Page 41 of Heartfelt Pain
“We’ll go with the platinum package,” Isolde says.
“The what package?” I ask.
“What has she done that she needs to be moved to a safe house?” he asks.
“Safe house?” I echo. “I’m not going to a safe house.”
He raises a brow at Isolde.
“Someone’s messing around with her,” Isolde explains. “Five dead boyfriends and a masked man at her door last night.”
“No one fucks with Fujimori’s,” he says like I’m an extension of said restaurant.
“Yeah, but they’re certainly trying to fuck with her. You in or not?”
“Not!” I interrupt, stepping forward so they actually acknowledge my presence. “What the fuck, Isolde.”
“She’s refusing to leave her place,” she tells the Ghost.
“If she’s not going to a safe house how the fuck do you want me to protect her?” he asks.
“Wait, are you a bodyguard?” Lennie exclaims.
“What happened to being a mercenary?” I ask.
He shrugs. “I wanted to start my own business.”
“So what you’re offering protection services for the underworld?”
“Something like that,” he says, picking up a stray bullet and tossing it in the air. He catches it easily.
“I don’t need a bodyguard,” I tell them both. Lennie coughs.
“If you’re not going to leave your apartment than you’re getting a bodyguard,” Isolde replies.
I cross my arms. “I’m not having some person I don’t even know in my apartment!”
“What’s your name?” Lennie asks.
A look of wariness passes over his face. He’s still not gotten over the fact she’s attached to the Zimin’s. “Tristan Trevino.”
“Like Tristan and Isolde!”
“Isn’t that a movie?” I ask.
“Medieval literature, bitch,” she replies.
Whatever that means. My arms remain crossed. “I don’t need a bodyguard, but slip me your business card and I’ll put the word out.”
“So you can invoice me for a finder’s fee?” he snorts.
My back goes up. I’m worth every penny I charge. “Can’t help but notice you’re not booking much.”
“I’ve just started,” he defends.
“What happened to the mask?” Lennie asks, looking around like she might find the purple neon mask he’s known for wearing.
“Ben and I talked about it. You’re getting security,” Isolde says.
