Bodyguard |Michael Gray|

The beginning

Scarlett Anderson dropped her umbrella into the bucket and breathed in the cigarette smoke filled fumes of Shelby limited. She took off her soft red wool coat and hung it on the rack. Her heels clicked as she strolled to the meeting room. All of the family were waiting and their eyes followed her as she took her seat. Late as usual she tried her best to hide her nerves by pushing her nails into the palms of her hands as punishment

"Well now that Miss Anderson has graced us with her presence let's get on with this", Tommy sat at the head of the table his voice strong and clear. As he started the meeting smoke fell out of his mouth and clouded his face like a halo.

"Scarlett needs protection and now that her father is Safely back in America I've dropped her down to the middle of the list, so that means personal protection from now on." He caught Scarlett's eye as she pushed her chair back, eyes wide and dilated. Her red curls falling into her face as she looked down in uncertainty.

"Tommy please do you really think this is the best idea, she's in enough danger as it is if she gets into trouble the poor bloke who has to babysit her will be hung by ye". Arthur's voice rose through the room and scraped off the walls. His words were course but sharp. He knew this wasn't the best idea but no one could convince Tommy otherwise once his mind was made up.

Polly suddenly spoke "Who is it then, what poor fucker are you gunna let hold her life in his hands" she slammed her hand down on the table in disagreement. John chuckled nervously.

"Michael, he's new but I think it's time he had a chance to prove himself 'round these parts, sure this ones a handful but it's time we gave the lad some real responsibilities" Tommy let the word roll off his tongue as he smirked. He had a plan. The family looked around the dusty room, they looked for a counter argument.

"Hold on now what ave I got to do with her well being? I'm only new how the fuck-"
"Watch your language there boy" Polly glared at the interrupter. Michael Gray sat both hands firm on the table. Suit folding perfectly to his stance. His eyes glinted with anger but his mouth twitched and gave away his nerves. "Tommy my Michael surely isn't the best pick for this kind of task I mean look at him!" She waved her hand at a dazed Michael. In that moment he snapped out of his thoughts and shot his mother a look.

"Tommy my father being gone doesn't make a difference and why Michael? surely he can't protect me he can barely shoot a gun!"
The young woman stood up and her chair screeched, mumbles rose in the air around her. She stood out amoungst the Shelby's, a mop of dark red hair and cream duster coat swayed with every word.

"Now now Scarlett nothing to worry about, my lad ere has you covered. He can shoot straight and that's all he'll need,  now you and him go and sort out the arrangements in his office aye". Tommy lifted an empty whiskey glass and pointed it at the office across the hall. His tone bounced when he mentioned her name.

"Wha- wait you can't be serious- he'll have to guard me how'll he be-" The young girl hung her head and Tommy interrupted as everyone fiddled and put on their coats, " You go sort that out now, he can stay at your place if you need it- at least at the start and we'll see how that goes."Arthur and John left in a hurry and Scarlett sat in the chair, unable to lift herself up in response.

After that everyone filed out of the room Polly stormed after Tommy her heels clacking down the hall of the betting shop. Michael sat in his seat staring at his glass. He swirled it in his hand then his eyes met Scarlett . "I'm not doing it, I don't even know you, so don't worry it's a stupid idea anyway." His voice was deep and steady. The fact that he told her not to worry struck something in her, but she rolled her eyes anyway as a cover up for the sincerity.

Scarlett understood that he couldn't disobey Tommy but she barely knew the boy in front of her. She needed freedom and now it felt like hers was being bottled away. Her and Michael hung their heads as she followed him into his office, he closed the door behind her and gestured her a seat beside the desk.

//// sorry this was in third person I just needed to open up the story the next part will be in Scarlett's p.o.v so stay tuned xxx