Ford's Rise - L. Ann Marie Page 0,6

and calm. Major throws him chin.

Every President says basically the same thing. Alder stands on his chair when the others are done. “I see you two days and show honor for guidance. I research,” he shrugs, “no elder hobbies yet. I keep researching. We need you here, I no hurry.”

Alder is going up this week for the circuit thing. He’ll be checking rooms and food for Alpha-Bits and their Security.

Everyone laughs. Major’s whole face softens and he smiles. “I’m looking forward to that visit, Alder.”

He gets a nod from the Little Pres and closes down. Cort dismisses us. “Alder, do you need Web up there?”

Alder looks surprised. I don’t want to leave but do need to see where the Alpha-Bits will be. It’s a peace of mind thing. I’ve seen their houses at every compound. “I no schedule to Web.” He looks at me. “You to Colorado?”

“If I’m setting up and running the circuit, I need to know they’ll be safe and have everything they need. I don’t know Brekan well, but Garren says he’s a safe person for him. I’d like to know he’ll have the time to keep up with the Bits.”

He nods once. “I will cover schedule to you. Colorado, Alpha. Two day we sleep to Colorado one day. Boss Harper medic building up. I see and help with supply to greenhouse for medical.”

I nod. “Ford is back for two days.” I’ll miss the visit but this is important for my little Brothers.

“Boss Ford here four day. Wife, Télia, move to house here. She help to Alexia. Autistic like Alexia. Help to you, to Alexia, to me.”

I didn’t know that. “Thanks. I didn’t get to talk to him last night. Garren and Michael were excited and kept him busy.” They ran out with my tablet then didn’t show at breakfast. Michael texted they were working at the D-Ability house with new kids. Ford texted me at eleven last night that he’d call today. His son will be here. I’m an uncle. I smile. Wait. “They’re moving here?”

Justice laughs. “Télia doesn’t want Alejandro growing up on a base. Garren showed her the houses then Alexia explained about the Clubs. She’s moving to your compound instead of BSC/FBI Training.”

I love that Alexia helped that. I’ll see my nephew and Télia in person daily.

Justice nods then looks at Cort. “She needs Security?” Cort is watching him for that answer.

Justice shakes his head. “No, she’ll have her own, full teams are moving here for her, they have housing in the yard. They’re all Baxter Security and known to the Clubs.”

Cort nods. “That’s good. We have a Security company right here.”

I shake my head. “She’s autistic and has had Security for years. Anything new is going to throw her. She’ll need the old Security right up front. They may change later or drop it.” I shrug. “Right now the familiar will settle her.”

He nods. Alder packs his glasses in his little backpack. “I make studio to her, Garren. They paint, have gallery. I make here and Bravo same to Providence.”

I never know anything. Garren told me he paints and showed me his pictures, but I’ve never heard of a gallery. Shaking my head, I stow my laptop. I need to get to training at the IT building.

“She’s like Alexia?” Cort asks while we walk out.

Alder answers before I do. “No IT. She paint, gallery, son, Alejandro, married, Ford. Télia different.”

I laugh throwing Garren’s words. “But the same. Alexia is fine now that she’s working. It’s her thing. I bet Télia’s thing is painting.”

At Cort’s office he turns my way. “You’re at IT?”

I nod. “Training and setting a schedule for the satellite. I’ll put it on a board for you.”

He nods and walks in. “Thanks, Brother. Don’t take fucking forever with Alexia. You’re both IT. We need your heads in the game.”

I’m stunned. “Take forever?”

Justice laughs.

Cort turns fast. “Tell me you clued in that she’s yours.”

Alder laughs. “He see it now.”

I shake my head. “I like her. She’s amazing in IT, but I’m not sure about the autism thing. She may not want a guy. She doesn’t let people very close.”

Alder shakes his head looking up at Cort. “Fucking Brothers.”

I’m surprised. He’s swearing a lot lately but not usually in front of me. Cort nods seriously. “It’s always the smart ones.” Turning my way, he shakes his head. “She’s yours. Make it happen quickly so we can move on. Ol’ lady drama distracts you. Today you were watching her on the feed and