LENNOX.

The ride to my office was honestly really bad and it is a miracle that I didn’t get pulled over by how fast I was going. I think I reached almost a hundred miles an hour, it’s not even funny. I know that Eugene has been blowing up my phone, but I haven’t been able to call him, trying to process everything that had been going on. The minute I open the door to my office though, I see Eugene pacing and he looks terrible. I know he probably saw everything but he’s acting a bit calmer than I expected him to.

“Eugene!” I call out to him, wondering what he’s going to do next.

He looks up and doesn’t dare to answer as he rushes towards me. He catches me off guard as he rushes towards me and grabs me in a tight hug, and it looks like he is going to start cry. I pat him on the back, already knowing why he is so upset.

“WOAH!” I gasp, caught off guard, “easy there.”

The last time we hugged like this, it was when we created our first successful Bad Boy after multiple trial and errors. I return his hug, knowing he probably thought that he was going to lose me. It was a possibility that it could have happened that way, but I can assure him that I wouldn’t die so easily. I’m still surprised Silas let me go.

“Was the date that bad?” I decide to tease him, knowing that is definitely not why he is holding onto me.

He frowns, obviously looking at me like I’m crazy.

“Date? Oh, yeah…” He shakes his head, his eyes frantic, “I thought something happened to you. You’re an idiot for not answering your damn phone.”

Maybe I should have answered him.

“I got back from my date; it sucked by the way. I didn’t know who precisely I was going on a date with, but she wasn’t the person that I remember… I saw the footage.” He looks up at me, fear in his eyes, “I thought something happened to you and I missed my chance of saving you. I would never forgive myself if that happened. I don’t know what I would do if I lost you, Lennox, you’re my family. You’re the only person that I can count on.”

My heart warms and all the anxiety I had been feeling rushes away. Eugene has been my best friend for years. I would have freaked out if he was in that position, too. I didn’t really think about how much this would be affecting him if he saw me like that. I don’t know what to do about it at all because everything has been a mess.

“I’m fine.” I assure him, holding him a bit close, “come on, I’ll explain everything but for right now, you need to find someone for me.”

I take his hand and pull him with me. His office is not in mine, so we have to get over there. I might be a little crazy right now, but I need to get this done. It is going to be a dangerous game that could bite me in the butt if it goes the wrong way.

“Who?” He asks curiously, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.

“Someone who is out to get me.” I tell him, needing to get to the bottom of this, “and if those cameras were not in my home recording everything, I would have been dead.”

The elevator dings, covering up the sound Eugene makes after I said that. This is going to be a long night unfortunately. I know it isn’t going to be easy figuring out who this bastard is but I’m going to get to the bottom of it. After a little bit, I walk into the computer room with Eugene trailing behind.  He just keeps asking different questions. Honestly, he is being a bit annoying if you ask me.

“Did you just say someone’s trying to kill you?” Yes, I just did, Gene. “What are you going to do? Why didn’t Silas Gray kill you? I mean, not that I want you dead. I’m just curious. Why would he leave you alive? He NEVER leaves anyone alive.”

I turn around and I place my hands on his shoulders. I know he is just worried about me, but he is being a bit much right now. I can’t help that I almost died but I will figure something out.

“What are you doing?” He asks me wearily, “you’re being weird.”

“Sit down.” I tell him, pushing him down onto his chair, “you need to hack into Silas’ website.”

“What?” He gasps, his eyes widening in shock, “what if he finds out? I don’t want to die for hacking into his website. Do you realize what he does to people he doesn’t like?”

I roll my eyes. Chicken. I’ve had a gun pointed at me today and I’m still standing. I can bet with all my millions that Eugene would have gone into a coma if it was him. I just need to hold my tongue though because Eugene is different than I am. He lived a completely different life. I have to be lenient with him because he is really good about doing what I need.

“I almost died tonight.” I remind him, giving him that look that warns him not to argue, “you have to do what I say when I ask because I am your boss. Got it?”

He turns to his computer, knowing that he can’t fight back. I feel a little bad about using my authority against him. I never do that unless I absolutely have to. I think this is the best for right now.

“You’re right, I’m sorry.” He murmurs, his keyboard making noises as he gets to work, “what do you want to know, boss?”

“Find out who ordered a hit on me.” I instruct him, hoping that Silas didn’t get rid of all the evidence I’m going to need, “don’t hold anything back. Get me everything that I need.”

He glances at me for a split second before turning back to work on it, “it’s going to take a sec.”

A sec meant a few minutes. Eugene is the best of the best and I know it is highly possible that he won’t even be able to figure out who is after me. I mean, if I’m going to trust anyone to do this, it would be him. Silas said that he had no idea who had ordered him to kill me. Was he being honest? It didn’t look like he was lying but I have been wrong before. I don’t know why he wouldn’t have that information in hand though in case he were to ever need it. Right? It doesn’t make a lot of sense. Can I trust Silas to tell the truth?

“Got it.” He murmurs, a slight frown appearing on his face now, “the order was placed anonymously so I traced the money… This isn’t good because I think the person knew to cover their tracks. Look where the money came from.”

“Africa?” I’m more than just a little confused, “I don’t even know anyone there.”

“Whoever did this must have covered their tracks because they knew we would be able to try to figure out who ordered it with a simple location track.” Eugene explains, pursing his lips, “son of a bitch knew what he was doing.”

Of course, they did. Bastards, I swear.

“So? Can you uncover it?” I’m curious because Eugene is the best at decoding.

He gives me a resigned look that tells me no. Eugene is very good at his job, so if anyone else can beat him, I’m sure he knows who. Or at least I’m going to have to keep hoping for that answer.

“Who encrypted it?” I decide to wonder, hoping that would at least give us some answers. 

“Can’t say. I don’t recognize any of the encryption.” Eugene admits, shaking his head, “so that means whoever I’m thinking isn’t our guy. That leads us to another dead end. A freelance coder, he could be anywhere. They get the job done, collect their money, and then disappear.”

“Great.” I mutter as I stand up, shaking my head, “Silas said whoever is after me will send more people. What should I do?”

I don’t want to die. How can I fight back if I don’t know who’s out to get me? Who would even want to have me dead? It doesn’t make any sense. Eugene and I both walk into my office. Opening up my cabinet, I pour myself a glass of wine. I might die soon so I might as well enjoy myself till then. Eugene watches me. I don’t ask if he wants to drink because he never does. I really shouldn’t be drinking but I’m not going to worry about it so much right now. 

“I think you need some protection.” He finally breaks the silence, and I glance over at him, “someone that can make sure you are safe.”

“What kind of protection?” I ask him curiously, wondering where he is going with this, “I don’t know if anyone is going to be able to.”

Who can protect me from death?

“You know, the kind that helps you stay alive.” He says a little sarcastically, “come on, Lennox, be serious.”

I don’t give him a response. 

He sighs, as if he is completely done with me right now, “you need to hire a bodyguard… The best.”

I groan internally. I really hate bodyguards. I hate someone shadowing me and following my every move. It is just annoying. Why did this have to happen to me!? I mean, in the Mafia world there are so many evil men, so compared to them I am a saint! It doesn’t make a lot of sense as to what is going to happen from all of this. Why is someone after me?

No one in the gang or outside would dare. I have a lot on all of them. They suck up to me even though many of them find me too ‘weak’ to be a Mafia leader. But I’m not weak, I just hate violence and I do things differently to make a difference in the world. So far, I have been making more money than others without having to sell drugs, or transport women or guns. My family and I have been safe… Well, at least until now. Hiring a bodyguard isn’t a bad idea, but I honestly don’t want strangers in my house. I don’t like people messing with my stuff like Silas did earlier… I don’t even know what to make of him…

Silas…

I didn’t peg him for someone who likes to snoop through other people’s stuff but with that body, he can snoop all he likes. I honestly don’t mind. I wonder if I would ever get to see those grey eyes again. I bet they would look even better during daylight. I sigh again, annoyed with myself. I can’t believe I am thinking about Silas right now when my life is so disrupted. 

Like a surge of electricity, an idea comes to my mind. You know how those light bulbs go on a character’s head in cartoons? Well, mine just did. I let it play around in my head, and I just smile to myself as I sip on my wine. Yep, that’ll be the perfect plan if you ask me. I think I’ll quite enjoy making Silas do my will.

“What are you smiling about?” Eugene is looking at me like I am crazy, “you could die! Are you seriously finding that funny?”

“I have an idea!” I tell him, proud of myself.

It is a genius idea. It is the kind of idea that might end up biting me in the butt. I hate the idea, making my stomach churn. Will I get away with it is the bigger question.

“I’m listening.” Eugene mutters as he pays me his full attention.

“I’m going to get a bodyguard.” I tell him, already coming to the conclusion of it.

Surprise flashes across his face before he smiles. I’m sure he didn’t expect that.

“I thought I would need to persuade you since I know how much you hate the idea of having a bodyguard.” No persuasion needed this time, Gene, “I’ll go get a list of the best bodyguards. We could hire them all. I want to make sure you are completely safe.”

I pull him back as he tries to walk away from me, “I already have someone in mind, and he will be the only one that I will need.”

“Who?” He asks, confused, “did you already see the list?”

I don’t know anyone on the list that he was about to get, but I have the perfect candidate that even he can’t refute. I know he is going to hate it though because of who it is.

“Who better to protect an endangered man than an assassin who tried to kill the endangered man?” I explain to him, shrugging my shoulders like it is so simple, “Silas Gray.”

Eugene stares at me blankly. I know he thinks that I am crazy. I mean, the chances of Silas agreeing to protect me is zero. Because of that, it is why I need to find an advantage over him. But what do I have on him to get me that? I don’t even know; he might kill me. I’m definitely pushing the buttons of what he has left. I know he probably was pissed off that I managed to get away.

“You’re out of your mind.” He finally says before he starts to pace again, “Silas Gray doesn’t protect people. He MURDERS them! MURDERS, Lennox! You’re insane if you think you can get him to work for you.”

He paces anytime he’s bothered; just in case you haven’t figured that out yet. It’s kind of funny if you ask me. I know what he is thinking but I’m not going to hold back. I need Silas.

“I know, I know.” I admit, already knowing it is a crazy idea, “but tell me, who else do you think can fight off God knows how many serial killers this person will send to kill me. I don’t need protection. I can’t hide every time. I need someone who is going to fight off my killers and protect me. Even kill them if necessary.”

Eugene stops pacing, seeing reason in my words. He’s a very logical man, I’ll give him that. But I know he is quite conflicted about what might come next from all of this. Will Silas even do it? I don’t know.

“But how do you plan on making Silas work for you?” He asks, tilting his head to the side, “I don’t think money is enough to sway him.”

I know, I know money isn’t enough. Which is why I have another trick up my sleeve. I have an advantage… I have something on him that others do not. I’m definitely going to get in trouble with him.

“We need Maggie.” I murmur as I go back and pour myself more wine, “grab her for me.”

It dawns on Eugene, and he shakes his head at me, “if this doesn’t work out…”

“If it doesn’t work out, I won’t need to wait for any other killers, Silas will do it himself.” I cut him off, getting straight to the bottom of it, “now, go get Maggie.”

Eugene nods and strolls out of my office, doing as I have asked of him. It immediately dawns on me what else I’m going to need.

“Grab Silas’ phone number while you’re at it!” I call after him.

The groan he makes tells me that he heard me. I take a seat and enjoy my glass of wine. If this doesn’t work, this might be the last glass I ever drink.

That makes me savour every last drop of it.