HIS BODYGUARD

Chapter 6: On Command, In Service

Jack, Manzel's assistant, drops two guns on my desk with a loud thud. "There's ammo in the cupboard, some safety gear, and a pair of binoculars for after-college duty, get yourself equipped, Ms. McNeil, the mission will not be as easy as you expect it to be." 

How much worse can it go when I already anticipate the worst?

"Take care, Lorelei." Father hands me the guns, his hands squirming as he does so. I tuck it into the straps under my outfit. "I'll be home for dinner. Take care of yourself for me?" I give him a soft smile. He nods.

"It's Sunday," he says to remind me that it's movie night.

"I'll try to come back early," I utter.

"Bye." I step out of the extravagant penthouse. My boots click on the floor and I tread across the isolated corridor. I sigh softly as I step inside the elevator. My earpiece is in place and so are my guns.

"Hello there," the voice nearly makes me jump. "Hey," I utter back as a reply to the voice that comes from the earpiece. "I'm Kris, I'll be guiding you throughout your mission for the year."

I turn to the right after making an exit from the elevator, heading straight to the back door of the building. "You'll see a black SUV numbered 1002, waiting for you. Step right into it." Avoiding gazes and people, I stride to the car.

"You'll be driven to the Blue Lagoon Villas, I'll reconnect with you once you've arrived." The line disconnects with a soft beep. The driver is dressed rather casually and he not once utters a word or even makes eye contact as he roars through the streets.

This isn't the first time that I've been out on a mission, but it surely is the first time that I've got a real target in the zone. Previously, I've had episodes of me assisting in fake setups of bodyguard duties and I never understood why Manzel put me through those, but it all makes sense now.

As much as I hate him, I can't deny that he's a visionary.

I never chose this life, I was forced into it and yet, a twisted part of me likes the power that I hold in my domain. I load my guns, and I feel the driver's head twitch at the sound.

*****

"Kris, area 304 is clear," I report as I gaze down the building, my body flat on the ground and my neck supporting me to get a good view of the place. "Good, now, head into area 303." I follow the instructions and hurry down the stairs to shift my position to the neighboring building. After two jumps and one roll, I make it to the place.

"Done."

"Do you see the room with white curtains parted halfway through?" I squint to locate the room. "Yeah..." I trail off as I see Nicholas seated on the edge of the bed. 

Seeing him reminds me of what he asked me during our brief encounter. What was he talking about? What don't I remember?

"Target in view?" 

I nod, then reply, "Target in view."

He's in a white collared shirt with black trousers that have smoothened sliver lines decorating them. Is that his definition of casual wear?

"With all the areas that have been viewed by you today, you'll have a clear-view access to the complete exteriors of the villa. For today, however, area 303 is going to be your temporary view location. So, you can spot snipers or any other threats to the target and eliminate them easily. The windows are bulletproof, so all you've got to do is ensure that no threats are in the target's view."

"My job is to stay here and locate snipers?" My voice doesn't do too bad with expressing my boredom. "That's your job for today. From tomorrow, after your personal errands, you'll be equipped with the task of following him around as he's always on a hectic schedule."