Page 5 of Protecting Hailey

“Don’t be ridiculous. I need you to meet me at The Ritz near Central Park in thirty minutes.”

What the hell was he talking about? I seriously didn’t work for my father. I worked with my ex-army brothers, Will, Jake, and Jager. We started this bodyguard company together after our special ops team was dismantled.

“Dad, what are you talking about? What assignment?”

His sigh vibrated through the phone’s speaker, making my ear itch.

“One of my old army friends called me just now. His daughter was attacked in a coffee shop by some deranged fan. She needs protection, and he wants you. They flew in last night from L.A. just to speak with you in person.”

I rubbed my forehead as I wondered how this man knew about my business, and then I realized that my father must have told him. A small smile curved my lips. This was how it always was with my father. He never told me he was proud of me, but if I read between the lines, I’d see signs of his pride.

“All right, Dad. Let me speak to Will and we’ll meet you at The Ritz.”

“See you then.”

Will untied his man bun and shook out his hair. He was the first one to grow out his buzz cut after we returned from active duty. “What was that all about?” he asked.

My army brothers all knew my father. He was sort of a legend in the military, having been part of the team that took down Saddam Hussein.

“My father has a job for us. He wants to meet at The Ritz in thirty minutes. We better shower, dress, and head over there soon.”

Rubbing a towel over his hair, Will furrowed his brow. “Why do you need me there?”

I was walking toward the change room when I stopped and looked over my shoulder. “What do you mean? You need to be there because you’re the only one available for an assignment right now.”

“What about you?”

I shook my head. “What about me?”

Will sighed, and he reminded me of my father. “Chris, it would be good for you to get back on that horse again, so to speak. It’s been months and you still haven’t let your last assignment go.”

“I’m not ready yet.”

“Yes, you are.”

We stared at each other. My pulse racing had nothing to do with the workout and everything to do with my anxiety rising.

“I can’t,” I said and cleared my throat when it started to clog.

Will put his hand on my shoulder. “Yes, you can, brother. I can’t stand by and quietly watch as you punish yourself. It’s time for some tough love.”

Will stood up straight and put a hand to his forehead. “Those are your orders, soldier.” Then he saluted me.

I rolled my eyes at him. “Fine. But you don’t have to pull that soldier shit with me.”

Will threw his arm over my shoulder as we walked back to the showers. “It worked, didn’t it?”

I shook my head, but couldn’t hold back my grin. “Yeah, I guess it did.”

***

The doorman at The Ritz wore a long black trench coat and black hat, despite the warm weather. As I walked in, I surveyed the lobby. Perhaps it was habit or instinct, but I never felt comfortable until I eliminated any possible threat.

Guests queued at the front desk while a group of travelers huddled near the concierge looking over a brochure. There was no one else in the lobby or the mezzanine upstairs, except for three people sitting on the couches in front of the brass elevators.

I walked toward them. My father stood as soon as he saw me approach, and his guests followed suit.

“Daryl, this is my son, Christian.”

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