Page 7 of Passenger Princess

When Greg laughs a bit, his face shifting to a look almost apologetic in nature, I know I’m not going to love this assignment.

“Not quite,” he says. “Look, I know you were hoping to get something dangerous and exciting, but it is what it is,” he says, and suddenly, I’m not nearly as optimistic as I was when I woke up this morning, and I wasn’t exactly what one would callhopeful. “As a business, we go where the money is, not the excitement. Besides, those kinds of jobs don’t pay nearly as much as the ones you’ve been taking.”

Another thing I can’t stand about Greg is his hyperfocus on money rather than the business of keeping people safe.

“This contract is incredibly important to the firm, and you’re the only one with all the required certifications for every state.” My brows come together, trying to pinpoint what that could mean. “They’ve agreed to work with us on a trial basis. After this trial assignment, if everything goes well, we’ll settle on a more long-term deal, ensuring all of their security needs are met by us for the next five years.” Suddenly, the happy and carefree look is gone from Greg’s face, and he leans forward, putting his forearms on the desk and glaring at me.

“What I'm saying is I really need this contract to go well. I know you’re up for retirement, and it would be a shame if we lose work and have to let any men go.”

The threat rings clear between us, deafening like a shot fired.

Do well on this assignment, or all the time you’ve invested in this company will be for nothing, and you’ll lose everything you’ve been working for.

“Of course, sir. Whatever you need, I’ve got it,” I say with a nod. “You’ve chosen the right man for the job.” Suddenly, the fierce look is gone, replaced by a smile again.

“Great to hear. It’s a three-month contract, and it’s imperative we do well. This contact has connections with presidents, Jaime. Presidents, CEOs, and celebrities—that’s what they pump out. We nail this, and Five Star is set for life. We need this contract to go well.”

My shoulders straighten, and I force myself to jump into focus, tosway from the all-consuming dread swirling around me and move to reality, to focus on the here and now.

“Let’s back up for a second. What are we talking about? What kind of company has that kind of reach and no security in-house?”

He smiles wide, and somehow, I know I’m not going to like the answer.

“The Miss Americana Pageant.”

FOUR

JAIME

I should have called Hank.

That’s what I’m thinking hours later, sitting in a meeting room with Greg, an older woman with the stiffest posture I’ve seen in my life and a gentle, well-practiced smile on her face, sitting across from us.

I should have called Hank and asked how to handle this bullshit. But if I did, he would have gotten stressed about a business he got rid of to reduce said stress, so I decided against it.

Regina Miller is an older blonde woman who, as soon as I walked in, gave me a head-to-toe look and then sneered, clearly not impressed with what she saw.

“We’re incredibly excited to work with you,” Greg says after we go through the basic niceties of introducing each other and asking how the drive was and whatever other bullshit is required.

“Well, we’re just happy you could fit us in in such a short amount of time,” she responds pleasantly, a tiny smile on her lips.

“Anytime. I know we talked a bit before we set this up, but why don’t you fill Jaime in on his assignment?”

“Well, of course. You see, every winner of the Miss Americanapageant goes on a three-month tour to support whatever platform she decides to champion during her reign. Usually, things like healthy eating, the arts, or animals. This year, thewinner.” She says the word winner with bitterness, as if it’s something she’s still coming to terms with and isn’t happy about it. “Chose women-owned businesses.”

“A great cause,” I say.

She lets out a puff of air, which I suppose could be interpreted as a laugh, but she doesn’t smile.

“Yes, just…wonderful. As I was saying, we’ll be sending her to each state in the continental United States, where she’ll meet with the Miss Americana contestant from there and visit a woman-owned business.”

“Interesting method. It’s a great way to spotlight small businesses and a great match for an organization such as yours,” I say.

She gives me a tight smile that screamsI would like you only to speak when spoken to,before giving me a fake nod and continuing.

“Yes, well. This year's winner was a bit of a surprise.”

“How so?” I ask, crossing my arms on my chest and leaning back, trying to take in the whole picture.

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