“I thought you couldn’t leave The Order?” I interrupt.
“You can’t. But arrangements can be made when it’s mutually beneficial. Baxter’s grandfather for example, takesmore of a backseat role, in exchange for Baxter being inducted early. The Order will always operate with its own best interests at heart. It must. And you have to get on board with that… Anyway, your father had no such arrangement. He simply disappeared. Deserted. It might have been because of Debbie, but he never really contacted us again unless we had business to talk about. We knew where he was of course, and who his mother was, and so at the time it suited us to leave him be. Once he received his official pardon I never heard from him again.”
“His pardon…how does someone get one of those?” I ask, curious as to how that works.
“That I don’t know. They’re not granted often and he’s still technically in The Order, but not in the same way as someone like Baxter’s grandfather is. There’s no deal or agreement. A pardon works differently and is even rarer. I do know that he would have to fulfil any outstanding favours before leaving, and that he can’t ask for any ever again. Only your father could explain the terms of his pardon, because you have to take it up with the board, and at the time I wasn’t on it. Records are sealed for everyone but the head of the organisation. Now that area falls on you, and if you can’t decide, you can use the board members for a majority vote. But you can’t just grant them without a very good cause. I know what you’re thinking, Amelie, because it’s no secret that Baxter wants out by any means necessary. And I understand wanting to help your friend, but I meant what I said before. We always act with our best interests at heart. Letting an asset like Baxter loose would be far too dangerous. Especially with people like your grandmother on the prowl with undisclosed agendas.”
I understand exactly what Monty is saying, and know instinctively to keep my mouth shut about Baxter’s involvement already with my grandmother. So instead I simply nod to show my understanding.
“I’ll take it into consideration,” I say.
“There will be transcripts for the few pardons that have been granted that you will have access to now that even board members don’t. Those files were sealed but you have access to everything historical. The board is essentially useless, but they’re there for you to delegate things to. I suggest you do, or your plate will overfill.”
We spend the rest of the evening eating great food cooked by Frost and talking about the organisation with Monty. It gives me time to thaw towards my men, especially when they regale me with funny stories about assignments that went wrong, and they have my sides hurting from laughing so much. Monty even joins in, sharing anecdotes from his initiation alongside my dad.
It makes me want to see him.
I also learn that there will be an official event to celebrate me taking over the full reins of The Order. Every living founding member has to attend. Monty explains that those outside of the founding families might get an invite if they are deemed worthy enough. I’m pretty sure he just gave me that option so I’m able to invite a few women. I’ll definitely want the female pledges there, as I suspect the event will be before they’re fully initiated. I don’t disclose to any of them who I’m thinking of choosing to join because I honestly have no idea. Next year I can pass the picking on to someone else. Kalen will probably pick based on looks or their ability to drink him under the table, and no one would be worthy enough in Onyx’s eyes, but maybe Slate would do a good job. He’s fair and level-headed enough.
But that doesn’t help me now.
Baxter better move his ass and get back here so I can pick a solid group to initiate this year. These women have to be right, after all, we’re making history.
Chapter Twelve
Sawyer
After the BBQ, we all escort Amelie back to her dorm room to hand her over to Jasper who will take the night shift. It’s not ridiculously late, but my girl can’t stop yawning. I know that between The Order and school, she’s feeling stretched thin.
“Do you want to come up?” she asks stiltedly around another large yawn.
“I think you’d better get an early night.” I grin ruefully at her. I’d like nothing more than to tuck her in and maybe even stay the night, but she really needs a break. And I have business with my brothers. My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I feel a surge of hope that it might finally be the answer I’ve been waiting on.
“Boo. You’re no fun.” She pouts and it’s pretty adorable, but I can think of a better use for her full, luscious lips.
“Rain check?”
“One time only offer,” she teases. “I’ll have to offer it around…anyone?”
Kalen looks about ready to jump at her offer, but a slight shake of my head makes him deflate.
“Sorry, sis.”
“Slate? Onyx? Both of you?”
They shake their heads in tandem. Amelie shoots me a fierce glare.
“You don’t want me, but you’re cockblocking them too?”
“I promise I’m not cockblocking anyone. You’re dead on your feet. Get an early night, and we’ll make it up to you at the weekend.”
“Really?” she asks, brightening.
“Yeah, let’s go out,” Kalen pipes up. “Get dick drunk.”
“Dick drunk?” She laughs. “Deal.”
“Good. I need to get drunk and fucked.”
