Ford's Rise - L. Ann Marie Page 0,97

to IT, eat lunch first he get talk out and leave. No, he stay, talk. I leave, ride to IT. VP Jack shuttle you, Pres Falcon. I need to work. Baby question answers in books.”

Falcon is smiling. Shit, he’s not going to pull Jack back. “I can’t answer his questions, you’re a doctor.”

“I charge you consult time?”

I laugh, he’s so fucking funny. “Get Garren with him. Garren knows all kinds of baby shit.”

Alder freezes then nods. “I will. Garren read books, help VP Brekan on chat. Help with babies at compound. No more VP Jack shuttle. I ride.”

Falcon nods. “I’ll get him off your shuttle. He’s young and worried about being a good dad.”

Alder nods. “Chenzo need help older. VP Jack smother me. Poor Chenzo.”

I look out the window hiding a smile. Poor Alder.

“You’re really doing the vasectomy?”

My head swings back to Falcon. “Yeah. This week. Alder said the cream will help.”

His eyes bore into me. “Why? You’re both young and healthy.”

I nod. He doesn’t know about genetics. Garren could teach that. “Fragile X is passed to girls. Both Ford and Garren did it so they wouldn’t pass it down. Alexia doesn’t want kids because there’s an 80% chance she’d pass autism down. With all the Alpha-Bits, we have kids and young adults to share us with. We’re both good with what we have.”

His eyes show that hit him hard. “I didn’t know. Sorry, Brother.”

I smile because he didn’t say his monkey-pisser thing. “I’m not. I never expected kids when I left California. I have so much more than I ever thought possible. My new ol’ lady, family and Brothers make my life a happy one. I’m still doing the work I love and have so many Brothers I’m never alone anymore.”

He smiles. “I’m happy for you, Brother.”

Alder nods. “Alone time schedule to you.”

“It is. The Bits and Brothers are getting better with the schedule and give me time with Alexia. It’s one day and my late nights. I can’t complain. Even Garren and Michael are following it.”

Justice sets down and we wait for him. “Thanks, Brother,” I say for the lift.

He nods and we walk. The big meeting room has boards up for Princes, Delta and MC. I’m watching Senator Baxter, Alexia’s father and the Marine head of Intelligence that are talking to Cort, Ben, Dan and Trask in front of the big screen. Major is watching with interest. Ben James, Danny, Jinx and Jordan are sitting at the table talking.

“Anton run IT?”

Alder has me looking before I answer. It doesn’t seem so long ago he sat right there for the first time, terrified to answer Cort. “Yeah, he always runs IT in here. I'm so proud of how far you’ve all come from the first time he sat there.”

Raid laughs behind us. “It wasn’t that long ago, Brother.”

I throw him chin and agree. “I thought the same thing.”

We get to the floor and Cort comes over. “Thanks for getting here quick, Brothers. Web, Alexia said she’ll come up with Akai and Stella. She’s finishing her shift.”

I nod surprised she changed her mind. “Do we know why they’re here?”

“Ben said he’s willing to help. He has locations that Brantley confirmed. Why we need him is what I want to know. Justice?”

“He has more, Boss. Prez can’t dig for shit. The Director wouldn’t let Christian get close. Christian is telling me how. I need to sit and get this.” He walks to the first row saying he needs a minute and Cort is a President. I guess Christian isn’t into waiting to teach him about digging. He sits and I look at Cort then smile, they’re all watching him. Freaky shit is weird.

Cort shakes his head. I shrug. “Christian giving directions can’t be easy. The Brother doesn’t have much patience.”

Cort nods. “Yeah. I’d like something before Alexia gets here. If he has what she does, it’s not much of a peace offering.”

Alder nods. “He have more. Not as smart as Boss Alexia but smart. I talk to Marine you no need me.”

“Take a Brother with you.”

Alder looks at me so I nod and follow. The Senator and Marine smile at Alder. “Brothers, I’m glad you showed,” Baxter says.

“Pres Cort say we show, we here,” Alder answers. He must have been busy.

Baxter smiles. “I get it. Sorry we didn’t give you a heads-up. It will be worth your time, Brother.”

Alder nods and turns to the Marine. “Compound one week to finish. You send military to Nevada training?”

The Marine nods. “Yes, the