MY BODYGUARD /JENLISA

10)Seoul

Jennie stayed on her feet until the doors were closed and Mr. Manoban was seated, only sitting when he invited her to.

"I hope my daughter did not give you too much trouble in Singapore."

Instances of all the tantrums and drunkenness flashed across her mind. "Not too much, Mr. Manoban."

The elder man sighed. "What is it you wanted to talk about then? I hope you are not going to resign."

"We have a three-month contract. I will not break it before that. But you seem to be expecting it. Did this happen with the other bodyguards too?"

"Lisa doesn't like being followed around. She hates being watched."

"That is understandable."

"But I have doted on her too much." Mr. Manoban sighed again. "I am glad you understand. But if it is not about resigning, what is it about?"

"There are many types of bodyguards. Some are mainly for deterrence or 'display', as we call it, and some are for protection from real threats to life." Jennie paused and fixed a stare straight into Mr. Manoban's eyes. "When you hired me, there was no mention of any impending life threats but based on our conversation after the incident, I have reason to believe that you were expecting something to happen. Most people typically hire bodyguards like me only when there is genuine threat to them. But I think, in your case, it is a little more than that, am I right?"

Mr. Manoban closed his eyes. In that moment, he looked as though he had aged another ten years. "You are right," he said at last, sounding defeated. "I was expecting it."

"Usually, clients will inform their security about such matters. I would like to know why you withheld this information."

"It is highly confidential."

Jennie frowned. "We have a non-disclosure clause in our contracts. You shouldn't have to worry about loose lips."

"It involves corruption and some government officials. I cannot say more but I will tell you frankly that I have received veiled threats on my youngest daughter's life." His eyes closed again. "Actually, it is more than that." His lips trembled. "They promised to make her suffer before she dies."

"I see."

"I did not think they would dare to do anything to her in Singapore. So I was glad to let her go on that trip. But perhaps, they thought it would be easier because there would be lesser security present."

"She is very lucky that I went back to her room that time."

"I cannot thank you enough for saving her life. So I hope you will continue to protect her for the rest of your contract."

"Will the threat be removed within three months?"

Mr. Manoban nodded. "The arrests should take place within this time."

"You are a brave and noble man, Mr. Manoban."

He shook his head. "I am a terrible father."

"She will be proud of you if she knows."

Mr. Manoban chuckled. "Will she stop trying to get rid of her bodyguards if she knows?"

Jennie smiled. "Maybe."

"I have already said too much. But I trust you. Please take care of my daughter."

"I will. Don't worry."

•••

Now that they were back in Seoul, security was much harder to penetrate. Everyone, from her chauffeur to the butler, was security personnel. Having all these people around was definitely a strong defence against the threat, but Jennie knew that it was down to her if anyone managed to get close enough to Lisa. She was confident in her abilities but Lisa not knowing about the real threat she faced, was a problem. This wasn't something within her control however, so what she could do was be more alert than ever.