Heading For A New Life Read online

  — Wow! You just left the pages of Empire! Tony whistled in admiration as he looked at the navy blue suit, pale blue shirt and silk Italian tie. Unlike Tony, Chris seemed to be born for a business style and wore it with carelessness.

  — I can't imagine how the girls squeaked when they saw you in uniform, ”Tony chuckled nervously, glancing at his watch again. - We are waiting for my sidekick, without him we will not get into the building.

  Chris glanced around the chrome-plated, forty-story Columbia Center Tower and chuckled skeptically. He knew the restaurant, located on the thirty-fifth floor, very well - at one time, his father held almost all business meetings here. But Chris did not share his memories with Tony.

  — Maybe you can tell in a few words what to expect?

  Tony looked seriously, sighed, looked somewhere over his shoulder, and suddenly blurted out:

  — Have you ever worked as a bodyguard?

  Chris's eyebrow went up eloquently, but he remained silent, waiting for more.

  — In general, the employer of my sidekick is a big shot in politics. I don’t know exactly who he works, but two days ago he asked me to find a reliable man for security.

  — Doesn't your bighead have guards? Chris asked skeptically.

  — Yes, what do I know? Tony responded nervously. “I don’t get involved in these matters, so I’ll just bring you with your sidekick, and then you yourself. And here, by the way, he is!

  A tall blond man came out of the Tower and, noticing Tony, smiled as he walked towards them.

  — He used to mess with my sister. She's that bitch, I'll tell you, but they parted peacefully. And Marcus turned out to be a normal guy, sometimes we meet for a few drinks.

  — Anthony! - The stranger had a barely noticeable British accent, and a wide smile and an open gaze immediately disposed to him.

  — This is the guy I told you about. Tony turned to Chris.

  — Christopher Labert.

  — Marcus Sutherland. ”The handshake was firm and confident. - Anthony has already brought you up to date?

  — Superficially.

  — Then let's go, I'll tell you along the way. Have you heard of Alexander Smith?

  — I dropped out of the political life of the state for a while, ”Chris smiled wryly.

  — Exactly, - Marcus returned the smile. “This is the Senator from Washington State, and he is the one with whom you will have a meeting.

  Chris frowned. He knew enough politicians in a past life and could not say that he was delighted with them.

  — And he will calmly recruit a former criminal? - just in case, asked Chris.

  — He knows about your past, ”Marcus nodded as they walked to the elevators. “But you're not going to work directly for him. However, he himself will tell you everything.

  In the elevator, the conversation came to naught: several more people entered with them, and they drove to the desired floor in silence. The doors swung open to reveal the spacious lobby of the restaurant, and Chris chuckled mentally - his guesses were confirmed. Alexander Smith was sitting in one of the booths, separated from the common room by a semicircle of a leather sofa. An energetic man in his early fifties, he smiled with a duty smile, although his eyes remained cold and appraising. Rising, he reached out and gave Chris a tenacious look. Apparently pleased with what he saw, he nodded and spoke when Chris sat down. Tony sat down at a nearby table with Marcus.

  — So, Christopher Labert, ”Alexander began, pushing the coffee toward him. - West Point graduate, combat officer, awarded the Medal of Honor. - He paused and added: - And also the man who killed his wife in a fit of jealousy.

  Chris grimaced - with this version of what happened, he already managed to get acquainted with the Internet.

  — I made inquiries in the prison, I see you are not surprised.

  —Politicians of your level have connections everywhere, ”Chris remarked cautiously and turned to the waiter.“ Orange juice.

  — Frankly, I need a person who is able to solve specific problems and be able to protect if necessary. You were recommended by knowledgeable people, as a reliable person, and there is no reason not to believe these recommendations.

  — And you are not afraid to hire a criminal before the election campaign?

  — I love your directness, Christopher. - Alexander smiled coldly. - But the bodyguard is needed not for me, but for my daughter.

  The surprise on Chris’s face genuinely amused the politician. He leaned forward, folding his hands on the table, and quietly said:

  — My girl doesn't really approve of the methods that I have to resort to in my work, but I love my daughter and I am worried about her safety.

  — There are reasons?

  — There is. - Alexander leaned back again, took coffee in his hands, taking a small sip. - She is divorcing her husband, and this divorce is not very pleasant.

  — Do you want me to guard her from her husband? - Chris frowned - the last thing the politician wanted was to become the lap dog of his spoiled daughter.

  — Not only, - Alexander said seriously. - Due to some slippery moments of my work, my competitors are trying to put pressure on me through its safety. And this is a completely different game and other threats. And for peace of mind about the safety of my daughter, I am ready to pay five thousand a week.

  — A lot, ”Chris nodded calmly. The amount reconciled a little with the opening prospects.

  — Naturally, all expenses that you will incur will be paid separately.

  You may have to move in with her before divorce.

  Chris nodded slowly, wondering how long it would take to work and whether there would be personal time.

  — Two days a week, Eleanor will be guarded by Marcus, - Alexander correctly guessed the doubts on his face. - You yourself will determine the convenient schedule. My daughter works as a surgeon at the County Hospital, so she will have to sit in the emergency room most of the time, although I don't think she will like it. He chuckled at his own thoughts.

  — Does she mind the guards? Chris asked, feeling himself beginning to agree.

  — She understands that this is a necessary measure, - Alexander sighed. - But her character is not a gift, I warn you right away.

  —I'll try not to kill her, - joked Chris. The senator's face stretched out, but the next second he laughed out loud.

  — I definitely like you! I hope you get along with Eleanor too. And here, by the way, and she!

  Chris climbed up after Alexander, turning around and looking at the rapidly approaching woman in a white dress and blue blazer. Her dark hair was pulled back into a sleek bun, she held a voluminous clutch in her hands, and large sunglasses covered her face. Eleanor walked over, kissed her father quickly on the cheek, and took off her glasses, turning to Chris.

  — Laura, let me introduce you to Christopher Labert, your bodyguard.

  Chris froze, barely suppressing a scornful grin. The familiar cat eyes narrowed, her lips quivered in a cold, social smile, Laura held out her hand, quickly

  shaking his palm.

  — Hello Laura, very nice to meet you, ”Chris said. The job clearly promised to be fun.

  Notes:

  * In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning - Soundtrack to "Sleepless in Seattle" performed by Frank Sinatra.

  ** Seattle Big Wheel - The largest Ferris wheel on the West Coast.

  Eleanor Smith was born with a silver spoon in her mouth - only the lazy didn't talk about it. The daughter of Alexander Smith, a hereditary politician, she did not know of refusal in anything, but at the same time she grew up a pleasant, not spoiled girl. Of course, upbringing played a significant role here: Hortense Smith adhered to one simple but strict rule

  — business first, then rest. And instead of riding a bike or playing in the backyard with friends, like peers, little Eleanor diligently studied Shakespeare's sonnets. Or she fought the piano, trying to play Chopin's etudes. But Eleanor never had anger at her parents for being deprived of games,
because all her childhood dreams boiled down to one thing - to earn her father's approval.

  Alexander Smith was rarely at home. Flights, trips, business meetings, rarely with his wife, never with his daughter. The young politician had negligible time for his family, and a short weekend was engraved in his memory with bright, rainbow colors. Accustomed to discipline and control, Eleanor did not mind too much that the school her parents had chosen turned out to be closed by the Ani Wright girls boarding school in Tahoma. More than a century of history, tradition and a certain stiffness, but at the same time one of the highest indicators of the quality of education in the country: ninety-nine percent of graduates went to colleges or universities. And again diligence, the desire to become better, new heights, rare meetings with parents.

  There was no one here to surprise with their relatives: there were either the daughters of politicians or businessmen around. Shyness quickly passed, and soon Eleanor made friends, and by the fifth grade she enrolled in a theater group. I had to quit music - the teacher admitted with a sigh that the girl had no special talent, so why torture a child if you can open another door? After consulting with the director, looking at the report card, Alexander and Hortense came to the conclusion: the daughter should become a doctor. Biology and chemistry are at their best, long fingers are made for surgery. Eleanor did not argue. She could not, could not and did not want to. What for? By thirteen, she did not have time to decide on a profession, so is it not better that the closest and beloved people decide for her?

  By the time of graduation, Miss Smith had already been assigned a place at Harvard Medical School, and moving to Boston opened the doors to a new life for Eleanor. Complete freedom after strict rules, lack of control and a completely mismatched crowd of students - here you could meet both the children of millionaires who are burning their lives and students for the coveted diploma from the Ivy League, and poor nuggets who worked part-time in the evenings to pay for their studies, and crammed the rest of the time so as not to lose the scholarship. Eleanor easily turned into just Laura, "Alpha-Psi-Epsilon" gladly accepted the new one as a member of the sisterhood, and student parties at first overshadowed the desire for knowledge. But the desire to become the first driven in over the years did not allow to sink to the bottom and fly out of Harvard with a bang - six months later, Laura dived into her studies again,

  And then Mike happened in her life - a promising economics student. First love took over, and Laura had a fight with her family for the first time,

  refusing to come home for Christmas and spending those days in Aspen. A year later, the love cooled down, leaving behind a sweet aftertaste and friendly affection, and Laura moved on. Exams, laboratory tests, first autopsies, and in between - dancing until the morning, alcohol and rare sex without obligation. After Mike, Laura firmly decided to first make a career, and only then think about something really serious.

  At the university, everyone dreamed of becoming brilliant surgeons. Certainly something prestigious: cardio, neuro, in extreme cases, plastic, but not the one that is available in every beauty and wellness center, but something really serious: skin transplant, face reconstruction ... the world lies before her, and it will not be the slightest difficulty to achieve recognition. Residency in prestigious hospitals, the first patients, the first practice, the first death and almost one hundred percent workload - sometimes she wanted to cry from fatigue, but Laura was firmly moving towards her goal, choosing the specialization of a cardiac surgeon.

  — Where are you going after graduation? Mom asked when Laura called to find out whether to wait for them at the presentation.

  —I do not know. They offer jobs at the Washington Hospital in Seattle, but there are offers from Boston and Texas. - Laura sighed and squinted at the clock - at seven meeting with friends, and she had not even begun to get ready! They gathered in close company to celebrate graduation in their favorite bar.

  — Seattle? There was hope in Hortense's voice. - Baby, can you come home?

  — I have not decided yet. But I will definitely decide for our meeting. Like Dad?

  — In Washington, - in my mother's voice, there was a badly contained longing. - I hardly see him, you know.

  A feeling of guilt stirred in my chest - Laura had not been home for too long. Calls, meetings twice a year: adult life did not leave time for communication with loved ones. There is still unconditional love for his parents, but the desire to win his father's approval has long subsided. Laura threw off her rose-colored glasses, realizing that for him career was always in the first place. And here she definitely went to Alexander. And my mother was left completely alone. Could she leave her now? So at twenty-six, Laura returned to Seattle.

  A budding cardiac resident, Eleanor Smith quickly joined the team and did not notice how she was mired in a routine. Work-home, home-work - the world collapsed into one road back and forth. My father was preparing for the next election campaign, became nervous, twitchy, and snapped at the rare and timid attempts of his wife to talk, to find out how things were going. This time the struggle was serious, and Alexander took his wife with him on a tour of the state. Laura herself could not understand why she was seeing them off with a heavy heart, but her anxiety did not let go. And then thunder rumbled.

  — Laura, turn on the news soon! - Clint, a broad-shouldered brunette from orthopedics, flew into the staff room, out of breath. The picture on the screen obediently changed, at the top flashed the inscription: breaking news. Without lifting her eyes, Laura pressed the sound, and the voice of the presenter burst in, as if through cotton wool:

  — … To State Senator Alexander Smith. The offender opened fire during a speech at Redmond Stadium. According to the police, there are casualties. A guard was also injured, he is being treated at a local hospital. We will keep an eye on ...

  — Mom ... - Laura was numb. Fear spread like a sticky wave down my spine,

  weakness in the legs. She had to do something, somewhere to run, but the horror paralyzed, and all she could do was watch the creepy footage over and over again, the blood on the American flag rosettes and the way Mom was loaded into an ambulance ... Clint said something, but Laura did not respond, continuing to grip the TV remote tightly in her hands.

  Much later, by the time of the funeral, the understanding came that my mother was no longer there. And all the wasted time that they could spend together cannot be returned. And then there was anger. On my father for thinking only of myself, while my mother was locked in four walls. And on herself - for the fact that, in an effort to conquer the top, she forgot about the closest and dearest person.

  — I miss her too. The last guests left, and silence enveloped the huge Smith house. Laura sat in the living room with wide windows overlooking the bay. I didn’t want to turn on the light, nor did I want to talk. Indifference tightened, Laura mechanically drank wine from the glass that she had been holding in her hands, it seems, all evening. Sighing heavily, Alexander sat down on the sofa next to his daughter and unbuttoned the top button on his shirt.

  — You could have been by her side all these years, ”Laura said dully, without turning her head.

  — As are you, - retorted Alexander. I didn't want to swear, argue, find out who is more to blame for the fact that nothing has changed. But the daughter seemed to think otherwise.

  — She was lonely. So lonely. - The voice faltered, long-awaited tears sparkled in my eyes. Shaking her head evilly, Laura turned sharply and spat out: - It will raise your ratings, won't it?

  — I’ll pretend I didn’t hear it, ”Alexander answered dryly. - You're tired and upset. But you shouldn't make me the scapegoat.

  — Work has always been more important to you than your family, ”Laura whispered bitterly. - We have long become strangers to you, but today you have coped well with the role of the inconsolable widower.

  — What do you want to get? - He still flared up. “I worked for you, for your training, for your future! And what is the result? Reproaches?

/>   —You only worked for yourself, ”Laura said wearily. The desire to argue evaporated as quickly as it flared up, only a bitter residue of something wrong, unsaid, remained.

  — Say this to yourself more often when you think about who you have become thanks to my money. - Alexander got up and shook his head. - Mom can't be returned. But we have each other. Do not forget this - I am always there.

  Laura didn't answer. She only squeezed the glass tighter, looking straight ahead. She herself could not understand where the dislike for the one who had been an idol for most of her life came from. Maybe the point was that she learned to understand how and with what politicians earn, especially those who have been in power for many years. Or maybe because she realized: a father for her

  — absolutely a stranger. She did not know him at all and did not want to recognize him. As he did.

  The next year was the most difficult - the exams for obtaining a license, the attention of the press, which was active at first, but after a few months began to decline, the silent sympathy of colleagues, from which I wanted to scream ... By Christmas, Laura was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Wandering home after another forty-eight hour shift, she fell asleep on the go, and only the loud sound of the horn and the annoyed shout brought her to her senses. Laura

  looked around: she was standing in the middle of the roadway, and only a miracle and the driver's reaction did not send her flying to the nearest post.

  — You idiot! - shouted the driver, jumping out of the car. - Decided to commit suicide?

  So move to the bridge, there is nothing to rush under the wheels! To sit still because of you was not enough!