Page 75 of The Professional
Forrest didn’t know what happened to Montague, but he never asked. He had a feeling he’d know what Rourke would say. It was better if Forrest didn’t know, but Forrest asked Terrance anyway, and Terrance told him he’d been dealt with. That’s the most he got in answer.
By the end of the week, Rourke and Forrest made plans to visit Forrest’s favorite lingerie store. Rourke had a meeting with Sloan beforehand, though, so they agreed to meet there instead. Forrest asked Sam for a guard, and he provided a man they called Ox, a massive mountain who was usually reserved for VIP clients, or the bosses like Rourke and Terrance.
“Okay… what’s going on?” Forrest asked Sam, leaning over the reception desk. “Why are you giving me Ox?” He smiled apologetically at the bald, dark skinned man dressed all in black. He really did look like a bodyguard. “No offense.”
“None taken,” Ox replied, his mouth twisting in a half smirk.
Sam sighed from where he typed on his computer. “I don’t know. I’m just the messenger. Rourke called and told me Ox would be taking care of you today.”
“Does he really think I’m that fragile? I got a few hits in with Montague.” Forrest exhaled loudly and slammed his forehead on the desk. It hurt like a bitch, especially with the still visible bruises. At least the swelling and purpled skin mostly disappeared.
Sam raised his chin. “Honestly? I think he cares about your safety.” He grinned. “By the way, the news about you and Rourke fucking has already made its rounds through Virtue. Terrance isn’t happy because Rourke made him end it with Alice.”
“Boo-hoo. I don’t care.” Forrest glanced at Ox. “Looks like you’re coming with me, buddy.”
“I have no issues with that,” Ox said. The thing about the guy is that while he was the biggest and baddest bodyguard, he was also the sweetest. Forrest had chatted with him a few times before and quickly realized he’d underestimated Ox. He was not only kind, but wicked smart too. “Shall we, sir?”
“Ooh, I like being called sir.” Forrest threw a grin over his shoulder at Sam, who rolled his eyes.
“Bye, Forrest,” Sam said nonchalantly. “Have fun at the panty store.”
“It’s alingeriestore.”
“Whatever.”
Forrest laughed and waved at the doors. “Let’s go, Ox.”
They headed outside into the cool air. Over the last week, the nearly record low temperatures had petered out, giving away to slightly warmer weather. It was still winter, though, which meant Forrest put on his trendy double-breasted coat with jeans and brown boots. Certainly not a fashion runway look, but it was comfortable, and he wasn’t out to impress anyone.
The store was only a few blocks away and it was easier to walk than navigate the New York City traffic, so Forrest took a right and headed down the street, Ox at his side. They chatted briefly, but whenever Forrest needed an answer, he only got a one or two word comment. It was Ox’s job to keep alert, and that meant after a few noncommittal replies, he gave up trying to draw his bodyguard into a conversation.
They made it a few streets before Forrest sawher. She stood beside one of the hot dog stands, a takeout cup of something hot in her hands and a smile on her face. She wasn’t surprised to see Forrest, which meant she’d been waiting for him.
“No comment,” Forrest said sharply when she approached him. Ox acted as a barrier to him, standing between them, his facial features hard in a warning.
Diaz laughed. “I just want to have a talk, Forrest Brassard.”
Forrest winced. So now she knew his name. Good for her.
“No comment.” He strode past her, his pace quick and determined.
She didn’t bother chasing him. “Don’t you want to know about your twin brother?”
Forrest came to an abrupt halt, and Ox crashed into the back of him, nearly bringing them both to the ground. Ox apologized and held onto Forrest’s arm as though afraid Forrest would still fall.
Forrest spun on his heel and looked at her. “What?”
Her smug expression gound his gears. “Your twin brother that you didn’t know you had.”
“I don’t have a twin brother.”
“But you do. He lives in New Gothenburg.” She threw the takeout cup in a garbage can beside her and crossed her arms. “I can give you his details, Forrest, everything you need to know.”
Forrest glanced at Ox and his warning gaze. “Stay here.”
“Sir….”
“I’m fine.” He patted Ox on the arm and moved closer to Diaz. He expected Ox to follow, but he didn’t, and Forrest was grateful. When he got close enough to lower his voice so Ox couldn’t hear, he said, “What do you want?”
