LENNOX.

The ride to my office was torture, it’s a miracle that I didn’t get pulled over  since I  reached almost a hundred miles an hour. Eugene has been blowing up my phone, but I haven’t been able to call him. Nor did I really want to talk to him. I have been trying to process everything that had been going on is taking all of my mental energy. The minute I open the door to my office, I see Eugene pacing. The worry is showing on his face, and he looks terrible, immediately telling me he saw everything. Yet he’s acting a bit calmer than I expected him to. I’m kind of surprised that he hasn’t destroyed the office.

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

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

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

The last time we hugged like this, it was when we created our first successful security device that has the capability of using motion detection gunfire based on who the person is, although not  after multiple trial and errors. I returned his hug, knowing this is due to the thought that he almost lost me. It was a possibility that it could have happened that way, but I can assure him that I wouldn’t die so easily. But secretly I’m still surprised Silas let me go. I don’t know precisely why he did because I don’t think he fears the police.

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

He frowns, 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 asshole for not answering your phone.”

Maybe I should have answered him.

“I just got back from my date, which sucked by the way. I didn't remember who I was going on a date with, but she wasn’t someone I would’ve chosen sober.” His tone pivots back to address his worry “… I saw the footage.” He looks up at me, fear clear in his eyes, “I thought something happened to you, that 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. I didn’t think about how much this would affect him, seeing me like that. Unsure how to help since I am also a mess, I decide to comfort him the best way that I know how.

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

I take his hand pulling him with me to his office. I might be a little manic right now, but it needs to be done. It’s going to be a dangerous game, but one that we need to play. Also, one that could seriously bite me in the butt if it goes the wrong way. I’m ready to that chance.

“Who?” He asks curiously, fumbling along behind me, “I hope you’re not going to do something stupid.”

Yep, it’s going to be a little stupid. 

“Whoever is out to get me.” I tell him, an urgency in my voice, “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. 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 following close behind.  He continues asking different questions, starting to get on my nerves.

“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 confused. 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 needs to relax if we are going to find who we are looking for tonight. I can’t control that I almost died, but I can control this, I will figure this out.

“What are you doing?” He already sounds tired, like he is annoyed with me, “You’re being weird.”

“Sit down.” I tell him, pushing him down onto his chair and spinning him towards the computer, “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 realise 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 hold my tongue because Eugene is different than I am, he’s lived a completely different life. Being lenient with him is necessary,  he is the best I have on my team, and we’ve made it through some hard times together.

Although I was also born with a silver spoon in my mouth, Eugene had a golden family that wasn’t a part of anything dangerous. Truthfully, I am the one who introduced Eugene to this lifestyle, so he has become my responsibility.

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

He looks to his computer, knowing that he can’t fight back. I feel a little bad about using my authority against him. If I don’t, I’m afraid that we would be going around and around in circles. I don’t have the patience for that tonight. 

“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 turned into a few minutes. Even though Eugene is the best of the best, graduating top of his class in computer engineering, and I know it is highly possible that even 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 on hand in case he was to ever need it. Right? It doesn’t make a lot of sense. But 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. I think the person knew to cover their tracks, look where the money came from.”

“Africa?” I lean over shim slightly, reading everything, “I don’t know anyone there, nor who might try to come after me.”

“Whoever did this is smart. They knew we would try to figure out who it was with a geotracker.” Eugene explains, pursing his lips, “Son of a bitch knew what he was doing.”

Of course they did. Bastards, I swear.

“So? Can you keep going? Find a way to uncover it?” 

He gives me a resigned look to tell me no. Eugene is great at his job and known in his field, so if anyone can beat him, I’m sure he knows who. Or, at least I’m hoping for that answer.

“Who encrypted it?” I decided to push, hoping that would give us a lead. 

“Can’t say, I don’t recognize any of the encryption.” Eugene admits, shaking his head, “Definitely a freelance coder, he could be anywhere. They get the job done, collect their money, then disappear.”

“Great.” I mutter, 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 back to my office. Opening my cabinet, I pour myself a glass of wine. I might die soon so I might as well enjoy myself until then. Eugene watches me, his expression hesitant. I don’t ask if he wants to drink because he never does. I really shouldn’t be drinking but I need to relax. Honestly, I don’t care because there’s only so much that I can do. 

“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 there is anyone able to provide what I need.”

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 over me right now, “You need to hire a bodyguard… The best.”

I groan internally. I hate bodyguards. Someone shadowing me and following my every move is just annoying. Why did this have to happen to me!? I mean, in the mafia world there are so many evil men, and compared to them I am a saint! It doesn’t make any. 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. I’m not weak, I just hate violence. I do things meaningful, to make a difference in the world. So far, I have been making more money than others without having to sell drugs, 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  don’t want strangers in my house. I don’t like people messing with my stuff like Silas did earlier… My heart stops thinking of him in my home. I don’t know what to make of him…

Silas…

How long had he been there before I came home? Did he look through my office? I don’t peg him for someone who likes to waste time looking through people’s things but with that body, he can snoop all he likes. I wonder if I will 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. Remember  how those light bulbs go on a character’s head in cartoons? That is exactly what happened. I let it play around in my head, the logistics, how to make it happen, and I smile to myself as I sip on my wine. Yep, that’ll be a perfect plan, 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 be about to 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 could end in disaster. The idea makes my stomach churn. 

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

“I’m going to get a bodyguard like you suggest.” I tell him, stating it in a matter-of-fact tone.

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. Anything. I want to make sure you are completely safe.”

I pull him back by his collar 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 take a look at 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. But I know he is going to hate it.

“Who better to protect an endangered man than an assassin who tried to kill the endangered man?” I explain to him, shrugging my shoulders as I speak his name, “Silas Gray.”

Eugene stares at me blankly. I know the chances of Silas agreeing to protect me is zero. But because of that, I need to find an advantage over him. What do I have on him to get me that? I don’t even know; it might be enough for him to strike again. I’m pushing any buttons he has left. I know he was probably more than pissed off that I managed to ruin his initial plan.

“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 when he’s bothered. 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 need protection. I can’t hide every time. I need someone who is going to be able to fight off these trained killers and protect me. Even kill them if necessary.”

Eugene stops pacing, seeing reason in my words. He’s a logical man, I’ll give him that. I know he’s conflicted about what might come from this. I wonder how Silas will react to it.

“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 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 and it’s going to get me 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 asked. 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 in the next room tells me 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.

I savour every drop of it.