Heading For A New Life Read online

  can force you to close this distance. And all the erotic fantasies that had involuntarily settled in my head upon meeting, disappeared just as easily, leaving nothing behind but a feeling of disgust.

  — I hope that soon the need for security will disappear. - Alexander sighed. “But for now, be kind enough to be good and let him do his job.

  Laura didn't know what she was hoping for as she walked here. After all, from the very beginning it was clear that dad would insist on his own, not giving the slightest opportunity to change something. Taking a deep breath, she shook her head wearily.

  — For the sake of your peace of mind, you easily neglect mine.

  — Believe me, if there was even the slightest possibility that Laberte could be a threat to you, he would not come close to you.

  Considering that he came to me long before your decision, your concern is worth very little, Laura thought bitterly.

  — Come on! Did you sleep with her? - Denise clapped her eyelashes, looking at the annoyed friend, and suddenly burst out loud laughing.

  —I don't see anything funny, ”Chris replied sullenly, reaching out and accepting the beer that his friend had just taken out of the fridge.

  — Come on, stop it, ”Denise said with a giggle. - You have been free for only two months, and in the city you can no longer meet girls with whom you have not slept!

  — You know that it is not so! Chris sighed heavily and leaned against the railing. They stood on the veranda. The twins were playing in the backyard, under the trees, and Mark was lighting the coals on the barbecue. “I didn't think I'd ever meet her again.

  — You will definitely show it to me, ”Denise said in a tone that does not tolerate objection.

  — There's nothing to see, ”Chris grimaced. The ridicule, of course, was expected, but somehow it caused more irritation than he thought. In general, the whole conversation about Laura, Mrs. Smith, or whatever her husband was, caused a pungent bitterness in my mouth.

  — Now I want to see her even more. Denise looked at Chris carefully.

  — She's divorcing her husband, ”Chris explained, taking a long sip. - And during a divorce he goes to bars and clings to men.

  —A. - Denise darkened - now Chris's discontent finally took shape. - Well, I can only sympathize with you. I hope they will pay what they promised. And I hope that this work will not be too tedious and long.

  — I suspect that after the divorce and the election, she will not need protection, '' Chris hissed, kissing the bottle again.

  Marcus showed up at his doorstep the next morning. The lease agreement was drawn up perfectly, all the conditions were spelled out, it would seem that any little things that might happen were provided for. In case of emergency, Chris had to move to Mrs. Reeds (he finally found out her name) and ensure her safety in any legal way. After waiting for Chris to sign the contract, which was already signed by Alexander Smith, Marcus put on top of the permit to carry weapons, signed yesterday. It was hard to imagine what strings

  pulled the senator so that the former convict was allowed to carry a pistol. But the document was real, which means that Chris could acquire a weapon at any convenient moment. However, Alexander Smith took care of that too when a light-colored Glock19 sank down on top of the papers.

  A pleasant weight as usual fell into the hand. Chris quickly pulled out a thirty-three round magazine, nodded in satisfaction, and returned it to its place. He aimed, lowered his hand, and only then looked at Marcus.

  — Senator counting on a little war?

  — Rather, that it can be avoided. - Marcus smiled politely and reached into his briefcase again. - This is Eleanor's address, she will hand over the schedule personally.

  After Marcus left, Chris took a deep breath, looking at the table. The job was not dusty and profitable, but why such a rush? Why did the senator choose him when he could hire a security guard from a reputable agency? Chris was always inclined to assess himself objectively, he was confident in his abilities, but still, the guard has its own specifics, which does not always intersect with military service. And even more so, with the prison rules.

  At exactly five in the morning, Chris drove up to the house where Eleanor was currently renting an apartment. The fog from the bay covered the city with a milky cloud, the dampness made its way under the clothes, forcing a chilly shiver. Chris looked out the window, looked up, trying to imagine if Eleanor's windows were facing the street. A T-shirt, a thin blazer, jeans - a remark about the suits had to be taken into account, only the holster purchased yesterday slightly protruded the left side.

  — I drove up, ”Chris said instead of greeting, as soon as Laura answered the phone.

  — I'm already in the hospital, ”she replied. - I'll finish at seven, until that time you can be free.

  — You don't seem to understand what my job is. Chris gritted his teeth, forcing himself to speak calmly with difficulty. - We agreed that I would take and pick you up.

  — I have changed my mind. The hospital is only five blocks away, and I can handle it fine. - Laura could not hide the sarcasm, no matter how hard she tried. She may have come to terms with the fact that she now has a guard, a former convict, but that does not mean that she will tolerate him.

  — If plans change, you have to warn me, ”hissed Chris.

  — I do not owe you anything! - Laura immediately soared. “It’s you who work for me, not the other way around, so please do what I say. I'll be waiting for you at seven, if you still want to work for me!

  She hung up, and Chris had no choice but to squeeze the phone in his hands, wanting to smash it on the asphalt. Bitch! I decided to show who is in charge here, right away? Dropping the receiver into the passenger seat, Chris turned the key and pressed the gas pedal. If Mrs. Reeds wants to behave this way, he will respond in kind. And to begin with, he will notify everyone in the hospital that she now has security.

  Chris showed up in the lobby of the County Hospital an hour later, in a perfectly fitting jet black suit, crisp white shirt, and a gray silk tie. Smiling charmingly at the nurse at the front desk, he asked where Dr. Reeds could be found.

  — Dr. Reeds has a round now, ”the nurse replied, devouring his figure with her eyes. - Tell her that you are waiting in the lobby?

  —No, no. ”Chris’s smile widened. He leaned against the counter and slightly

  bent over, pouring a tart green scent of toilet water over the girl. “The fact is, I’m Dr. Reeds’s personal guard. Today is my first day, I would not want to displease her.

  —Laura has a guard? - A bright blonde in a white robe came up to the counter. - I don't know something?

  — I think she will tell you everything herself. Chris shrugged regretfully. - I would like to find her, help?

  — I'll write you a pass. Kelly, in my name. The blonde gave Chris an appraising look and held out her hand. “Emma Williams. Head of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.

  —Christopher Labert. - Chris shook her hand, responding with an equally attentive look.

  — Will you be a frequent guest now? Emma took Chris by the arm, leading him to the elevators.

  — I really hope so, - he gallantly let her go ahead.

  He saw Laura from afar, among the interns, flying after her in a timid flock. In a white coat, with a work tablet in her hands, she concentratedly dictated something to a young boy who literally looked into her mouth with respectful adoration.

  — Laura, how could you hide such a treasure from us ?! - Emma waited for the interns to leave, and let Chris down, holding his arm again.

  — Mrs. Reeds. Chris nodded, pleased to see Laura's eyes flashing in anger. Well, he paid her back in coin.

  — I beg your pardon, - Laura smiled tensely, walking up to Chris and pushing him away from Emma. - What have you forgotten here? We agreed that you would come in the evening! And this idiotic suit ... What the fuck are you doing ?!

  — I have to ask you that, ”Chris hissed, smiling serenely. “You seem to have con
fused the call boy with the security. If you do not want to fulfill my conditions, I will not fulfill yours.

  — You behave childish!

  — Look who's Talking!

  Laura opened her mouth, but then shut it. I had to come to terms with the fact that he was right - she really began, petty and childish.

  — Okay, ”she said forcefully, looking over his shoulder. - Let's try first, okay? You will be waiting for me at the entrance at seven, I will not leave without warning.

  — It goes. - All this mouse fuss and attempts to prove who is in charge caused deaf irritation. After all, he was hired to protect, not tug-of-war.

  — And please change your clothes, ”Laura whispered pleadingly, noticing with despair the interest with which colleagues were looking back at them. Conversations are definitely not going to turn out now, thanks, made me feel better.

  — I'll be waiting in the lobby, - Chris did not respond to this request.

  — I will not leave the hospital until evening.

  — Look, I'm not going to pester you, but I'm not going to wait on the street or in the car all day.

  — Look, I suggested. Laura agreed suspiciously easily with a shrug.

  After spending all day in the lobby, he will sit in the car the next day, how cute. Knowing their girlfriends, many of whom were either deeply divorced or still unmarried, they will come up with every free minute from work. The thought flashed that it would be nice to tell who Chris really is, but that would be too low.

  The day could have dragged on unbearably slowly if Chris hadn't had the experience of keeping himself busy when there really isn't much to do. Calmly stretching out his legs, he watched the life of the hospital, memorizing the faces of those who work here. Of course, one day cannot be done, but after a week it will be easy to distinguish between employees. Laura's schedule was also scrutinized, as were her wedding photos, which Marcus sent - you should know what the husband looks like, from whom you need to protect her. I would like to get more information from the employer himself, but Alexander was busy with the election campaign and in the near future did not have free time. And either I was sure what security daughters - only measure precautions, or knew what now no one is going to encroach on her life. In any case, the advance payment had already been transferred to the specified account, and it was too late to refuse.

  Laura was free by seven, as promised, although Chris suspected until the last that she would be late. Exclusively out of harm. Raising her chin, she swiftly crossed the hallway and nodded to Chris without stopping. Cursing to himself, he got up, tugged at his jacket and quickly caught up with her, walking slightly ahead and opening the door. Laura silently held out her car keys, but Chris, putting them in his pocket, led her to his.

  — I'll drive your car away tomorrow, ”he said in a tone of disagreement, looking around the deserted parking lot.

  Laura nodded silently - there was no desire to argue. Although the day today was one of those that can be called a simple one, the morning rise that appeared when she "ran away" to work, replaced by irritation from the appearance of a security guard in the hospital, turned into anger at herself, her father, and first of all Chris for having put her in an awkward position. All day, almost the entire female half of the hospital followed her in a line, asking who she was that handsome man in the hall. To Chris himself, contrary to hopes, they were embarrassed to approach, begging to be sure to introduce him and specifying several times what exactly connects them.

  — Listen, if fate had thrown such a guard on me, I would not have gotten off him for a week, ”said Emma, standing in the open gallery and looking down into the hall.

  — If I could, I would love to share, ”Laura sighed.

  — You just haven't seen him yet, ”her friend snorted, tucking a white strand of hair behind her ear. - Although, of course, there is no dispute about tastes.

  Chris, Chris, Chris - everything revolved around him all day, and in the evening the very sound of his name made his eyes twitch. This must be experienced. Just worry, because he will not always go after her. And the skirmishes ... You have to be above this, push your personal dislike to the far corner and not think about it. As well as the fact that Chris spent seven years in prison. As well as the fact that he killed his wife ... As soon as he thought about it, a sticky, icy fear spread down his back. Laura involuntarily looked at him, who was sitting next to him, as if she had just seen, had just realized that they were together in the cramped cabin of the car, that he could attack her right now, and ...

  Laura involuntarily sucked in a breath, feeling panic rise in her throat. All this

  for a while she didn’t allow herself to think of Chris as a killer, but now this reality pressed down, covered her abruptly, making her shrink in fear.

  — Something happened? He asked calmly, not taking his eyes off the road.

  — N-no. ”Laura shook her head. - I'm just tired.

  He didn't answer. Do you understand what she was thinking? Or did he just nod because he asked a question out of courtesy?

  — I need to get up and look around your apartment. Chris turned off the engine and looked at Laura. For the first time all day, he looked straight in the eyes, seriously, as if he expected her to protest. But Laura seemed to be numb with fear, looking at him, and only slowly nodded. You have to do something about this. If she shakes at the sight of him, how can they be around? But Laura could not ask how exactly the murder happened, she just did not turn her tongue. Maybe later. Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow ... And now she obediently walked to the door, listening to his steps behind her.

  Laura's apartment was slightly larger than his own. Not too habitable - there were still unassembled boxes in the corners - with a kitchen-living room and a bedroom. Clean, but devoid of comfort, as if the hostess did not even try to consider her as a permanent home. Chris quickly scanned the bedroom, room and bathroom and nodded.

  — I'll stop by tomorrow at five.

  — I’m eight, come at half. Laura looked up at him. In the dim light of the floor lamp, he no longer seemed so intimidating. The fear receded, leaving a terrible fatigue behind. Chris nodded dryly and left, carefully closing the door behind him. Laura exhaled and sank exhausted into a chair, stretching her legs. Yes, this request of the father will be the most difficult to fulfill.

  The first day of the new job was not very successful, but Chris from the very beginning did not harbor illusions - they could hardly work together. Laura's naive attempts to show who is in charge only convinced her that she was used to getting everything she wanted. Chris respected healthy selfishness, after all, without him he would not have received an education in due time and could not have built a career. But Laura was a different kind of selfish - accustomed to being indulged in everything and predicting any desire. Chris did not plan to put up with this, but he was not going to change either. It is not surprising that her husband ran away from her - he will not get along with such a bitch and saint!

  Snorting, he turned on his side - sleep did not go for the second hour, scraps of phrases were constantly spinning in his head, and a bright green insolent glance flashed before his eyes. Made Tony feel good, nothing to say. For several months, and then he will ask the senator for a recommendation, maybe they will take him to a decent agency, where it is not necessary to protect eccentric girls from ex-husbands ...

  At seven-twenty, Chris's Hummer was already standing at the entrance to the house, but he had to go upstairs and escort Laura to the car - something, and safety rules should not be neglected. It was not in vain that Senator Smith hired him, and in such a hurry. He barely had time to ring the bell when the door swung open. Laura blinked in fright and immediately frowned.

  — she clearly did not expect to see him.

  — I'll wait outside the door. - He gave her a quick glance from under his brows. A minimum of make-up, jeans, a turquoise jumper, hair tied up in a ponytail - a few more days, and he decides that he dreamed of a stranger in a bar.
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  — I am already coming out. Laura smiled nervously and tucked a strand of nonexistent behind her ear. Chris made concessions, and it made me happy: no formal suits, black jeans, a beige pullover, the corners of the collar peek out from the triangular neckline. No, it was difficult to take him for a bodyguard, rather, Chris looked like a middle-class businessman, although the watch, which Laura drew attention to at that very first meeting, could surprise fans of deduction - they were too expensive.

  He nodded dryly and took a step back, letting her into the corridor. Yesterday's fears seemed far-fetched now, and Laura was almost ready to laugh out loud at them as she watched Chris walk into the elevator. He stood in front, and she had no choice but to look at his back, regretfully noting how deceiving his appearance was! Even the seemingly soft fabric hugged broad shoulders, and her hand almost lifted to trace their contour, stroke the shoulder blades ... She remembered that there, under the fabric, were hidden numerous tattoos, half of which Laura did not have time to see properly. His head flashed through his phrase that he had not had a woman for seven years. Was it then, in their first meeting, that he had just freed himself?

  Her mouth went dry and Laura tried to swallow, but only scratched her throat. All her life she believed that hobbies for one night do not lead to good. How many times have victims of such encounters been brought to the hospital? What was she thinking, where was her brain at all when she agreed with Emma and went to get drunk in a bar? Laura closed her eyes and drew in a breath. This will not work, you have to pull yourself together. No one will be at her

  lash out, Chris for sure. He was here just to protect. Perhaps it was worth learning more about the reasons that led him to prison. If, of course, Laura has such a desire at all - to learn more about him. The very thought of it sounded crazy!