Though he feared trouble, he couldn't just keep watch while they fought. He'd lose face in front of Jonathan and Daniel.
Jonathan and Daniel weren't surprised by Henry's arrangement.
Though Brandon was older and had been a second-in-command with Justin, they knew he had no "glorious history" besides his time in prison.
He couldn't fight and was very timid.
He'd gained some status by boasting about knowing big shots in prison, especially Henry, whom he praised as a god, hoping to share some of that glory.
Tonight's fight was real, a first for all of them.
Brandon's face changed when Henry pulled out the gun, and his excitement faded.
Jonathan and Daniel noticed but didn't look down on him.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses.
Brandon wasn't a fighter.
But for strategy, Jonathan and Daniel admitted he was more experienced.
So Henry's arrangement seemed normal to them.
Henry patted Brandon's shoulder, "Brandon, we're a team now.
In a team, strategy and tactics matter, and using people wisely.
I don't know you well, but I feel Jonathan and Daniel are fighters, so they must be on the front line."
Jonathan and Daniel nodded.
Henry continued, "You're different. You're our elder, low-key and steady.
Win or lose tonight, there will be many issues needing careful handling.
If we're killed, someone must take care of us.
If we kill, someone must handle things outside while we're in jail or court.
I only have two guns. I'll be fighting hard to subdue Charles.
If you're there, we'll worry about you too.
Facing Charles's strong force, we can't afford distractions. It's not a fight but suicide!"
Jonathan said, "Brandon, Henry's right. Fewer people means using everyone well.
Charles will have at least a hundred men. Your presence won't change much.
Your absence eases our burden and helps us."
"Yes," Daniel added. "If we're killed, you can call the police to avoid an unsolved case.
If we're badly injured, you can call for help.
If you're with us, we'll all be caught, with no one left to avenge us."
Brandon felt his brothers underestimated him.
He frowned, "We're outnumbered. Instead of a direct fight, we should ambush them."
Henry explained, "That's my plan. Jonathan and Daniel will fire in the air to startle them, and I'll subdue Charles."
"But if they're far?" Brandon shook his head. "I have an idea for a real ambush."