Ford's Rise - L. Ann Marie Page 0,96

I missed them so I’m glad they are. Télia, Ford and Alejandro sit across from us.

“We didn’t have this many when you were gone, dude. Is this all of them?”

Web smiles at Ford. “No, a bunch are working. The babies and a few are at Alder’s.”

Alder nods. “Boss Harper, VP Brekan take twins.”

Télia laughs. “That’s good. Brekan wants kids. I think he needs them and Harper loves babies.”

I nod. She does. Commander Graywolf loves babies too.

Ford clears his throat. “Brekan said all the Alpha-Bits took the Ford name. I don’t know where it came from, Brother. It wasn’t my mother’s name and we don’t have...”

Alder stops him with a hand raising. “Alpha-Bits no exist to anyone. Michael no exist. Web, no exist. Alpha-Bits need two name to bank, job, live. Web take Ford name to honor you, Michael, Garren. No exist still show honor to family. Alpha-Bits proud to be Ford. Proud to share Badass name. Fords show us how family work. We honor to be Web’s, yours.”

Ford nods then looks down. I’m proud of Alder. “How do they buy things now without a last name?” Télia asks.

“Pres Cort bank account holder. Boss Banks give card Alpha-Bit name bottom, Cort Masters top. Now Banks make account to Alpha-Bits separate, two name, Phoenix Credit Union.”

“That’s cool.” Sheila moves down two seats and I laugh while the Alpha-Bits at both tables chant.

“Fuckin’ kids. It slipped.” She shakes her head.

Ford laughs. “I haven’t slipped in two days. Thanks for keeping them safe, Brother. I heard what happened at the house. Falcon said I wasn’t needed or I would have shown.”

Sheila shakes her head. “I didn’t do much. Stella and Alexia took out the snipers. I took the balloon ride for nothing.” She gives me a look.

I squeeze Web’s hand. “Drawing fire away from them isn’t nothing, Brother. The balloons were a good cover,” he says fast.

I relax when Sheila does. “It worked but made a fuckin’ mess. I think some Bravo Alpha-Bits are building new baskets and shit. They need stairs put in.”

I listen to the conversations around me. Web says no stairs, they’re building new balloons. Brantley and Akai are going on about a lead to another group of kids. Ford and Alder are talking about the credit union. Carmen and Justice talk to Allen about the new tests Carmen is doing with pineapple. Asa is telling Télia about the new compound that will need to be painted. Stella is talking to Jess about a kid needing a brace. That must be Pace. I smile at my plate. Web put food on it for me when I wasn’t looking.

Brothers are sitting in between the Alpha-Bits at both tables. Some are Security, they eat with us all the time, the others are from Bravo or the Protector compounds.

This is family. The Alpha-Bits, the Brothers and me. Cort told the Director it was the one thing I had no experience with. I’m learning.

“Spirit party tonight, Hamp?” Garren yells from the other table. I smile. He really is cute.

“Yeah, Garren. I think the spirits are sick of me missing you all.”

“We learned a new dance. We can show you.”

The Alpha-Bits cheer then chant. I guess they don’t need the word anymore.

Chapter Thirteen

One week

Web

Falcon, Alder and Justice pick me up on their way. “Brothers, thanks.” I sit and we’re lifting up again. I’m glad I don’t have a helmet and mask to wear today, the fast rides are hell on my legs. “How are AJ, Chenzo and Jack doing?”

He smiles. “Good. He’s proud. Chenzo isn't a problem, hardly ever cries and doesn’t require much from AJ according to Tyson. She’s grumbling about him getting older so she can chase him around. She’s been kicking Jack out because he’s hovering too.”

I smile. That’s so unlike Jack, but babies have Brothers almost as crazy as ol’ ladies. “Hannah said AJ has been keeping up with the Club shit. She’s not going in is she?”

His head shakes. “No. She’s doing it from home. Chenzo sleeps and she works. Jack is a little lost. Alder is everywhere so Jack’s been carting him around for the short trips.” Falcon should just let him work regular shifts. I don’t get the part-time dad shit. Cort worked and took time when he wanted it.

Alder shakes his head. “VP Jack need to work. He shuttle, stay to lab. Talk mean I no work. One hour I get no work done. He drop me home, I ride to lab, work without talk. Yesterday I go