Page 6 of Betrayed

“I don’t want a bodyguard,” I argued. I didn’t want some big, dumb guy following me around. What would my friends think? Would my professors have an issue with someone tagging along in the classroom?

“I know, Princess, but it’s only for a few days while we sort this out.”

“Do you know who sent the card?” I asked, letting my irritation seep into my voice. It was easier than feeling afraid.

He shook his head back and forth as he lifted his wineglass. “Not yet.”

“What about my morning class?” I asked, hoping he’d let me skip the meeting. “You know I can’t afford to miss a class this close to mid-terms.”

“I asked him to meet us early; with any luck you’ll still make your class.”

With any luck?That did nothing to improve my mood.

Neither did seeing the look of jealousy and irritation on Priscilla’s face.

Chapter 4

AJ

“Morning, Mary. Morning, Beth.” I called as I walked into Grannie’s Coffee Bar bright and early Monday morning.

“Morning AJ. What brings you in this morning?” Mary asked.

“Treating the office to the best coffee in town.” It never hurt to kiss up to the boss’s wife.

Mary Sheppard was an amazing woman in her own right. She and John had been married, well I didn’t know for sure, but, over thirty years, given Jamie’s age. She was a strong, loving mother; the kind I wished I’d had growing up. Mary inheritedGrannie’s from her grandmother, and treated everyone who worked for her like family. She was the Mama Bear at the coffee shop and at SSI. Those of us not related by blood or marriage weren’t exempt from her tough love if she thought we needed it.She and John have that in common.

“This have anything to do with scaring a tourist on Friday?” Beth asked.

Fucking Doug. He and Beth had been dating about six months. Technically, they were pre-engaged, after an accidental proposal, but he hadn’t officially proposed yet.I should have known he’d tell her. I’d put money on Mary knowing, too.

“It does. I figure it can’t hurt to suck up a little.” I wasn’t really worried about my reputation, but knew they'd appreciate my effort.

“John knows it’ll never happen again,” Mary said before asking, “How many do you need?”

“Eight.” I’d get murdered if I didn’t get coffee for everyone. “And a mocha for Meg.”

I arrived at the SSI office, holding nine large cups of coffee, twenty minutes earlier than requested. John had called yesterday afternoon, asking everyone to come in early at the request of a big client.

My goal was to arrive first, and I did. Barely. John arrived a few seconds after me. Just in time to unlock the back door and hold it open for me.

“Good morning, Sir.” I said, handing him a coffee with one hand while carefully balancing the trays holding the remaining eight on the other. It didn’t lighten my load, but it took the precariously balanced cup off the top.

“Morning.” His grin, so like Jack’s, told me he was expecting my coffee suck-up. Once again, reminding me how impossible it was to keep a secret around here. Though, I hadn’t actually toldMary it was a secret when I admitted I was sucking up to her husband.

“Thanks,” he said as he looked me over. I was wearing a plain black polo and khaki slacks. It was my typical work wear, unless I was protecting a rich or high-profile client. Then I’d be in a suit and tie. “You have a clean SSI polo here?”

“Yeah, should I change?” It was a stupid question. He wouldn’t have said anything otherwise.

“Yes. We’re meeting with Steven Davenport, District Attorney, out of Dallas.” We treated all our clients with the same courtesy and respect, but some commanded more professional attire than others.

“Yes, sir.” I set the trays on Meg’s desk, placing her mocha in front of her monitor before grabbing my coffee and heading to the office I shared with Doug. We all kept clean clothes in the office, never knowing when we’d need to change. We also kept bags with our tactical gear in our cars, so we’d be ready faster when shit hit the fan.

Which happened more often as our client base increased and we took on more dangerous jobs.

By the time I came out of my office, the rest of the guys were in and holding their coffees. We looked sharp in our matching navy polos, the SSI logo embroidered on the upper left chest.

“Thanks for the mocha,” Meg said as she lifted her cup in my direction before setting it down without taking a drink.

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