Don't Let Go

First Impression

CORDELIA POV

I paced my sitting room and felt my stomach flip while waiting for my possible new bodyguard to arrive.  My Dad has been scouting for the right person over the last year but finally felt like he got someone that would work well.  As much as I love and trust my Dad implicitly, I can also hold my own.  This was a big deal that we took seriously.

"Cordy? Sit down. You're gonna give yourself a migraine," Lewis said with a whine. He was wearing his usual black suit and I always mocked him for looking like a James Bond wannabe.

Timothy Dalton's James Bond, of course. My best friend since childhood even had the same dark hair and butt chin.

"I can't help it. You know interviewing people makes me anxious," I admitted, flopping onto my cozy side chair by the window. "Dad is right about getting someone else on our security detail so I can explore the world more but I have every right to be uneasy."

He let out a long sigh then stood, stretching his back. "I mean, I am still going to be your security when we go places but your Dad made a good point that having someone in plain clothes that can fly under the radar. Adding anyone new to the staff feels weird, though. You need the right people keeping watch so I don't know how I feel about it. I am set as your primary bodyguard so hopefully your Dad doesn't change that."

The idea made me grin, even though he was hesitant. Lewis and I met when we were kids since his family was also old money. He went to the Police Academy after college but was injured on duty so my Dad hired him as security. The Rothschild family lived overseas now but Lewis saw them a few times a year.

It's nice to have someone I've known forever nearby. The private school I attended was full of snotty brats who have no idea how privileged they are. I know I'm not much better, but at least I don't treat our hired help like they are hired help.

Our staff is our family. I loved them like we were blood so hopefully this guy fits the right vibe and can handle everything we need. Dad and I have agreed that this would be the best way forward so I can have more independence. As long as he and Aidan approve of the new guy, I know he will be fine.

Lewis' opinion never factored into our decision making. He wishes it did, especially since he was used to having control when working at his family estate, but with them overseas everything has been different.

"Okay, I'm gonna go check the perimeter. See ya later, pipsqueak." He waved while leaving my sitting room and I let out a dramatic sigh.

Maybe I should go downstairs and spy...

No. Dad assured me this guy was nice and would be easy to get along with. I really wanted to do some traveling but since there was always a lot to do around here it's tough for my Dad to get away. If I have a companion of sorts then it will be easier to go to the beach or check out a movie.

Dad has been teaching me about how our estate is run for a few years now. My degree is in Business so he has made sure I know how to handle bookkeeping, balance budgets, and properly deal with hiring as well as firing staff. The place only runs if everyone works as a team.

It's been a relief to take some of the stress off my Dad's shoulders.  Losing my Mom not even 2 years ago was devastating. Now we have focused on making sure the future of our family can be safe.

I grabbed my sketch pad and worked on a drawing I started yesterday of a sparrow in flight. My art teacher wanted me to make an effort to show more dimension in my pieces so the movement of wings in flight felt like a good case study.

Then again, I could relate to birds. Our castle was a gilded cage that I have rarely been allowed to escape. I love my Dad and know he does his best to keep me safe, though. Now that I'm almost 21, things will be changing even more.