Chapter 2

"Sir, we need to take the children to the hospital to get them checked-up." said one of the paramedics. The man who was intently gazing at me snapped out of what seemed to be a trance and turned towards the other direction to speak with the medical staff. I took that as an opportunity to leave and get some fresh air outside the clock tower. My adrenaline was fading and I felt the hunger pains in my stomach. I climbed down the Big Ben and was welcomed the people in my team.

“Job well done!” I heard Sir Lincoln, our director, say as he patted me firmly on the back. “You finally gave that bastard the justice he deserved. He will now rot in whatever hellhole he came from.” He then offered me a ride home, but I politely refused. I knew that my place was out of the way from the agency and I prefer to be alone for a while. I just asked if I can borrow the car I came to the scene with. 

“You do realize that you technically stole company property,” Director Lincoln scolded me in a harsh tone. Just as I was about to defend myself for the actions I took, the Director burst into laughter. “Nah! I’m just kidding! You can have the car. It is yours now. You can take it home tonight, and I’ll process the transfer papers personally tomorrow.” 

Was I hearing things? Did the Director just give me the company Chevy. Sir Lincoln must have seen the confused look on my face and answered my unspoken question. “The father of the children you saved is an owner of a multibillion-dollar oil company in the Middle East. He just gave our agency a huge donation for saving his children. The car is the least we can give you.” 

I smiled. “Thanks Sir.” was all I could muster up to say. This was a weird day. I felt at least twelve different emotions in the past 5 minutes. I needed to rest. I got the car keys from my pocket and walked towards my Chevy. I will call him Jack. Yeah… That’s a nice name. My salary was enough for me to get a car of my own, but most of my best memories took place in this car. What else can I say, I’m a sentimental guy.

I was lost in my own happy, contented, and depressive thoughts that I did not notice him walk up behind me. As I was about to enter my car, I felt a warm hand tap my shoulder. "Jaime, right?" My body froze at the sound of my name on his lips. I spun around and met his eyes. He held out his right hand for me to shake.

"My name is Lucas. Thank you for saving my children. Is there anything you want or need?" He was smiling— just a bit, but it was such an innocent and genuine smile that it made my heart melt. I’ve only always seen him crying.

"No Sir. I'm just doing my job." I responded meekly.

"Well, there is something I need of you." he admitted. I was actually very curious about what he had to say, but I stopped myself from asking. I did not want to seem overzealous. "I want you to move in with us. Work for me as the bodyguard of my children,” He said straightforwardly. “I just lost my wife a few months back and I am not in my best disposition. I don't think I can watch over them right now." he responded.

“You’re the only one I can trust right now to keep them safe. Besides, the kids already have a liking to you, since you look so much like their mother." He explained. I was dumbfounded. I just stared at him waiting for what else he had to say. “I already discussed this with your agency and they agreed to let you go if you were to accept my offer.”

I did not know what to do or say. Just HOW MUCH did he donate to the agency for them to let me go like that? I am not tooting my own horn, but I am one of the best investigators in the force. My body just froze. I promised her that I would watch over her husband and children, but I did not expect this weird twist of events.

“I'm offering you three times what you're making in your agency. You will have your own room and—”  

“Sir, I don't think I can accept three times my salary for much less work.” I interrupted.

“Do you know how to cook?”

“I do—”

“Well then that is settled, you are my children's bodyguard and their personal cook. My wife used to be the one who prepared our meals, but ever since she passed, the kids have been hard to feed.” 

I tried to stop myself from giggling. Who are you kidding? The children eat fine. I watch you every morning and evening; it is YOU would not eat the meals prepared by the maid. “Well, I guess I do not have a choice, do I?” I said sarcastically.

Lucas grinned. “I’ll pick you up at your place tomorrow at 8am.” Before I could ask him how he knew where I lived, he answered my unsaid question. “Before you get any weird ideas, one of your workmates, John, I think was his name, gave me your address.”

Bloody hell, the agency is really pimping me out!

I finally got into my car and drove to my apartment. It was a big penthouse apartment issued by the agency large enough to house a family of four or more, but I only ever use one bedroom. I didn’t have a lot of stuff nor do I invite guests over, so my home was pretty bare. I wouldn’t miss it. I packed what little clothing I had into my suitcase and turned in for the night. I could not sleep. I kept thinking of him. I did not know if I was excited or anxious for what was to come.