might not run in the same crew, but that doesn’t leave us any less meaningful to each other.
“Let’s sit down. We have a lot to discuss.” Rich says, breaking the tension and we all make our way around the large oval table. There’s a spot between two chairs that has a missing chair, and I make my way to that spot, right between Easton and Lynx. Aziel sits across from Lynx, still staring at me with that same devastated look on his face. Hugo sits on the end of the table and Rich makes his way to the other end.
“After a lot of deliberation and discussion, we decided to allow the Mexicans to expand their territory fifty miles over the California border.”
“What?” The word comes out of me, shocking everyone around me. I’m not one to speak, and I’m not one to interrupt Rich. No one interrupts Rich.
Oh well, because I'm not going to let the Mexicans walk all over our territory. No fucking way.
“It’s necessary, Jackson. Let Rich talk.” Hugo’s authoritative tone tampers down my anger. I’ll wait, but this shit is not happening.
“The alternative, Jackson, are consequences much more severe than just allowing them to make passage into the US. We’re talking about a loss of lives, cut off of supplies, money shortages. Fifty miles is not a lot when we’ve already lost so much.”
“Isn’t there another way? Can’t we find another distributor? Isn’t there a way we can get with those who are on our side and they can stand with us?” Easton sits forward, arms on the table with his palms down, fingers spread. He’s angry, and he doesn’t want to lash out, but I have a feeling his thought process is along the same lines as mine is.
“We don’t have time, Easton. They want a decision now, and we’ve held them off too long already.”
“Do you guys really want to risk more of our own?” Hugo asks.
“But what happens when we concede? We’re bending too quickly. They’ll come back for more. They’ll manipulate us and it’ll become a game to them.” Aziel growls.
“We won’t let that happen, son.” Lynx stares at Aziel with a fire in his eyes. He thinks the same, but he also understands Rich’s thinking.
“There’s no other choice in the matter, and we’ve already made our decision. This meeting was to inform you guys of what’s going on. Hugo and Easton will be heading out next week to California.”
“I want to go.” I urge.
“Absolutely not.” Rich cuts me off with a swipe of his hand and a sharp look my way.
“Why not? I’ve got this robot-mobile and can move around just fine.” I press the reverse button and then go forward to show them how good I can move in it.
“It’s not up for discussion, Jackson. You’re not going and you’re not ready. Hugo will be going in your place. I don’t want to hear about it again.”
“This is bullshit.” I bark.
“It’s for your own good, Jackson. Keep getting better and you’ll be back out there before you know it.” Hugo says gently.
Rich lays his palms on the table. “It’s settled then. We’ll get a meeting set up with the Mexicans. Easton and Hugo will meet you out there next week, and we’ll get this squared away.” Rich tells Lynx. They get up and shake hands, and before they can say anything else, I’m reversing out of there and heading for the exit.
“Jackson!” Hugo shouts after me. I ignore him and keep going. I’m not dealing with this shit. Not only are they making a decision I completely disagree with, I don’t get to go out there and work beside my brother.
This is complete dogshit.
I almost make it to the door before I hear my name being called. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Aziel jogging after me. I slow to a stop in front of the exit and turn around to face him.
“Jackson, I—” He stops, grabbing the back of his neck and squeezing. “This shit is so fucked up.” He waves his hand in front of me. “All of it is. I don’t agree with it, either. But what do we do? We’re going to be in charge one day, but that day is not today.” He sighs. “We have to listen to them for now.”
“I don’t know if I’ll be in charge anymore.” I gesture to my legs.
“You will. You know Easton wants to fight. You’re next in line. You’ll get there, whether you walk again or not.”
I shrug.