After what feels like forever, I reach the meeting spot in time. Everyone is here, looking at me with confusion because they know that I am never late. I probably have a look of annoyance on my face because right now, I don’t think that I would even be able to hide it with how frustrated I am with Lennox right now. He is lucky that I didn’t just kill him like I wanted to. Holly stands up when she sees me, looking at me with worry now. I know that she has many questions but it’s just going to have to wait until later.

“I won’t be going to the Bahamas with you.” I explain, fixing my suit, “Holly and I will remain behind. Vincent and Mar will take the lead while the rest of you rescue the girls safely after the execution. I trust you enough to get the job done without me. That is all.”

My team is quite prepared, and I trust them more than anything. I have no issues with them doing this one without me. I wish I was going to be there though. I would have enjoyed killing at least one of those bastards. It’s just how it is. We go through the plan again before going our separate ways, making sure that everyone is on the same page. Holly is with me this time, looking at me curiously. We walk out of the meeting spot and head for our cars. I know she has a lot to ask me, I’m prepared for it. I already had sent her the video to examine.

“I couldn’t find any fault in the video.” Holly murmurs, sounding a bit frustrated because she is the top person when it comes to electronics,” is it from one of our recent missions? Why does it show Lennox and you killing him? It could be AI.”

Like Lennox said… Motherfucker.

“It’s Lennox’s security camera video footage.” I explain, wishing that I could just break something.

She pauses, looking up at me with confusion because she probably didn’t expect me to say that, “but you didn’t kill him.”

“No, I didn’t. The fucker found one of his nerds to edit the video.” I growl, really wishing that I would have just killed him when I had the chance, “unfortunately, he has one up on me right now.”

Holly is quiet. I know she is probably looking down on herself for not being able to figure it out. I don’t know why she does that. She is the smartest person I know. Unfortunately, whoever did this must have the brains, too, and are winning when it comes to it. It just happens sometimes and there’s nothing that can be done. It doesn’t matter what I think either way.

“Don’t blame yourself.” I tell her, hating that she is thinking poorly of herself, “Lennox knew what he is doing.”

“Is he blackmailing you with it?” She finally asks, her eyes darkening with anger, “if he is, I’ll-“

“Yes, but the authenticity of the video doesn’t matter.” I cut her off, already knowing what she is going to say, “if the authentic video falls into the hands of law enforcement, I would still be prosecuted for assault with a lethal weapon. I think that he might actually have figured a way to make me do what he wants.”

“So, what does he want?” Holly wonders, probably trying to figure that out as well.

“Protection.” I mutter, wishing that it isn’t true, “he wants me to be his bodyguard.”

“Seriously?” She is shocked, knowing that I don’t protect anyone, “I didn’t expect that.”

“I protect him and find out who ordered the hit, then he will give me the video in exchange.” I explain, shaking my head, “he has some balls, I will give him that.”

“I know it is crazy, but I have to admit it is a pretty genius idea.” Holly praises Lennox, making me go still, “I have to give him credit for sticking up to you.”

I glare at her. Don’t say that out loud.

“Did you agree?” She suddenly asks, tilting her head to the side.

Do I have any other options?

“Yes.” I grumble, shaking my head, “I didn’t have much of a choice.”

“When do we start?” She continues, having to ask every damn question.

“Tomorrow.” I murmur, “we’ll do as he asks… We will also look for ways to destroy the video.”

She nods, sighing wistfully, “damn, I guess I won’t be going to the Bahamas after all.”

“I told you it wasn’t a vacation.” I remind her as she heads to her car.

“I didn’t plan on listening to you.” She yells at me, “I wanted to find a hot man to be with.”

I smile. Of course, she didn’t.

“Goodnight!” She says as she raises her hand above her head and waves at me before getting into her car. 

I watch her drive off before I get into my car, trying to process my feelings. I don’t know quite what I’m feeling right now but with Lennox, it is going to be interesting.

I guess I will see what he is made of.