Ford's Rise - L. Ann Marie Page 0,24
Sir. Would you like to know the price?”
Banks steps up. “No, he just wants to pick what he’ll be looking at for the rest of his life. I take care of the bill.”
I smile and go to where Ford is looking. “Is this any good? They got shit in the back.”
He nods. “That’s for the ring. This is good shit too.”
Raid comes over. “I like that. It matches too.”
The necklace with what looks like drops falling is the same color. I nod. “Earrings and a bracelet should match that. Then something for when you fuck up. You hold it back and give it when she forgives you.”
I look from Ford to Raid. He nods. I look at Cort. He’s watching with a smile. “That’s right?”
He nods. “I keep jewelry and give it when I feel like it. For the special shit. Apparently, they fuck up a lot.”
Banks and Amos laugh. I look for the English guy. “The necklace, earrings and a bracelet to match that ring. I need special occasion pieces too. I don’t get to leave the compound and yard much for shopping. Can I get a ring with computer shit on it? Like binary code with that color stone?”
He smiles. “I can have one made. Gold like the diamond?”
I nod. “Yeah. I need three things for special occasions. That should be enough until I can come back.”
The man walks in the back with a nod. “Why can’t you leave the compound?” Ford sounds pissed.
“He’s been identified with Michael. He’s here now. We’ll come back when he wants to come again,” Cort says. His eyes are hard.
I nod. “I can schedule a team to bring me. I just work a lot and don’t leave as much as before the As started moving around. With them out, the threat to the rest is higher.”
Ford nods. “You said something like that before. Is that why there are so many with the women?”
I shake my head no. “They all have their own teams, the Brothers are crazy and probably didn’t realize how many Brothers are watching them drink coffee and eat. Women are scary. The Brothers would just tell them they need a team and the women were happy.”
They all laugh at me. I shrug and walk to the English guy. He has the necklace, ring, bracelet and earrings in one box. How fucking cool is that? “The band will take a day or two. I have the stone put aside for it. I can send a picture for approval.”
I nod. “That will work. Can a Prospect pick it up?”
He smiles. “We can deliver it to the Phoenix Rising office.”
“Perfect. Do you need anything besides my phone number?”
Banks hits my shoulder. “I’ll get it paid, Brother. He knows us. This is Web Ford, send me the bill.”
The English guy nods. “Very well, Mr. Banks. I’ll send it when the ring is delivered to the office.”
Banks nods. “Thanks, Morris.”
I leave with the jewelry we picked for now and three for special occasions. “I should have paid for this stuff before he let me walk away with it. He doesn’t know me.”
Cort looks back. “He knows Banks and me. It’s enough.”
I nod and get on my bike. Ford laughs. I look for why but don’t get it. Raid explains. “He’s surprised you’re not asking more.”
I nod again. “Cort and my Brothers have kept us safe forever. I’ve never had a reason to doubt their words.”
He smiles. “You see everything in Ops and on IT. I’m taking it as law. Thanks, Web.”
I nod flipping my visor down. I’m smiling the whole way back. Ford trusts my words like I trust Cort’s. That feels good. We pass Phoenix and get on the Alpha-Bit safe zone road. I smile about that too. My Brothers are riding home with me. I’m never the one with people showing for me. I love my Brothers and new family.
The compound is filled with more Alpha-Bits and Brothers than live here. I ride through thinking someone planned more than I know about. I was going to ask Alexia to marry me before the spirit party while we watch the stars get brighter.
Cort rides right to the pool. I follow since he probably knows more than I do right now. The women and Bravo Alpha-Bits must be here. Falcon, Jordan and Brekan are sitting watching us walk through the gate. I smile and throw chin looking for my girl. She’s not here. Stopping, I turn scanning the people. No ol’ ladies are here.