The Bodyguard (Hosie)

Chapter 10

Hope stayed on her feet until the doors were closed and Mr. Saltzman was seated, only sitting when he invited her to.

"I hope my daughter did not give you too much trouble in Japan."

Instances of all the tantrums and drunkenness flashed across her mind. "Not too much, Mr. Saltzman."

The elder man sighed. "What is it you wanted to talk about then? I hope you are not going to resign."

"We have a three-month contract. I will not break it before that. But you seem to be expecting it. Did this happen with the other bodyguards too?"

"Josie doesn't like being followed around. She hates being watched."

"That is understandable."

"But I have doted on her too much," Mr. Saltzman sighed again. "I am glad you understand. But if it is not about resigning, what is it about?"

"There are many types of bodyguard. Some are mainly for deterrence or 'display', as we call it, and some are for protection from real threats to life." Hope paused and fixed a stare straight into Mr. Saltzman's eyes. "When you hired me, there was no mention of any impending life threats but based on our conversation after the incident, I have reason to believe that you were expecting something to happen. Most people typically hire bodyguards like me only when there is genuine threat to them. But I think, in your case, it is a little more than that, am I right?"

Mr. Saltzman closed his eyes. In that moment, he looked as though he had aged another ten years. "You are right," he said at last, sounding defeated. "I was expecting it."

"Usually, clients will inform their security about such matters. I would like to know why you withheld this information."

"It is highly confidential."

Hope frowned. "We have a non-disclosure clause in our contracts. You shouldn't have to worry about loose lips."

"It involves corruption and some government officials. I cannot say more but I will tell you frankly that I have received veiled threats on my youngest daughter's life." His eyes closed again. "Actually, it is more than that." His lips trembled. "They promised to make her suffer before she dies."

"I see."

"I did not think they would dare to do anything to her in Japan. So I was glad to let her go on that trip. But perhaps, the thought it would be easier because there would be lesser security present."

"She is very lucky that I went back to her room when I did."

"I cannot thank you enough for saving her life. So I hope you will continue to protect her for the rest of your contract."

"Will the threat be removed within three months?"

"Mr. Saltzman nodded. "The arrests should take place within this time."

"You are a brave and noble man, Mr. Saltzman."

He shook his head. "I am a terrible father."

"She will be proud of you if she knows."

Mr. Saltzman chuckled. "Will she stop trying to get rid of her bodyguards if she knows?"

Hope smiled. "Maybe."

"I have already said too much. But I trust you. Please take care of my daughter."

"I will. Don't worry."

-----

Now that they were back in Mystic Falls, security was much harder to penetrate. Everyone, from her chauffer to the butler, was security personnel. Having all these people around was definitely a strong defense against the threat, but Hope knew that it was down to her if anyone managed to get close enough to Josie. She was confident in her abilities but Josie not knowing about the real threat she faced, was a problem. This wasn't something within her control however, so what she could do was be more alert than ever.