Maxine’s Bodyguard

by M. L. Ray

  “Nothing,” I answered, wanting to punch myself in the face for letting out those stupid words.

  Of all people, why was I thinking that my cousin would want to mix business with personal interest? Calvin was the most professional person I have ever known.

  How could you? I asked myself.

  He chuckled and said, “You’re acting weird.”

  “Am I?” I asked, desperately wanting for an honest answer. I couldn’t even tell why I accepted the job. I could just say ‘no’ if I didn’t really want to take it. But for some reason I found myself agreeing to this set up.

  But why? I asked myself in frustration.

  Calvin shrugged. “Yep,” he chortled. “Anyway, Clark told me that she will make sure that nothing affects her knowledge about the case. She wants the public and the court to know the reality behind Congressman Williams’ good image. All she wants is the security so that she is able to stay alive until the politician rots in jail.”

  With that, he exited my office and left me mulling over my own thoughts.

  Why should I protect the woman who led my best friend to commit suicide?

  Chapter 2

  Rico

  “So?”

  My thoughts were disturbed when I saw Calvin’s head popping into my office. It’s been about twenty-four hours since he laid out all the details about being Maxine’s bodyguard. And I was still stuck here in my office despite knowing that she would be discharged from the hospital today.

  I blinked, twirling the fountain pen on my fingers, wanting to deny the excitement I was feeling. And I knew it had something to do about seeing the woman’s beautiful face again.

  “So?” I repeated, when Calvin finally found himself on the couch in front of me.

  He rolled his eyes. “Your job starts today,” he said, in between soft chuckles. “Now, you’re making me think that you’re awkward with this woman.”

  I laughed, dryly. Awkward? Oh, please.

  “The last time I took a body guarding job was when I was still a trainee in the Special Forces. Come on, just give me some consideration,” I tried to reason, spinning on my swivel chair, trying to put aside the mixture of anger and excitement that was starting to devour me.

  I was angry because I still couldn’t forget the reason why Jacob wasted his life. And the fact that I was yearning to see Maxine’s face was definitely making me want to kick myself on the shin. It was stupid but I couldn’t help it.

  “Is that really the reason?” he asked playfully, as he wiggled his brows.

  Halting the spinning of my chair with one heel, I looked at him directly in the eyes without blinking and showing any hesitation. Calvin was the most observant person in the list of agents I’ve ever known. It was going hard to lie to him but I’d give it a shot.

  I gulped.

  “Of course,” I replied, in a very dry and flat tone, not wanting to divulge more into that topic. “So, will I be taking her to Isla Marina? Or, one of our safe house at–”

  “None of the above, dear cousin,” he said, cutting off my words, making me more confused than I ever was. How could one that had her life endangered not be willing to go into a safe place?

  The idea was preposterous.

  “What? Why? I mean, where – Come again?” I heard myself say, still flustered.

  “She doesn’t want to go anywhere. She just wants to stay in her house. All she is asking for is additional and competent close-in security and bodyguards – the kind that are serious with their jobs,” Calvin explained, creating a visible crease on my forehead. It wasn’t out of confusion this time, but annoyance.

  What a stubborn person, that woman.

  “But–”

  “She said she didn’t want to live like a rat and be scared from going out of her hole,” he added, before shrugging like it was nothing that could make my job complicated.

  I took a series of deep breaths before exhaling rashly. “But it’s going to be very hard to guard someone in an open target–”

  “Well, she opened a new company and was personally managing it.”

  I paused and raised a brow. It was probably where she invested all the money she got from Jacob and the rest of the men who have gone crazy for her.

  “A company?” I was astounded when heard myself hissing instead of asking.

  “Well, it was actually not a completely new company. It was the business her parents owned that had gone down years back. She bought it from the people who had taken over it and changed the name back to its original. Now, she’s trying very hard to get it steady again in the market. That’s why she doesn’t want to go anywhere.”

  I grunted, combing my dark brown clean-cut hair with my fingers in frustration. She preferred to work than worry about her own safety. Seriously?

  “God, she’s crazy!” I mumbled.

  Calvin nodded in agreement. “But what can we do? We only follow orders and people who want to keep her alive to witness against Congressman Williams can’t do anything but give her what she asked for.”

  “People? Like his rival in politics?” I asked, wanting to confirm the information.

  “Of course, especially that he seems to be the candidate of his party for the next presidency election and is topping the national polls. A lot of politicians didn’t like the way he was trying to bend the laws for his personal interests. Actually, a lot of non-government organizations are concerned about this issue.”

  I raised a brow to divulge more. “Like?”

  My cousin shrugged, “Especially those who fight for women’s rights against maltreatment and abuse. And Adrienne Johnson was the number supporter of those groups when she was still alive. Now that she was killed in a brutal way, it is normal for those people to make noise.”

  I released a stressed sigh after hearing all of what Calvin has to say. Maxine was a woman who knew how to manipulate and use things – even people – to make her advantages. It explains everything.

  “That’s why she’s very stubborn…because a lot of people wanted her,” I grumbled helplessly, thinking about how hard it would be to guard someone as scheming and cunning as her.

  I heard Calvin chuckle at my comment. “So, are you still taking the job even though guarding someone like her is suicide?”

  Again, I could just say ‘no’…

  But after all the brainstorming I had last night, I have decided to pursue the job. Just like the people mentioned earlier, I wanted to see Congressman Williams rot in jail. The memories of my failure in his case have eradicated the annoyance I had.

  And…

  I can’t let Maxine die, said a voice at the back of my mind. I shook my head after realizing that I was silent for some time, earning myself a questioning look from my boss.

  I smiled and nodded.

  “Yeah, leave it to me. I’ll see to it if I can convince her to go somewhere safe rather than going out in an open-target area. We can’t let her die, can we?”

  “Good luck!”

  A few hours more and I found myself standing outside the client’s VVIP hospital room. There were two securities guarding her door and I had to show my identification information just to be allowed to get inside. I didn’t want to believe at first that she was a witness to a big case but seeing it now, there’s no way to deny it.

  What a small world it is.

  From the small rectangular glass on the door, I took a peek inside. Maxine Alexandria Clark – the woman who never left my head all this time – was wearing the hospital’s patient gown. The pictures in my head didn’t do any justice to the beauty she possessed, making my heart beat loud and fast. Her hair was a bit longer than what was on the picture and her bare face was exquisitely charming.

  I thought make up enhances beauty? She looks more gorgeous without any of it.

  I shook my head to put the thought aside. I was not here to get myself bewitched by her beauty. But her eyes were closed and her breathing was steady.
She looked so peaceful and I was really tempted to watch her in her sleep.

  I was about to turn the knob when I saw her cringe in pain, abruptly opening her eyes and spotting a glance on her left arm, with her other hand on it.

  Oh, that was where she got shot.

  After a moment, she closed her eyes again and I decided to let her sleep. I went to the cafeteria and grabbed a cup of coffee, trying to calm myself and my racing heart. I was not supposed to be feeling that way. I couldn’t even tell if she’d recognize me or not.

  You’re here to do your job, I reminded myself.

  Chapter 3

  Maxine

  “Ouch!” I cried, wincing in pain when I tried to move my bandaged arm. It was so damned painful to the point that I wanted to cry. But I would not. I’m a strong woman – that’s what I have inculcated in my mind. This wound was just another scratch. It was just an ant’s bite – nothing serious, really.

  Hah! As if that would help ease the pain, said a voice in my head.

  I breathed in heavily and swallowed the whimpers that were trying to escape my mouth. Biting my bottom lip, I slowly moved and leaned on a pillow, resting my body on the hospital bed, then closed my eyes.

  My injury was not completely healed yet – obviously. But I’m getting out of this damned hospital soon. I just didn’t want to stay in a closed place for a long time. I’m just relieved that the people who wanted me to testify against Congressman Williams were willing to provide me the best bodyguards. I just hope they are as good as they are supposed to be.

  I swallowed hard as pictures of my previous bodyguards crossed my mind. There were three of them and everybody was shot in front of me and died to protect me. And I know I would be carrying that burden with me forever.

  Let their souls rest in peace.

  I never wanted anyone to die. I didn’t want anyone to die for me. I’m sick of seeing people lose their lives. And all of this happened because of that damned Congressman Alejandro Williams. I have never had a quiet day the past week because of him. It was his entire fault. He sent assassins to my house and I was lucky enough to be able to run away with just a shot in the arm.

  My hands turned into fists.

  I promised myself that I’d do everything to bring down that wicked politician. Nobody and nothing can stop me – not even death. He is the last person in my list and I’m willing to do everything to drag him down from that position. Even if it will cost me my life, I’d drag him in my grave. My mind will not be able to rest until then – all because he is his father’s son! And he is everything like the man who destroyed my family. I will never forgive him. I will never find the presence of mind without him paying for consequences of the crimes he did. I will never forgive him for what he did to Adrienne!

  Tears started to flow down my cheeks. I could not remember the last time I cried so hard. Was it junior high? Over the years, I’ve built my walls and hardened my heart in order to get my revenge. I thought I was strong enough.

  But I’m still breakable, I guess.

  Trying to put aside all the thoughts that were trying to get into me, I decided to get a quick nap while waiting for the head of the bodyguard that would be assigned for me. They were already late and that was already a huge disappointment. They better be more professional when it comes to their jobs. Tardiness could be fatal at times.

  What the hell is wrong with you woman? You should not think that way. You’re the one who needed their service. Breathe. Relax. You’ll get through this. My mind interfered again, bringing back my rationality. I just can’t help but procrastinate sometimes.

  It was not too long before I dozed off. It was probably because of the painkillers, making me feel like I was drunk or something.

  I just had arrived from school. I didn’t have any idea why my parents were fighting. All I know was that something big was coming when I saw my father shouting at my mother.

  “Bitch!”

  I was taken aback with the way my father addressed my mom. He was so angry to point that his hands were turned into fists. His forehead creased with nerves protruding on it.

  “I’m sorry. Albert, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it,” my mom spoke but she didn’t look sorry at all. Instead, she looked pleased and excited as she took out a large empty suitcase from the corner of their bedroom.

  “You did not mean it? You’re a married woman for goodness’ sake! We have children Veronica! How could you do this?” My father questioned with tears in his eyes. He looked frustrated and I finally understood why.

  My mom was leaving and she had cheated on my father.

  My mother shook her head, now, with a confused look on her face. She, too, was crying. But she continued putting more clothes in the suitcase that was lying on the bed.

  “I-I’m sorry… But I love him,” said my mom. She sounded firm and when I caught a glimpse of her watery eyes, I knew she was serious.

  Dad scoffed. “Really? You loved me when you married me. Now, you’re in love with him? And because of that damned love, you’re willing to leave us all? Tell me, is it because he’s richer than I am?” he shouted angrily. His sadness was turning to anger. His eyes were dark and that was the first time I saw him acting like that. He was like a lion that was about to go amok.

  “D-D –” I wanted to involve myself but didn’t have the courage to do so. So, I swallowed my words and continued to watch them having a row.

  “It’s better this way. I-I c-can’t live without him,” my mom explained, shooting tiny bullets on me. Did she mean she loved that man more than her own family? What’s going to happen to us?

  “He’s a married man, Veronica! And you are married to me! You are going to ruin your life as well as your daughter’s!”

  “But he promised me that he’d divorce his wife to be with me. He promised!”

  “I can’t believe you’re doing this!”

  Dad took quick footsteps and opened the lowest drawer of the dresser. He left the room, with a pistol in a hand. When he passed by me, he gave me a quick look, there was fondness in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Maxine,” he whispered, before dashing to the bathroom.

  “Daddy! Daddy!” I called out, following his footsteps. But it was a weak attempt. So, I started running but it was too late when I caught up with him. He had already shut himself in the powder room of the second floor of the mansion and there was nothing I could do except for banging the door with my small fists.

  I wished I was older and more mature so I could completely understand the situation. But I was just a fifteen-year-old child. There was not much I could do.

  “Daddy! Open the door. What are you doing? We can’t let mommy leave us like this! Please!”

  My father did not say a word. Instead, the only response I got was a loud bang which echoed in the entire mansion.

  Chapter 4

  Rico

  When I had finished two cups of coffee, I headed back to Maxine’s hospital room – more confident and professional. I would briefly discuss my presence and the way I work and persuade her to transfer into one of our safe houses.

  She was sleeping deeply when I arrived. Not wanting to be rude, I decided to sit on the couch that was in the lavish hospital room and grabbed some old newspaper to find an unanswered crossword puzzle. It was the best way to kill time, after all.

  I was tempted to take a look at her face a lot of times, but I successfully managed not to, getting by for almost an hour. I finished two puzzles and was starting to get bored when I heard her murmur something in her sleep. The murmurs turned to yelling which then switched into crying.

  What? What should I do?

  Maxine’s cry grew louder and I found my feet freezing at the foot of her hospital bed. Should I wake her up?

  My procrastination ended when I heard her gasp.

  ”Daddy!” she shouted, shooting up from bed.

  I swallowed when her eyes landed on me.

  “Hello, Clark,” I
said coolly, placing both of my hands into the pockets of my jeans. Her face was pale and was sweating heavily despite the low temperature of the room.

  It was definitely a bad dream, I thought.

  “Huh?” she mumbled aimlessly, looking at me with a blank expression. Her lips parted in confusion as her gaze travelled up and down, scrutinizing my tall figure. A few seconds passed when her forehead crumpled.

  “W-Who are you?” she asked, quickly grabbing the telephone from the bedside table. I wanted to chuckle at her actions but couldn’t because of the alarmed and scared emotions that enveloped her entirety. I could see her shivering in fear under those sheets.

  I paused when I remembered something, then smirked at her.

  “So, did the bullet that hit your shoulder make you forget someone you met a year ago?” I asked sarcastically. Her face then relaxed a bit.

  “W-What?” she asked confusingly. Her eyes never left me when I turned about her bed and seated at the stool.

  “W-Who are you?” she hissed.

  “Fine, then. I’m Rico Miller. From now on, I will be your close-in security along with four of my subordinates. They are waiting outside. I’ll introduce them to you later,” I said, completely obliged to introduce who I was.

  “Oh, really?” her expression shifted quickly, like one of those examiners I’d met during the interview when I applied for the army.

  I nodded. “Yes, from now on I will be responsible for your safety.”

  Maxine placed the telephone back to the table. She recollected her confidence and took a series of deep breaths before looking back at me. This time, her expression was blank, as well as her eyes.

  “Really? Are you sure you have the capacity and ability to protect me?” She smirked, eyeing me from head to toe.

  With that, I felt my blood starting to boil. Her tone was questioning my reputation and dignity. Didn’t I say I’d be responsible for her safety? What’s so unclear about that?