Page 21 of The Road Less Traveled By

What the fuck did this guy do to her? And why didn't they get her a female bodyguard? I assume this girl will run for the hills when she sees me. I’m not a soft guy. I’m a bit rough around the edges, and most people are scared of me when they see me. Even those I work with at the agency have told me I make them nervous, even after seven years.

I guess I’ll just have to tone that part of myself down if I even know how to. Most of the people I guard are politicians, events that need an extra set of hands, and witnesses in criminal proceedings. I’ve never hadto protect someone so young, famous, or one who has been recently traumatized.

“I can do that.”

“Thank you. I’ll go grab Bree.” She gets up, and I set the folder onto another chair, opting to look at it later. A few seconds later, she comes back with two girls, both young looking, and I stay seated. They sit across the table from me, and I notice the blonde one is wearing a thick scarf around her neck despite it being warm and sunny outside.That’s gotta be her.

The brown-haired one speaks first. “I’m Liv, and this is my sister, Bree.”

“Vince Evans.” I’d normally say it’s nice to meet them, but it isn't. These girls are too young to be dealing with this.

“Connie told us you’re the best,” Liv says.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good. We’re not requiring you to live in our parents’ house, but anytime Bree leaves or has some event to go to, you’ll be with her. Does that sound okay?”

“It sounds perfect. There’s a hotel across the street from your place, so I’ll always be around.”

“Great. I’m glad we’re on the same page.” She smiles, and I notice that Bree hasn't said anything yet. I hope I’m not scaring her. I usually prefer not to personally attach myself to my clients, but something about this case is different.

Something aboutherfeels different, and I can’t pinpoint why. It’s probably because she’s the youngest client I’ve ever had. Let’s go with that. Rule number three is to never get attached to your clients, and most of the jobs I’m on, I don't speak. It’s trickling into my daily life now, and most people are put off by my silence, so it wouldn't surprise me if theyare, too.

“Could I have a moment alone with Bree?” I move to where her vacant eyes stare back at me, hoping she’ll say yes. I like to get a basis of who each client is, but I understand if she doesn't want to.

Bree nods her head before Liv places her hand in hers. “If you don't want to, it’s okay, Bree.”

“It’s okay, sis.” Her voice comes out in a whisper, and I wonder if her vocal cords were damaged. I barely looked at the hospital records.

“We’ll be right outside,” Connie says as the two of them leave. The door clicks softly behind them, and neither of us speaks as silence blankets the room.

Before I explain myself, I try to make my voice a bit softer, with less edge. I can already tell if I spoke like I normally do, I’d scare her, and that’snotwhat I’m trying to do.

“I have a few rules I like to go over with my clients before we start. Is that okay?”

“Yes,” she whispers again.

“There’s only five of them. Never be unreachable. I always need to be able to reach you, so you’ll have my number saved. No physical contact unless it’s an emergency. I won't touch you unless your safety is concerned, or I’m trying to help you. Is that okay with you?”

“Yes, actually. Thank you.” The whisper comes out a bit hoarser, and I have to clench my fingers to stop myself from breaking this fucking table.

She’s twenty years old. She shouldn't have to deal with shit like this, and it pisses me off more than my cases usually do.

“Number three is no personal attachments. We can make small talk, of course, but my main job is to protect you, and if I get attached, my judgment will be clouded.”

“Understood.”

“Number four: I’ll be here until this is done. That means that until he’s dead or behind bars, I’ll be by your side.”

“And if he gets caught and gets out? What happens then?” Her hoarse whisper is getting a bit more strained, and I notice her leg hasn't stopped shaking.

“Is that something you’re worried about? Also, if writing your questions down helps your voice, feel free to do that.”

I swear, I hear her say something to the effect of being worried about everything, but before I can speak, she writes something down and slides it over to me.

Felony stalking means up to five years in prison, but most get out before then on good behavior. It happened in most of the cases I looked at in Pennsylvania. So yes, I’m worried about that.

“I understand. Well, if it makes you feel better, if he gets out, I’ll come back. How does that sound?” She writes something down before sliding the paper over again.

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