Don't Let Go

The Beginning

ELLIOT POV

To say I was surprised would be an understatement.

The Townsend estate was a gigantic castle built from stone. When Aidan parked the car and I stepped out, my breath left me in a whoosh. He introduced me to Alfred, the butler, then after a basic background check I was brought to George's office.

Cordelia was far more social, funny, and intelligent than I ever imagined.  Her Dad seemed extremely protective but not like a militant parent which was nice.  Getting a guided tour by Cordy was more fun than I expected, as well. She showed me the common areas and explained a bit about how their days run. I could tell there was a lot more to see throughout their property but it made sense to only get a basic glimpse my first time here.

The fact that her Dad turned a turret into a sitting room that had not only a bathroom, but a kitchenette behind a secret door, was insane. Cordy had every right to be stand offish or cautious around me. Instead, she was open with that spark you hope to find when you know you will be spending a lot of time with someone.

We went back and forth quoting the Catalog people scene from "Best in Show" on our walk to her Dad's office so I was still chuckling as I took a seat across from Mr. Townsend. Cordy also loved my Eugene Levy impression which was a good thing.

Ethan doesn't appreciate that kind of humor like I do, so it was fun to find common ground. Her laugh was all consuming. Cordy's entire body caved in while her eyes sparkled as she cracked up with wild abandon.

All of my assumptions were wrong. This girl really was awesome, just like Aidan said.

Once I was back in Mr. Townsend's office she chatted with us for a few moments then excused herself. I paid more attention now that my nervous energy was gone and noticed a few framed photos on the wall. One was clearly a wedding picture from when George married his now departed wife, while another showed them with Cordy as a toddler on a bench in the garden.

Those photos would be suited to any wall in suburban America. Instead, they're inside a castle guarded with government level surveillance and a staff of about a dozen full time workers.

"May I speak candidly, Elliot?" George Townsend asked me when we were alone.

I nodded, "Of course."

He stood from his desk chair and paced a moment before turning to me with a worried crease between his brows.  "I told you previously that Cordy was kidnapped as a baby.  After that time she rarely left the house and never without being under heavy security cover.  We recently received some new credible threats to her life.  Threats that have been escalating in a manner which has even Aidan on edge."

"What?" My heart pounded with panic now that I felt even more connection to the woman I would be guarding.

Cordy, the gorgeous blonde that easily teased me about having 2 left feet and was obviously well loved by every member of their staff.  The woman whose life has been spent heavily criticized and even more heavily monitored.

Who would want to kill her?

George reached into a side drawer and handed me a folder with copies of emails they received.  They included photos obviously taken at a long distance while Cordelia was shopping with Aidan and Lewis nearby as well as some from their garden.

They even had one of her in the turret, sketchbook in front of her while she focused on a drawing.

My stomach turned as he continued, "I am sure she told you about the training she does.  Our security guards are aware of these messages but my daughter doesn't need to know at this time.  I wanted someone new to stay by her side so maybe this group gets the impression she is never alone.  Maybe if you choose to take this job she will be more safe. If nothing else, a fresh set of eyes would be able to see things we may ignore. You have a good instinct, Elliot.  You will know when it's time to run."