Saving Larry [A Larry Stylinson + One Direction Story]

Ch. 1 - Job Offer

Lexi's POV

As I walked through the house to my Uncle's attached office, I was wondering what was up. When Uncle Jason (a/k/a Jace) called, he had said that it was a matter or urgency regarding a favor that he owed an "old friend". My Uncle would only use the phrase "old friend" when he would talk about his buddies from the US Navy or someone that he has known for a long time in the personal security field.

My Uncle's business is providing personal security teams for the protection for those individuals that are in the public eye, such as actors/actresses, singers, bands, models, politicians and CEO's. Blackguard Corporation, my Uncle's business, is considered one of the best at handling a variety of situations covertly and without drawing the attention of various news and media outlets.

When I reached my Uncle's office doors, I knocked twice and waited for permission to enter. My Uncle was a stickler for protocol and manners, as with any retired career US Navy Officer. Which allowed not only myself, but my brothers and other co-workers to blend so seamlessly into the world of our clients.  

When my Uncle said, "Come in." I knew that was cue to enter his domain, an office that just screams the old boy's club - dark rich wall colors, black leather, bookcases, family photos and military memorabilia, and that our conversation would only be about a client. No family business is discussed in the office, not ever as a rule, this was just to help separate personal from professional relations due to the majority of my brothers and I are employed by Jace's company. Sort of like the Old West Saloon era where you checked in your guns or weapons at the door, we check our emotions in at the door and leave them outside in the hall.

As, I open the door and enter, I immediately close the door behind me and proceed to stand in front of his desk. As usual the huge mahogany desk is kept in an immaculately clean condition, with only one client folder sitting on his desk. He holds up his hand, silently asking me to be quite as he finishes up his phone call and jots some additional notes in the file, and informs the other party that he will call them back shortly.

My interest has just piqued as my Uncle, usually has the client call back later that day or the morning of the next.

"Thanks for coming into the Office so early on a Sunday Morning.", Jace said as he sipped his morning cup of dark roasted coffee. I have to hold back a smirk and a giggle, as he still drank his morning coffee out of the cup I had decorated for him for his birthday when I was twelve years old. The cup was lime green with turquoise polka dots and the word "The King" in a decorated script scrawled across the front. Jace has a complex personality and lifestyle that many people do not see, as he has always been a very private person.

I responded, "Well, I know you would not have called at 5:00 am for a social chat. What is happening that is so urgent?" It wasn't if I was out partying the previous night, I had gone to my older brother's house to spend the evening kicking his and his two oldest kid's butts playing Halo 4 Infinity Slayer and crashed on their couch after the six hour game session. I have functioned on a lot less than four hours of sleep before, so no big deal.

"I received a call from an "old friend" dealing with a stalking and death threat issue on high profile public client." he responded.

Normally, my Uncle would say who, but his lips were pressed together in a grimace. What is going on with this client? My Uncle believes that the more that he and his employees know the more apt they are to take the job and complete it successfully.

"Jace, what is up with this client or job that has you so tight lipped and not forthcoming with information?" I replied.

"Lexi, this client is going to require us to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before they even tell us any specifics. If it was not for the person that called, I would have told them that we would not even accept nor sign an NDA prior to discussing their concerns. The person who called is my old mentor Lexi, it's Paul." Jace said.

I know that Uncle Jace has only mentioned Paul a few times when I was growing up, but it was always with a sense of respect and admiration. Paul was one of the first people to give Jace a job when he retired from the US Navy. This morning Jace seems to say the name more with disbelief and concern about this event as it is unfolding.

"Jace, if we sign the NDA are we committed to complete the job for the client?", I inquired.

His response shocked me, as he uttered, "Yes, and Lexi you were asked for specifically. Additionally, you will be the only member of Blackguard Corp. to be assigned to this operation."

"What? There has never been a client that only one member of the team has been assigned to. Our strength is working in small teams, a minimum of two or a maximum of six members, to address a client's needs." I responded.

"I know this is not our usual operational procedure Lexi; however, they asked for you specifically and for some reason think that your particular skill set is optimal for the successful completion of this job. Only you can decide if you are willing to take the job with no prior knowledge or pass on it. I need an answer immediately, as I need to call them back within another 15 minutes or the job is offered to another group." Jace informed me.

This was a highly unusual situation with specific client requirements. An NDA prior to even finding out the job and I would be the only team member assigned. I would be going in blind and pretty much on my own; however, if my Uncle Jace did not think I could handle myself accordingly, he would not have called me in.

I look at him and said, "Call the client and tell them that I am on board. However, I want to be at the client briefing meeting along with you too, that way at least I know that one other person knows what is going on and has my back incase a life and death situation comes into play."

"Always kiddo, I have had your back since you were 2 minutes old and nothing is going to change that." Jace replied while picking up the phone and dialing the client. "Paul, its Jace calling with your response to your situation - Lexi is on board for the job. Where and when is the briefing meeting?" he inquired and jotting down the response. "Will do Paul, see you at 10:00 am." Jace stated as he hung the receiver up from the call to the client.

"So where are we meeting at 10:00 am?", I inquired as that would give us up to a distance of 200 miles to drive at the highway speed limit. Just what I didn't look forward to, as Jace and I have very different tastes in music. 

"Their corporate jet is flying in and landing at the county municipal airport at 10:00 am. Pack your bag for at least a week, no weapons and make sure you have your passport on you. You will be flown with the other passengers to JFK and then you will board and International flight to the UK. You are flying first class so, you will need to dress the part to fit in - the phrase "classic rock and roll" was mentioned. Be ready to leave in an hour Lexi.", Jace informed me with a wave of his hand to leave as he looked down at the client folder.

I exited his office, closing the doors behind me and head back to main part of the house and take the backstairs up to my second floor bedroom. Upon entering my room, my mind begins to whirl at warp speed. Who is this client?  I think to myself - a corporate jet and first class international flight to the UK. The no weapons make sense, as the gun laws in the UK are very restrictive, so I make sure that my Walther PPX handgun is secured in the firearm safe in my room. Jace had mentioned my skill set was needed in our previous conversation. Hand to hand combat means that our client feels that the threat will be up close and personal. Which means that I will need to be their shadow and blend in seamlessly.

Grabbing my suitcase and my backpack, I looked through my wardrobe and began to pull jeans, some classic rock T-shirts, Blazers, hoodies and a couple of outfits for a special occasions and business meetings and footwear that looks cool, but I can also run and kick someone else's butt in. Classic Rock and Roll suits me just fine. I keep the jewelry simple, a few rings that I know can inflict some damage in a fight but also compliment my outfits, two necklaces and stud earrings. I also grab my iPad, iPhone and my laptop and grabbed my copy of Halo 4 from the gaming system in my room. A girl has to have some fun on occasion and Halo 4 Spartan Games is a stress reliever for me. Next I grabbed my unmentionables, as my Uncle and brothers call them, and my toiletries and make-up and place them in my backpack along with my tech items. This might not be a bad assignment after all!

******Edited the 1st chapter and wanted to clarify and enrich the story******

Comments and suggestions are welcomed, as it is my first time writing a story. What do you think so far?