Leader: Book Three (Princes of Prophecy 3)

by L. Ann Marie

  “Who the fuck would mess with you?” She’s been here two fuckin’ days!

  She’s fixing her hair and I want to kill the pussy. “Whoever your clown is. The comic relief guy.”

  Fuckin’ Ramsey? He used his fuckin’ disgusting lines on my Lily? “I’m going to kill him.”

  I walk to the door. “Wait!” She runs through the room picking up her purse as she goes. “I could make the bed and clean the room up.”

  “No. You’re not a fuckin’ maid.” I take her hand and head back to the common room.

  “Please slow down,” she says as we get to the bottom of the stairs. Fuck. I stop and take a breath to calm myself.

  “I’m fuckin’ pissed he would even try his dumbass lines on you. I’m going to kill him so I never have to listen to his fuckin’ mouth again.”

  She giggles and I look at her. “I kind of like you pissing on my leg and all, but think of the hours of entertainment you’ll lose trying to train another moron for the comic relief job.”

  What? I replay that in my head and laugh. Fuckin’ Lily. “It’s you. You’re making me fuckin’ crazy.”

  She nods. “Brenda said the same thing, but for different reasons. She was pissed when I put the squeeze soap in the dishwasher. We had suds everywhere.”

  I’m bent over laughing picturing the suds. My father had the same problem with the washer. She squeezes my hand. “I can take care of myself. When I need help I know where you are. Homicide isn’t needed for the moron’s vulgar mouth. I dealt with it and someone threw him out so you didn’t kill him today. I hope by tomorrow you’re over it. I see cake so I’m heading that way.” She points to a long table and starts walking. I laugh – and follow her like a puppy.

  She sits with the old ladies and I put her cake in front of her then sit with the Brothers. “She is good for you. I am glad Ramsey was smart enough to leave for the day,” Dakota says and Jessie laughs.

  “Brantley, get it up so we can see it,” Uncle Danny says.

  I just calmed the fuck down. I shake my head and look at Dakota. ‘Are you doing okay?’ I ask in his head.

  He nods. ‘Yes, the pussy does not have anything we can use. He is not MC and was paid over the computer. I gave it to Pres so Geek can find where it is from. I did not want to bother Brantley or Jason. Geek is working today,’ he answers in my head.

  I feel negative and look around. “At the bar Prez,” Dakota says and Uncle Danny looks. At the end of the bar a Brother is shoving a homeless guy toward the door.

  I get up and people move making it easy for me to get to the door fast. Before the Brother can push him again I’m in front of him. “No reason to push him when he’s going peacefully. I would hope that you are never treated so badly when you’re down. We lift people up. We don’t kick them when they’re down.”

  The Brother turns away and I look at the man. “I’m sorry. I’m Little Ben. Did you come in for a reason?” I’m wondering how he got through the gate.

  The man looks down. “Just some water.” He’s telling the truth. Something is wrong with his eyes. I look at him. He’s not that old, maybe fifty or so. It’s hard to tell.

  Dakota takes his arm and sits him at the first table. ‘He is blind Prez,’ he says in my head. “I will get you some water. Prez will make sure no one puts hands on you.”

  “I don’t want to be a bother. Just some water and I’ll be on my way,” the man says.

  I don’t know why I’m surprised, but he’s telling the truth. “What is your name?”

  His head swings toward me, but I know he doesn’t see me. “Trapper.”

  “How did you get in the gate Trapper? I’m happy to give you the water you ask for, I’m just curious.”

  He bobs his head. “I came through the tall grass. I got turned around. Some kids were messing with me and I lost count. The gate was open at the tall grass. I followed the noise to here. I thought I was coming in a bar.”

  Dakota is throwing pictures to me. I see the kids then the back gate. ‘Get Jessie on the gate. We’re on high and the fuckin’ gate is open?’

  Uncle Danny puts the water on the table and sits. “I’m Danny. I’m glad to meet you. I have one eye, but I can’t imagine what no sight is like.”

  Trapper nods to him and Uncle Danny slides the glass directly in front of Trapper. Fuckin’ smart. Trapper runs his hand along the table and lifts the glass up. I see his knuckles are bruised and two have dried blood. “Thank you sirs.”

  Uncle Danny laughs. “We’re bikers. Sir isn’t necessary.”

  Trapper looks scared at that. “I didn’t know. I’ll be on my way.” He pushes his chair back.

  “We aren’t Outlaws Trapper, relax and finish your water.” He sits straighter, but scoots his chair forward again and reaches for his glass. I’m amazed he can remember exactly where he left it. “The Brother that got you the water, Dakota, he helps through the church down town. Do you need a ride back there?” I ask, not really wanting him to leave, but I don’t know why.

  His head turns, but not so his face is looking directly at me. “Dakota Lightfoot? He does help at the church. He’s a biker too?”

  Uncle Danny laughs. “He is. He’s a high ranking Officer of the Princes. They are the bikers that got rid of the drugs and gangs in town.”

  “Not all of them. The kids are getting mean like the old gangs.” He mumbles.

  Uncle Danny points and I move to the side. There is blood running down by his ear.

  I look around. “Prospect!” I say looking toward the bar. When Wiley comes over I tell him to find Doc Nick. Uncle Danny keeps Trapper talking and I get more water, a plate of food and some cake for him. Nick comes over as I set the cake down. “In front of you is a plate of food with a hotdog, a hamburger and potato salad. A plate at one o’clock has cake. Before you eat, I’d like Doc Nick to look at your head. There’s blood dripping down the side of your ear.”

  The man’s eyes tear up and I look away. I don’t know why; it’s not like he can see us. “Thank you for your generosity. I could use a bite.” I can see that, since he’s rail thin.

  Nick talks to him and checks his head. He pulls his bag open and Eliza comes over to help. Trapper takes eight stitches. Nick signs he needs a shower and to clean his hair so it doesn’t get infected. “Trapper, Doc Nick is signing that you need a shower and clean hair so your stitches don’t get infected. We have a bunkhouse out back. It’s empty right now. I’d like you to stay here so Doc Nick can keep an eye on the cut so it heals without causing any other problems for you. We can get your belongings for you so you’re comfortable for the week.”

  “I don’t want to cause trouble. Some people don’t want me here.” He grabs for the plate and starts eating.

  “I’m President of the Princes. I guarantee your safety while you’re here. My name is Ben Knight. If you have a problem, make sure you say you have my protection.”

  He swallows and reaches for the glass again. “Ben Knight. You’re President and I have your protection.”

  I smile. “Yes, that’s perfect. I’ll make it easy for you too.” I stand up looking for Dakota. I don’t see him, but hear the war cry and smile. “Brothers. This is Trapper. He will be staying in the bunkhouse for the week until his stitches come out and his wound is healed. He has my protection.” Dakota and Jessie throw in then Pres, Uncle Danny and Darren. I smile. “That’s a fuck of a lot of deadly Brothers to go through. Keep Trapper happy and healthy Brothers.”

  Someone yells, “To Trapper!” Uncle Danny cracks up.

  “You’ll be safe here Trapper. When you’re finished, I’ll get a Prospect assigned to help you get around. The property, Club and bunkhouse are huge. Can you tell me where your belongings are so we can get them?”

  He’s been eating this whole time. He takes a drink and Uncle Danny switches his glass for the full one. “Thank you, but it’s been four days. My stuff will be long gone.”

  “Your head wound is fresh,” Nick says to him.

&nb
sp; He nods. “They had me for a couple days. It was in a big fenced place. I got out last night. I been wandering, but can’t figure where I am. They caught up with me this morning, but I wouldn’t get back in the car. They didn’t expect me to fight this time.” He smiles. He’s got some teeth missing, but they don’t look bad. I guess that’s where the damage to his hand came from.

  I stand up. “I’ll be right back.” I find Chris at the bar. “Get the bunkhouse ready for Trapper. He’ll need clothes. Get a barber here for him and have Lee get him a Prospect to help him out. The Prospect stays with him. I don’t want him having any trouble so make sure it’s someone Lee trusts. Have food brought in for him.”

  He smiles. “All but the Prospect is set up for him Prez. I’ll get on that now.”

  I laugh. “Good job Brother.”

  “Congratulations Prez. I’m happy for you.”

  I throw him chin and get back to Trapper. I see he has more food. Uncle Danny shrugs. “Chris is in charge of the Club. He already has clothes and food set for you for the week. The Prospect will stay with you. If you need something he’ll help you get it, if you need to leave, you do that with the Prospect.”

  He puts his hand up so I stop. “I just need to let the church know I’m okay. They’ll be looking for me. The Pastor looks out for me.”

  “I can call them, but they may want to see for themselves that you are okay,” Dakota says from behind him.

  “Dakota Lightfoot?”

  I smile, he’s smart. “Yes, that is my name. Most people call me Eagle Eye. You are a pilot too,” Dakota says smiling.

  Trapper laughs. “Used to be.”

  “You were hurt in Afghanistan. Chemicals took your vision.” Trapper doesn’t move. “I am a reader.”

  His body relaxes and he nods then starts eating again. Fuck, he was fighting and lost his vision? Dakota nods. ‘He gets little help from the VA. They let him out of the hospital here, but he is not from here. He has been here for seven years. Homeless for the last three. His checks were being stolen.’ Sonofabitch. I sign for Uncle Danny. Nick signs he will help. I nod. I’ll take it.

  A Prospect comes to the table and Uncle Danny pulls him away. When they come back the Prospect is smiling. “Trapper, I’m Done, your Prospect for the week or however long you need me. Before you say anything, I want to thank you for your service. I’m honored that I get to serve you this week. There is a barber on his way. He’ll meet us in the bunkhouse. We have just enough time for a shower before he gets here. If you’re done eating, that is. I could make a plate while you’re showering for after the barber.”

  Trapper’s eyes tear up again and we all look away. “Thank you. President Ben Knight, Danny, Dakota Lightfoot, Doc Nick, Eliza and Done.” We all laugh.

  “Please make yourself at home and let Done know if you need anything. Anything at all.”

  He nods but doesn’t say anything. “When you stand up I’ll be to your right. We’ll go out the front door and around the Club to the bunkhouse. My arm is out and I’ll keep it there for you.”

  Trapper stands and turns. We all watch him take Done’s arm. Done tells him about the doors and stairs. Uncle Danny is pissed. “What the fuck is our country about if we’re treating the men who fight for us like that?” He looks at me. “Whatever the wedding date, I’ll match the money if you help him.”

  I laugh. “I’m already helping him. He won’t be homeless anymore.” Arms go around me. I look down and kiss Lily’s head.

  “Jess just showed me a video, can you watch it?” She hands Uncle Danny her phone and we watch a man build homes out of trash he pulls out of the dump.

  Uncle Danny smiles at me. “We could do this.” He hands her phone to Dakota. He and Eliza watch it. “Once the shit settles I’ll be here building for the homeless. I don’t need your wedding date. I’ll get the homeless to help me pull supplies and build for them.”

  He walks away and I laugh. “You’re a good man, my Badass Prince. Everyone is getting ready to leave.” I keep her against me and we spend almost an hour saying thanks and goodbye. Pres tells me to call if I need anything. I hug him telling him I will. Jeremy brings Aubrey to me and I get a hug. She tells me to keep her Lily happy. I tell her to keep my twins happy. She promises, so I do – making Lily and Brenda laugh. I tell Brenda her house will be done in two weeks. She gives me another hug then Lily. It’s a never ending goodbye.

  I’m looking for Jessie and call him in his head, he catches my eye. I bend to Lily. “I need about a half hour.”

  She looks at me then Jessie and nods. “I’ll help cleanup with Jess.”

  She’s cute. “Babe, Chris has it. The Prospects are already cleaning.”

  “Then I’ll sit and chat with the old ladies.”

  I kiss her, loving her easy, then follow Jessie into the office hallway. I open my door and he sits. Darren and Dakota come in and sit. “The back gate was open. The Nomad that was here drove out the front, but entered through the back,” Jessie says.

  “Why wasn’t an alert thrown?”

  Darren looks at me. “It was. With the activity from the party no one looked at it.”

  What the fuck? “A party with MC old ladies and our families happens and no one thought an alert was important? Tell me the fuckin’ Brother wasn’t playing video games!”

  He shakes his head no. “He isn’t a Brother. He lost his cut for watching the whores instead of the feeds.”

  I stand up pushing the hair out of my face. “Aubrey was in the Club all fuckin’ day with the gate open and no alert to anyone for it. Jesus. This strikes too close to what happened with Sheila. Get something out to every fuckin’ employee to do their fuckin’ job.” We don’t need this shit now. “Did Geek get anywhere with the payment?”

  Dakota shakes his head no. “It’s a dummy business with jumps all over the place.”

  Fuckin’ great. “Anything else?” They have nothing.

  “I’m heading out. Call if you need me.”

  They nod. I’m pissed we need to deal with fuckin’ lazy assed Brothers. Walking out I see Ramsey. He’s turned toward the bar trying to make himself small. I get Lily and walk right up to him. “You going to remember her face?” He turns my way and I punch him. He falls to the floor out cold. Lily laughs, but I keep walking pulling her with me.

  I pull out and head to the water. I need to calm down before I head home. Fuckin’ Brothers. Lily lays her head on my back and I’m done being pissed. Her laughing at Ramsey floats through my head. I smile and let HS know I’m heading home.

  Chapter Four

  Two days

  Lily

  Deirdre hugs me as I walk in. “I’m so happy you’re here! Welcome to your new home away from home.”

  Everyone is so damn nice. It’s been an easy transition from the MC to here. I love it!

  “Thank you. I spent a full day going over the book and another at HR. I should have let Little Ben do HR. Anyway, the book is almost complete and our forms are uploaded to the flash. Jess helped so I know they’ll work.”

  She laughs. “HR is crazy. I let Bull do it.”

  “Smart woman. Wish I didn’t pitch the fit over medical insurance. He would have taken care of everything.”

  She takes the book and flash. “Show me how this works so I can get everyone ready for the opening.”

  She’s been doing the work with the help of Anita for months now. I smile. She’s going to love the hologram boards. We get through the parts of the book I finished and lunch shows up. I get a text as the Prospect is pulling food out of the bag.

  Firsts: lunch from me.

  :day at work.

  :time you realize how important you are to me, the Brotherhood and the women that need you.

  All in, always.

  I cry. He’s right. It dawned on me going through the book that I’m running this place that will give women the tools they need to stay safe and keep their kids safe. It’s daunting and exciting. I wipe my eyes and smile. Deirdre must th
ink I’m nuts. “He always knows,” is all I say. She gives me an understanding smile and we eat.

  The hologram boards amaze her. Going through the forms, I see she’s very good on the computer. With Bull around I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. All the forms tie in to one database that holds all the information. Since she gets this, I show her the admin side. Where most forms use numbers this one has every bit of information for each client on one sheet. She loves it! We set up training for next week. She has all our new employees scheduled to come in for training, but we set our schedules into classes. As we’re splitting it up for us, Sheila, and Eliza, an HS guard comes in and stands at the door.

  “Ma’am, I need you to secure the building using the manual override. Prez will call in when he can. Your phones will be switched to the auxiliary network.” I nod standing up.

  I get a text from Brantley at the same time Deirdre does. It’s a general text telling us we are on lockdown, the satellite is offline, secure our buildings and stay inside until we get an all clear. I walk to my office and open the panel behind the door. Flipping the switch, I can hear the steel moving. When I come back Deirdre is flipping through the book. I smile; she’s going to call the intercom system and give the warning to the women. She pulls her phone and dials. There are only three clients in house, they’re all overflow from Kate and they know the MC, so this won’t be a problem.

  When she’s done we get back to the schedule and the guard laughs. I look, wondering what he hears that’s funny. “Sorry. Brantley said you fit right in. Shit doesn’t faze you.”

  “Tell Brantley to get his job done and stop watching me. I grew up in the MC. His flair for the obvious is showing.”

  The guy laughs and relays the message. He’s quiet as we get back to work.

  ***

  Little Ben

  The feeds are running on auxiliary until they aren’t. We run the Mobile Unit without missing a beat. Dakota and Driscoll call in with a chopper heading our way and a boat off the coast.