His Protection

1. unwanted beginnings

Thud, thud, thud. Thud, thud-thud, thud.

There was sweat dripping down my forehead. I wiped it away with the back of my gloves, the leather becoming wet as I resumed attacking the punching bag swinging in front of my eyes. All that could be heard was my shallow grunting and heavy breathing. That is, until my phone rang.

I ran towards it on the bench and quickly pulled at my gloves throwing them down on the floor. "Winters" I answered and cleared my throat.

"Leyla, I have a new case for you. Can you meet me in my office in half an hour?" the gruff voice asked.

"Sure, sir" I curtly answered.

"Good. See you then" and with that he ended the call.

I sniffed myself and picked at my wet tank top. I smelt like shit.

I picked up my bag and my gloves, sliding my phone into one of the bag's side pockets as I headed towards the shower. I came out of the shower and quickly dried my hair and opened my locker, grabbing my suit and putting it on. I looked into a mirror and smoothed down my black suit jacket that was buttoned at the front and fixed the collar of my crisp, white shirt. I scrutinised myself for a minute, scanning every inch of my appearance until I was satisfied with what was staring back at me.

I slid my phone into my trouser pocket and dumped everything else into my locker and swung the door shut.

I headed up to my boss' office on the sixth floor. When I got into the elevator I nodded curtly at the few guys standing there already. It was silent and I was thankful for it, it was like an unsaid rule for us. That you never engaged in conversations until necessary. Small talk was such a waste of time and led to nothing.

As the elevator pinged, I got off on my floor and headed past the glass offices until I reached the end of the corridor. I nodded at the receptionist as she smiled sweetly "Sir is ready for you"

I tore my gaze away from her and walked with purpose to my boss' office as I tapped my knuckles on the glass door. I heard a muffled "Come in".

I entered his office and closed the door behind me taking a few steps forward and standing with my legs wider apart and my hands clasped in front of me.

"Leyla, have a seat" he looked down at a file with furrowed eyebrows and signalled to the chairs on the other side of his desk.

"I'm fine standing sir"

"You're going to want to sit for this one. This one isn't as straightforward" he mumbled, sighing as he rubbed his eyes with his hands.

My face scrunched up a little in confusion as I sat down "Here" he handed me an already open file and I took it in my hands.

"Vincent Morello. AKA 'Vince' as he is known in the system" my eyes bulged out as I read his file.

"Sir.." I started but before I could continue he cut me off.

"I know what you're going to say. Why is a felon in our programme when he has no leads or nothing to offer to cut down a sentence that is still to be decided. But his trial is in a few weeks and people have attempted to take his life. So the judge handling his case has ordered protection so he can be sentenced for his crimes" he looked straight at me, dejected.

"Nobody is willing to take this case on. No one. The reason I thought you would be perfect for it is because I know you like a challenge and this is the toughest one we have" his weary eyes focussed on me. His lips were down-turned like this was causing him so much stress. I gulped, I hated seeing him like this. But there were so many mixed emotions washing over me.