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Epilogue
Raphael
A message from Ben took me from my jog back to the hangar and his office. Not that I strayed from the building for long. For weeks, I’d been busy with the compromise Leo had put in place for his gig schedule. He hadn’t wanted to let his fans down, but at the same point, had been so shit-scared by the attack on Valentine that repeating that risk had been out of the question.
A relief for all of us to change up the process. Even more for his lad, Finn, who needed some distance from the event to feel safe again.
Now, Leo never stayed in the city he was playing. I flew him in and out, sometimes for long hours with refuelling stops to get him home. It was safer for everyone and had worked while he was in gig season, but as of today, the rock star was back in his recording studio.
The off season we all needed. Except… I couldn’t settle. I loved my home, but something burned in me to be out there. For what purpose, I had no clue.
I reached Ben’s door and thumped. He hollered for me to enter.
At his desk, which he always looked too big for, he peered up. “Raphael, come in and sit down. I have something to talk to ye about.”
I dropped into the chair, a sweaty mess, but that was normal in this job. “Happy to help, whatever it is.”
My boss pursed his lips. “This is a slightly unusual request. Remember Barry who I contacted to lend us personnel to cover Valentine?”
I picked out the contact in my mind. “Owns another bodyguard firm?”
“That’s him. He’s made a request of me. He’s snowed under with a big event in London and needs someone trustworthy for a VIP assignment.”
He meant me, obviously. I tilted my head. “Aren’t they always VIPs?”
“This one’s different. Another level with its own challenges and risks you’ll need to take into consideration.”
“Who is it? Who will I be guarding?”
He turned his laptop to show me a client file complete with photo on the screen. A lass more beautiful than could be real was in three-quarters profile. Expensive jewellery at her throat, a sparkling gown, her expression tormented in a capture that appeared like it had been taken at some fancy event she didn’t want to attend.
My heart thumped out of time, and my stomach did a weird flip.
“Your mission, Raphael, is to guard a princess. I can’t think of anyone better to do the job. What do you say?”
“Aye, I’ll go.” The rest of the words, ones that I needed to state, didn’t come.
I’d met this woman before, a long time ago, at least it felt that way. Her Royal Highness was not going to enjoy seeing me again.
The End.
