Page 154 of Nash Falls
“Thanks.”
Two minutes later Rhett appeared dressed in a white silk shirt, tailored tobacco-colored slacks, and chic brown lace-up shoes, with no socks visible.
Nash had on a cheap off-the-rack two-piece suit, a skinny tie over a white shirt, and new black shoes, all of which he had purchased in the small town where Byron Jackson had dropped him off.
“Come on back, Dillon.”
“Yes sir, Mr. Temple,” replied Nash.
In Rhett’s office, Nash sat while Rhett paced on the other side of his desk. The sun had come out from behind the gloom of clouds and exquisitely lit the office. For Nash, all shadows with their gray tints were gone, leaving all important objects in sharp, true relief.
I hope.
Rhett faced Nash and put his knuckles on his desk. “You look like you could bench-press a truck.”
“The importance of brute strength is pretty much overrated. The most dangerous man I ever met was half my size with very little muscle.”
“So what made him dangerous?” asked a puzzled Rhett.
Clearly thinking of Shock’s story about Peanut, Nash replied, “He’d kill anyone without a second thought. Just made him faster and more efficient.”
“Is he still around?”
“No.”
Rhett started to say something, but then noted Nash’s grim expression.
“Okay. Um, I checked out your CV. Impressive, very impressive. Bottom line is, I want you to be my bodyguard. But we need to get some things straight.”
Nash said nothing; he just studied the other man.
Rhett sat down and drummed his fingers on his desk. “I lead a complicated life.”
“I’ve never guarded anyone whose life wasn’t.”
“I may take it to another level. First, you cannot go everywhere with me.Andyou can’t meet some people that I have to sometimes meet with.”
“Are these places dangerous to you?”
“Why do you ask that?”
“I can’t protect you if I’m not there.”
“It’s just the way things are,” replied Rhett.
“FYI, whatever I see or hear, if it doesn’t pertain to your protection, I don’t remember it.”
Rhett took a few moments to absorb this. “I… will take that into account.”
“So where do we go from here?”
“What are your salary requirements?”
Nash told him, using the information that Shock had provided. “I like to remain an independent contractor. Easier for you and me. I handle my own taxes and everything else that way. You just pay the biweekly fee. Direct deposit is fine.”
Rhett nodded. “Seems more than fair. My father had his guys on as full-time employees, health care, 401(k), the works. And I think you could have taken out those lazy assholes single-handed. Okay,my assistant will get you all signed up.” He looked over Nash’s clothes. “And I’m going to send you to my tailor. You have to look the part if you’re going to be with me. All on my dime.”
“Yes sir.”
