Enforcer: Book Four (Princes of Prophecy) (14 page)

I get back to the deck and laugh. VP has Stella laying on the deck and the dog is trying to get her up, when she doesn't get up, it sits and barks. “That's fuckin’ cool as shit.” VP looks back and smiles.

I sit watching all the things he taught this dog. He's always amazed me, but this is unbelievable. “How did you learn all this?”

He keeps signing to the dog and Stella as he answers. “Thought of all the thin's could happen. Just did that.” I shake my head as the dog pulls Stella up by her shirt. She makes her little sounds and stomps her feet. “She's cute. Smart kid.”

“She's supposed to have been born in the summer. I think she's older. She started going on the toilet the other day.”

He nods signing, 'Good,' to her. “Young, ‘bout a year, but smart like Mitch.” Oh fuck. He looks at me. “It's good. Boy's smart too. Protector, good like you.”

I look at Brandon. He is smart and protective. He's always watching out for her. He's watching everything VP and Stella are doing.

VP stands up. “Boy needs classes. Train him like ours. He's good for her.”

I nod. Training. “They haven't started a program yet. The kids are still too young.”

“We used masters. You train 'em. Dakota and Jessie on riding. Train 'em young. I'll talk to my boy tonight. See him tomorrow.”

I nod. “I will. Thanks VP.” He kisses Stella's head and lifts Brandon for a hug then throws me chin and walks down the steps and around the house. I watch Stella teach Brandon the signs he missed. The dog watches, then follows the commands. I tell them the dog needs a name.

“He's smart for Stella. He can listen and watch her and knows what to do like you and Mommy.” He's signing a word here and there and I'm fuckin’ shocked. When did this start?

“You know you're signing when you talk?”

He smiles. “Justice and Aquyà show their words and talk too. Justice said Stella can learn more words like that. We have to help her. She's smart like the Dexter boy on the cartoon.”

I laugh. “Dexter?”

He nods. “He makes things. Sometimes big things. We can name the dog Dexter 'cause he's smart too.”

All I can think of is Poindexter, but I guess it's the same thing. They can't be watching that old show. I ask Stella if she wants her dog's name to be Dexter. She's too small to name a dog, but I'll give her a shot. She signs ‘yes’ and we name the dog Dexter. That was pretty simple.

I get them upstairs and fill the tub for Stella while Brandon showers. She sits on the toilet and I'm shaking my head. She's too small to get on herself so Sheila got her a stool. We had to get a step stool with two steps for her to reach the sink. I check Brandon and watch him wash his hair. He's doing good. Sheila wants to let his hair grow. I told him if he wants it cut he can just tell me, but he wants long hair like the twins. Both sets have long hair.

Stella is finished and I help do the wipe thing. Never thought I'd be doing this, but she's got tiny arms that hold her up so she doesn't fall in. I get her in the tub and Dexter watches. I take her ear pieces off and set them on the shelf. She splashes her face as soon as the pieces are down. She's cute. Once she's washed I sign, 'play dog or play toys.' She wants to play with Dexter. I lift her out and Brandon puts a towel around her.

We get her to her room and dressed. She signs, 'ears.' I go back for her ears. I don't normally put them on her, so I do my best. She touches them and moves them to where they go. I get a hug out of the deal so I'm not complaining. I tell them I'm going to get Mommy out of the tub. They're not really interested in what I'm doing so I leave them to play.

I key in the kids’ bedroom intercom in the bathroom and turn it low. Taking a towel from the rack I wet it and wash her. She's smiling. I don't say a word, but make sure I hit everything. I know Eliza didn't work with her today. Changing partners can be stressful and Taylor called saying there was another twelve homeless. My girl felt that. I think it was Alex that said she loves all things that hurt. I hope the bath relieved the stress of her day. I dry her up and kiss all the way up her back. “The kids are playing in their room with Dexter.” I kiss her neck then turn her for a kiss on the lips.

“Thank you for the bath. I feel better. Dexter is the dog and not a made up name you're giving because he's smart?”

I smile. “It's his name because he's smart, Albert. Brandon came up with it, Stella approved it and the dog is named Dexter. Go get dressed. I'll heat up dinner.”

“Okay and no, Albert has the wrong plumbing.”

I laugh as she walks away. Fuckin’ Sheila.

I make it downstairs just as Jax is opening the door for a Prospect. They bring in bags and bags of dog supplies. Holy shit. Dogs need a lot of stuff. The Prospect says this is what Uncle Steve ordered. I eat while Jax opens everything and puts it on the table. He's crazy. There's two small trunks – one for outside toys and one for inside – toys, shampoo, flea shit, heart-worm shit, a service dog cut with Stella's name and the Prince logo, brushes, huge dog bowls with a stand so they're off the floor, a tin barrel, food, boxes of bones, a German Shepard book and three beds. The kids come in to see all his new stuff and start to play with his toys. They're cute. I clear my plate and make room in the pantry for the dog. Jax gets everything set where it needs to be with a smile. He likes the dog. I like the smile and know of a way I'll get to see it again. I kiss him and ask about the beds. 

“One for Stella's room. VP said the safe room under her bed is a good place for it. Did Danny tell you about another safe room?” 

“No.” He's crazy with them so I wouldn't be surprised. We had four at our house that I knew about. 

“He told me. When she gets older I'm gonna tell her. Her room is to keep her safe and I'm gonna help,” Brandon says all proud. I smile and mess up his hair. That's cute.

We get them to bed and Jax pulls me out to the deck. Nancy and Tiny did this almost every night too. I like getting caught up with our days or just sitting together. Neither one of us talks much so it works fine to just be. 

“VP did a good job with Dexter.” 

“Yeah. I need to learn what he knows.” 

“I'll show you tomorrow. In training with VP I learned a lot. The biggest thing I learned was his speech pattern. When he's thinking about something else and trying to find a solution he loses his 'g' on almost all words and his sentences are clipped with no pronouns. He was here for a couple of hours and that pattern got worse the longer he was here.” 

Shit. “Did he say anything specific?” Usually he'll say things that seem odd, but are actually information you need. 

“He was focused on Stella and her learning the signs. He said she's young, about a year and she's smart like Mitch.” 

Fuck. “I'll talk to Jess tomorrow and see what we need to do to prepare for that. Did he say anything about Brandon?” 

“He's a protector and he's good with Stella. He said I need to train them and Jessie and Dakota will teach them to ride.” 

Sonofabitch. Training them and focused on Stella. “What are the chances of this being a random thing?” Brandon is a protector and Stella is like Mitch.

“I don't know.” He kisses my head. 

I think of all he didn't say. He's too smart not to come up with the same thing I do. I stand up. “We should get a swing out here.” 

He stands behind me putting his arms around my middle and his mouth by my ear. “I'll order one tomorrow. I thought a hammock would be nice too.” 

I pull him in thinking a hammock could be fun. He stops and calls Dexter. The dog runs right up the back stairs. I guess he doesn't like being away from his girl.

We check doors and shut off the lights. Upstairs I smile because they stay in their beds now. We do the bathroom run and get them back in bed. I pull him in the room and he hits numbers on the intercom so we'll hear them if they need us.

He's surprised when he turns. I slide my hands under his shirt and straight up feeling his hard body. When I pull it he bends so I can take it off him. I kiss his chest, lick his nipple and nibble on his collar bone getting a moan. I pull him down and kiss him with everything in me. My hands find his button and zipper. With one hand I stroke him, the other is on his ass feeling the muscles move when he moves for my hand. His pants fall to his knees, then I fall to mine. His head goes back as my tongue makes its way down the underside of his dick and right to his sack. He likes that and always gives a throaty moan. I like that and I like that he doesn't use that filthy mouth. I get to hear him enjoy this. I get to work doing what he likes and know when he's close. Both hands are in my hair holding me tight. 

“Fuck baby.” 

That’s my cue to suck hard, and I do – sliding my hand to his balls and rolling them. He moans from deep in his chest coming hard. I moan knowing he likes that vibration and stroke him with my tongue sliding him out of my mouth. I kiss his stomach then his neck licking my way as high as I can reach. “Thank you,” I whisper and he pulls me against him kissing me.

I'm walked backward until I hit the bed. Then he thanks me. I love the way he thanks me. And I get the filthy mouth. 

I pull up to the garage and Tim is pulling the last bike out. He helps Trapper out and I wonder why he's here early, but don't ask with Trapper standing beside him. I'll talk to him later. I hope his mother has been home. 

At Security I see VP and talk about Laconia and the runs. Something is up and he wants to know how it's all running and my thoughts on all the players. When I'm done I go to Prez's office. 

“Did your dad talk to you last night?” 

He nods with a smile. “He did. It was an enlightening experience.” 

I smile. I caught that he could read before it was out. While I've been here I've noticed more. “I have some concerns.” He nods for me to go on. 

“Brandon is a protector, Stella is smart like Mitch and I'm supposed to start training them while Jessie and Dakota teach them to ride.” He nods. “With your dad focused on Stella and the dog, then the training – should I be worried?” 

He takes a minute to answer. “Dakota knew both Stella and Brandon would be with Sheila. With what we've learned from our past and our own experiences I think there is cause to be alert. Jeremy and Christian are quiet on this. For obvious reasons, I am not pushing for more information, but my dad was specific about Stella, Brandon as protector, and you training. It wasn't an offhanded comment, ’they need to be trained.’ It was ‘Jax's needs to train and Jessie and Dakota need to train riding.’ His mind was spinning last night, his words were short and he was focusing on something, but was specific about who did what.” I nod, thinking that's what I caught. “Because of that, I need to put you in that place so they get trained. I have nothing that tells me something is happening soon, but there is a sense of urgency that I feel building here. With Judy showing up, and Stella then Brandon, all within a month – something is happening. Cloud trained when he took CJ. It seemed the right way to go since the specials at that time were in his house. Here, three have passed through Sheila's door. Uncle Danny felt the need to make that house bigger than what you needed. You and Sheila have jumped in with both feet and taken the kids in stride. I'm surprised, but not. Who the hell would have thought Cloud or Tiny would take orphaned kids? Whatever this is, Sheila and you are meant to be there.”

I think about that and nod. “Am I following a specific program?” 

He shakes his head no. “This is one I'm leaving to you. Dakota was setting up the program, but has not offered what he has as a help for you. Whatever you bring, that he wouldn't, is important here. I've learned that what isn't said is just as important as what is.” 

I can see this. “I'll need to get help at the garage,” I say more to me than him. 

“Darren will be taking Transport off your plate. While we were setting up he was needed to get the fires put out quickly so no blowback would hit us. Now we're in a better position, Club wise, for him to step back and take Transport’s day to day off you. We didn't realize at the time that you would show us the commitment, loyalty and honor that you've displayed. It all lead us to right here. Putting the kids with Sheila was based on Dakota’s word. Putting them with you was all on your actions showing all in, for Sheila, the Club, and those kids. I think it was important for us to see it. Your loyalty has never been in question, but knowing what we do from our history, putting anyone with the kids is a scrutinized decision. There was no question or even discussion with your name. It was a unanimous yes.” That feels good and I throw him chin.

He gives it back and looks like he's deciding something. “With the kids moved up on our priority list and shit brewing at the PD Security we will need some help. We're trying to clear you to do the kids but Driscoll will need time too.” The PD?

“Something has changed with Strapper. I had a concern, but my dad mentioned him. We're keeping a close watch. His behavior just doesn't fit the Brother we know. He won't be able to step back to Driscoll's number two. We have a brother training and Driscoll is two months out on finishing his classes. With the lead detective going rogue without Prince input, Strapper's behavior and Driscoll needing time to get the degree, we need someone picking up that slack and watching the detectives. You have the degree, a Brother's loyalty and Transport off your plate. If you could get covered two days a week that puts you at PD and takes some daily set up time off your plate from the Transport. With training and stepping to PD a couple of days your cut stays close to the same. If you find this works for you, we'll keep you at PD, but you have to know I want you back on HS or Family.” He smiles. 

“I can't say I'd jump at Family right now. I have no problem on an HS Team when you need me. Stepping to PD now with bodies being found works for me. I'd like the shot there.” 

He laughs. “You're a better fuckin’ detective than anyone Driscoll has. He asked for you specifically.” 

I look at him wondering if he sees the problem in that. He nods. “Strapper is already being watched. You stepping into his job and with his perceived claim on Sheila, may bring him out. I'm counting on it, with all of us knowing it is a probability. I told Driscoll he isn't to name you as his two publicly. He'll put you with the detectives on a task force for the bodies. It gets you in the door. Jessie usually handles that spot, so putting you there wouldn't be unusual. Jessie will be stepping up Family so it will all fit. This won't go unnoticed by Strapper, but it won't be a blatant slap in the face either.” 

It's a good way to do it. So my challenge will be the detective. I can ask Driscoll about him. Prez has enough on his plate. I think about the garage. “I can free three days from the garage. Is Nomads staying with me?” 

“Yes, if you think you can keep up with what we're throwing at you.” 

I smile. I like the garage and work, but only opened it to get in the door here. Nomads was a bonus. I was looking for PD, but took Nomad. 

He leans forward. “You wanted PD from the beginning?”

I smile; he always knows. “I can't say jumping from Family to Nomad was my favorite job, but it worked for what I needed at the time. I would have gone to PD, but needed to get out of the yard. I knew where I was heading with Sheila and no good would have come out of it at that time, so I took Transport as a Nomad. PD would have been my preference.” 

He watches me. “Do you want more in PD right up front? I asked for two and you're giving me three days.” 

“I'll take the three. With training babies, the garage, Nomads and a new family, I'll need to ease in like you did here with Transport.” 

He laughs when I say training babies. “They aren't like babies Brother. Dakota has a call into Mitch about Stella. He sat with her at the daycare last week. He's in awe. Get with Driscoll about the three days. He'll take anything you can give him. Let me know when you need more or you have too much. We can switch Nomad to Princes Security and work you in more at PD.” 

I nod. 

“I was concerned about your lost cut on Transport but the extra day will even you out.” 

I shake my head no. “I do fine in the garage and with the Officer's cut. I'm not worried.” 

His eyebrows draw down. “Don't you split that with Jared?”

“No. I buy parts from him like everyone else. He would donate it anyway. He put a shitload up for Alex's Goodwill fund when he found out about it.” 

“Goodwill fund?” 

Oh shit. “It covers the dog food and vet bills for the Vets. I set it up for Alex when the dogs started showing for them. It was part of the Transport cut. Alex told Jared and he set it up as a trust adding a fuckin’ hundred grand. Kaleb matched him.” 

He sits back surprised. “When?” 

“I sent mine through Trapper a month ago. Jared was last week.” 

He nods looking relieved. “Princes matched yours, but Alex didn't tell me about the Baxters trust. He was distracted when he came for bath time. Uncle Danny was waiting for him.” He smiles. Alex is cute with his helping out. 

“I don't think he understands. He was buying food himself at first. That's why I took it before vet bills started becoming an issue.”

“Fuckin’ Alex and his heart of gold.” 

I nod. “When do I start with the PD?” 

He smiles, I bet knowing I'm excited. “Tomorrow if you can get covered that quick. We have two bodies, both homeless.” 

“Is there anything else I need from VP, Dakota or Princes?” 

He smiles. “A bike and truck. Do what you need. The bill goes to Joey.”

I nod. “I'll just kit out the truck. Does my HS bike stay with HS?” 

“I'll have them release it to you. You'll need a spare for HS but you can pimp out the one you're comfortable on for PD.” 

I give him a minute and he stands. “I have nothing else. If I get anything else, I'll let you know. Keep me up with where you're at or if you need Nomad switched. Jessie will get with you about the training and what you want that schedule to look like. The kids are like we were, anytime is good.” 

He man hugs me. “I'm glad you followed us Jax. Sheila is happier than I've ever seen her. The Princes and Brotherhood are honored to have you Brother.” 

I'm floored and swallow hard. “Thanks Prez.” He smiles like he knows.

I walk out thinking about all he said. Darren will take Transport. I had no problem running it because we needed it, especially the first year. Now I'm a little relieved to walk away from Transport. We're good and haven't had anyone picked up in a couple of years, but being head of Transport, I would have stepped in front of my crew. With an old lady and kids, I don't want jail as even a remote possibility. 

Since my day is covered, I head to PD and meet with Driscoll then the Activity Center for a schedule on free time, then Jessie about naps and best times for the kids, then Jared about garage help. Finally, I meet Tim about picking up another day and how he's doing at home.

He needs a place to live. He got in a fight with another boyfriend hitting his mom. Fuck. It clicks. I head Nomad, but don't ride like I did. Without leaving for Transport and having a house I have his solution, even if it's temporary. “I have the RV. Princes has the lot on the side of us. Let me find out if we can set it up there for you. It’s solar and has propane for cooking.” 

He’s surprised. “Fuckin’ seriously?”

I tell him I'll come get him after I make the calls. Darren helps get it cleared and I call him in. They'll clear a spot tomorrow and Vinny will get it set up. Darren will look at something a little more permanent and let me know. For a quick fix, this will work for now. If he wasn’t so young we could get him in an apartment or with the Prospects.

Tim is relieved. We get the RV set at Trapper's for tonight.