Page 71 of Amore
“For how long?”
Hansen leaned back in his chair. “Since it’s your first time, I’ll do a shift.”
“I can work with that.”
“But”—he leaned forward, placing his elbows on his desk—“I saw the picture of you and Ms. Borelli kissing.” I swallowed. “So, I can assume you’re dating now?”
“Yes, sir.”
“You didn’t hear this from me,” he lowered his voice, “but you can stay her bodyguard forever and then retire from the LAPD with your pension.”
“Seriously?”
He held up his hands in front of him. “Like I said, you didn’t hear it from me, but I like you, Davenport. You’re a good guy, and while I would love for you to stay on my squad, you have a pretty sweet gig with Frankie Borelli.” He winked.
I did have a sweet gig with Frankie. Being with her all the time was amazing, and we were closer than ever—literally.
“So, if I were you,” he continued, “I would ride it out as long as you can because it’s safer than working the streets of LA.”
Was it safer? Someone—or multiple people—was after Frankie. I would take a bullet for her, but I hoped it wouldn’t come to that and we could move on with our lives. I had bigger dreams when it came to Frankie than just being her employee.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Now, about your guns. We need to file reports about those too, but I won’t be issuing you a new service weapon until you return—ifyou return.”
“I understand.”
After Hansen did the appropriate paperwork, I left and headed to the gun shop where I’d purchased my personal firearm. I filled out all the necessary paperwork, and started the ten-day waiting period, but since Frankie and I were heading to Kansas, waiting wouldn’t be a problem.
21
FRANKIE
I was excitedto see the house in Malibu. I wasn’t sure why I had never thought to look at a home near the beach. I was in LA and always dreamed of a home with a view of the ocean. It would take me longer to commute into Hollywood if my next role was being filmed in at a studio, but it would be worth it, especially since I would be living with Luke.
We followed Danielle into the gated community and up to the five-bedroom Spanish-contemporary home. The pictures had excited me, seeing that it had a double-sided fireplace and vaulted ceilings, but what I knew would influence Luke was the chef’s kitchen with its top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances and the gym with an infrared sauna. Amore would love the massive yard where he could run and play fetch. There was no pool, but I didn’t need one with the beach so close. The pictures had sold me, and when we entered the home, I was ready to sign the papers.
“I want it,” I stated.
Luke and Danielle look over at me, stunned.
“Are you sure?” Luke asked.
“You’ve only seen the entryway,” Danielle said.
I nodded. “It just feels right.”
“I like that the home is gated and that we’re in a gated community,” Luke indicated.
“Me too. It’s perfect.”
“Okay. Well, let me head back to my office, and I’ll email you the offer to sign,” Danielle said.
“Perfect.” I beamed.
Before we left, we checked out the entire house, and it was even more perfect than I’d thought. Luke scoped out the small gym and said it would work well for a safe room. He could make it secure, and we wouldn’t have to lose an office or guest room.
Everything was starting to work out.
