see Shilah. He has many in need. Newly trained women and men will soon be looking for them.”

“I love when old Prez comes out,” Jessie says making everyone laugh.

“With two new choppers and pilots, Dakota is officially stepping in to the Air Ops lead position.” Everyone congratulates him. Thank fuck they don’t touch him. He smiles at me.

“Also with two new choppers and pilots, it’s time to take our next town.” I look around the table. Everyone is positive today. “Dakota, talk to our Mayor and make sure my schedule and Driscoll’s is clear for the meeting. Bull, get the numbers ready and Joey be ready for the call. They have a chopper we will be auctioning.” She gets all excited. “We have the Brothers, the tools, and the motivation to bring good further. I want to jump on it while it’s good.”

“Does anyone have anything for me before we let the Brothers in?”

“I just want to say I’m proud of what we’re doing here. This is more than I thought it would ever be. I’m working to get the bikes out as fast as I can and find myself smiling all fuckin’ day. It’s good to be a Prince,” Jared says smiling.

Jessie throws in. “Because Prophecy is not just a name.”

We all laugh. I nod at Lee and he goes to let the Brothers in. It’s a happy and fast meeting. We decide to ride after our beer with the Brothers.

I laugh when Jessie wants to stop at the Vets’ house in town. We end up stopping at the next town too. Some Brothers split going to visit all of them and I’m fuckin’ proud. We head to the Compound to see our kids and old ladies.

Pulling on our road, I groan. My father is here with a pack of dogs sitting in front of him. Pres is smiling at his side. Jessie smiles at me and I decide to fuck with them.

‘Come,’ I say in Mohegan. They rush over to us. ‘Sit.’ They sit and Jessie laughs.

My father is calling them, but I tell them to sit in my head and they do. “Let ‘em go!” My father is pissed.

I let them go laughing. “I like the Mohegan commands.”

Pres cracks up getting a look from my father. “This you havin’ my back don’t work for me.”

Oh fuck. Pres slaps his back. “Relax Brother, it was funny. He’s got them listening and he isn’t off his bike yet. You were worried for nothing. He even leads the animals.” Jessie and Darren laugh. Dakota looks at me and shrugs.

Lily opens the door. “I can’t control them anymore. They know the dogs are here and now daddy’s home. Please let me take them out. I’m begging you.”

We all laugh and I go in to get my boys. They’re talking away kicking their feet and trying to run when they can’t even walk. My dad takes Phoenix and sits on the step. He juts his chin indicating for me to sit beside him. He tells the dogs to come meet friends and Jessie laughs. They all smell and touch the boys with their heads or noses. They do the same for me, Jessie, Dakota and Darren.

“Protect all.” The dogs look around and sit watching the road or yards. I crack up. He goes through all the commands he’s taught them then tells them bike. No fuckin’ way. They gently jump on the bikes and sit on the seats balancing easily. He’s fuckin’ nuts. Dakota laughs and my dad smiles.

“Will go through this with old ladies and kids. Need ‘em to use same commands.” He looks at me. “Gonna listen to you no matter what. Fuckin’ show off.” I smile and step on my foot.

Phoenix and Teller want down. I put Teller on the grass and he calls the dogs over. “Play.” The dogs wag their tails and roll, jump and sniff at Teller. He laughs getting the other dogs to come play. Phoenix makes his noise and the dogs freeze. When my dad puts him down they play with both of them. Even young they’re big, but gentle with the boys. Jessie says he’s going to get Jess and the kids. Darren calls Eliza. I call the Restaurant to send dinner and we sit playing and showing the commands to the old ladies and kids. Justice keeps hugging one of the dogs and my father tells Jessie that’s his. When he sees something from the dog and people he pairs them up. There are three dogs left and I’m thinking I’m not taking three.

“No. Alex gets one.”

Thank fuck. I’m glad. Alex will take good care of it and the dog will protect him.

“Get service vests when they’re done trainin’. They go everywhere.”

Like I’d care what someone says, I nod. He laughs.

Alex comes running over and all the dogs move in front of us and sit. I’m impressed. “Meet friend.” They sniff and poke at him with their noses and he falls to his knees laughing. He’s trying to hug them all at once making us laugh. “Protect.” They move and sit by their kids or people and I laugh. Two come over to Phoenix and Teller sitting right by us. Lily thinks this is the coolest thing. I look at my dad. “Guess they knew.”

We all laugh watching Alex pet his new dog. My dad tells them to play and they do. Having a dog is kind of cool. The kids and adults love them. I’m relieved we have another layer of protection for those that will need it.

Our food comes and we sit on the deck to eat. The dogs wait below on the grass. They’re playing, but stay right in the yard.

It’s a good visit. Alex asks if he can come on Mondays to help wash the boys. I’m surprised.

“I want to help Trapper and Jax at the homeless and Vet houses. Jax said I can go to the homeless neighborhoods with him to make sure everyone is doing good. That’s being a good Brother, right? We don’t just make the houses, but help the people. Trapper is doing that with the Vets. I can help there too. He says showing them different is good helps them. I want to help more people like you Little Ben. I can still help with the boys, but on one day now. Then I can help more right?”

I’m fuckin’ shocked. No one says a word. “I think helping more is a perfect plan Alex. I like you keeping us in your plan. It will give me a chance to see how you’re doing every week and the boys the chance to learn what good Brothers do. I’m proud of you making such good decisions.” He nods like it’s all settled.

Pres gets up and hugs him. “You’re a good man Alex. I’m happy you’re teaching people how to be good Brothers.”

“That’s what you and Dad said right?”

We laugh. “It is Alex, I’m glad you listened.”

He hugs Pres then all of us, kissing the kids before he goes down the stairs. “My dog’s name is Prince ‘cause he’ll protect me and be a good Brother like my family.” I step on my foot and nod.

He calls Prince and walks away. “How the fuck did the dog know his name?” Darren asks.

My dad shrugs and we all laugh. He stands up. “Be back to train on Saturdays. Will do you together then go to Alex and Trapper. They train different.”

“Dad what happened to the last puppy?” I know CJ didn’t want it.

“Kept him for your mom.” I laugh. His head said, ‘Mine.’

He pegs me a finger walking down the stairs with Pres following.

“Alex is so fuckin’ cute. I’m glad he’s here. He’s like the Goodwill Ambassador for the Princes,” Jessie says.

Dakota looks at me. He should be, we both think and smile.

“Darren, order me an Ambassador rocker and some patches for community service and show of brotherhood. Get it on an honorary Officer’s cut.” He smiles throwing me chin.

“Jessie, talk to Pres and Uncle Danny. Find out when they can get everyone here for Alex to get an honorary Officer cut.”

I smile and look at Darren. “See what you can get for the dogs. Instead of service vests see if there’s something like a cut for them. They’re still growing so make it expandable.”

Taylor comes up the stairs and sits. “The fuckin’ dogs watched me as if I was dinner.” I throw him chin and call the dogs up telling them to meet friend. They all sniff Taylor and poke him making him laugh. “I’m glad you’re doing something for Alex. He works hard for the Brotherhood.”

That makes it all the better. The women take their dogs and the kids in and we have a beer talking about the changes and dogs.

I’m glad when Jessie and Dakota leave. Taylor and Darren don’t stay long.

I kiss my Lily telling her how proud everyone is of her and her work with the women and homeless. Her eyes are shining and I get my little smile.

The boys are falling asleep eating and we skip the full bath washing them quickly and getting them ready for bed. They didn’t seem to miss the bath playtime and lay down talking softly to each other. I set a dog bed in their room by the door and command one of the dogs to protect. We need names for them.

“Babe what do you want for dog names? They’re both male.”

She giggles. “Alpha and Omega of course.”

I think about those. “I like them. How do you get the dogs’ names so fast but not the kids?”

“I didn’t meet them first.”

I laugh taking her hand and leading her to the room. I look back and the bigger dog is following. ‘Alpha stay.’ He lays on the bed outside our door.

I turn my focus back to Lily and close our door dropping the monitor on the dresser. “I’m so fuckin’ proud of you. We went to two Vets’ houses today. The Brothers kept going when we left. It’s a great program already making a difference.”

She gives me a shy smile. “Thank you. I have emails and calls going to the Center from everywhere. Deirdre put the books out on Amazon and iBooks for free. There’s a link from our site on the contact page. It’s been slowing down some.”

I undress her as she talks. By the time I’m finished she’s breathing heavy. I put a blindfold on her and tell her to stay still. Stay seemed too much like a dog command. I smile getting what we’ll need. At the bed I drop the handles and goggles and reach for cuffs and the strap I bought last week. I’ve been waiting for this all fuckin’ week.