Stacey didn't get the reaction she predicted from Azrael, after her blatant declaration the other night. He was silent and have remained so for days now, which was bothersome. She had defied him; told him she could never be his bride, told him to do his worst. But he had chosen to stay silent. She felt it strongly in her gut, that it didn't bode well, but then she was grateful for the peaceful nights.
She was having a conversation with her father about some of his new investments in his study, when they were interrupted by a gentle knock on the door.
"Come on in." James said, lifting his eyes, as he knocked off some ash from his cigar, into the glass ash tray on his polished wooden desk.
Stacey's personal guard made his way inside, in his neatly ironed black suit, and shiny leather shoes.
"Good afternoon, Sir… Ms. Brown." He bowed slightly.
Stacey and James acknowledged his salutation, before James spoke up, observing Hardy's mien the whole time.
One peculiar thing, that can easily be noticed from the staff in the villa- both domestic and security, was that they were barely found sulking, complaining or wearing forlorn faces. They were satisfied workers, earning what many only dreamed of; so they gave their jobs their best.
"Hardy, any issues?" James asked, cutting to the chase, as he puffed his cigar, releasing the thick smoke in a relaxed breath.
"No problems, Sir," Came Hardy's voice. "Just that I am here to tender my resignation." He finished quietly yet firmly.
James was calm but Stacey was already getting worried.
"Resignation? Why? Does it have anything to do with the recent events or my attitude?" Stacey couldn't help asking. She knew she acted like a spoilt brat sometimes, and that alone could wear anyone out. But Hardy was one of the best they have ever employed and losing him wasn't going to be a big blow.
Hardy smiled, "Certainly not, Ma."
"So, do you want more money?" James chipped in, dropping more ice cubes into his cognac. "Hmm?"
"Mr. Brown, it's nothing like that. My family needs me, so I need to be there… it's quite a sensitive issue, so I cannot go into the details. I hope you understand, Sir?"
James nodded. He valued family as well, and wouldn't think twice to drop everything if Stacey or Susan was in distress.
"That's fine."
"So, what do we do about your position?" It might sound insensitive, but that was her major concern - her security.
"About that," he reached inside his suit and brought out an envelope, "I made a list of some colleagues from the special service squad. They are pretty much the best you can ask for. I can put in a good word or two, if you like?"
Stacey collected the list, and handed it to her dad. He was more in tune with stuff like that than she could ever be.
James adjusted his glasses, peering closely at the names and nodding. "You don't have to bother about that. I will look into it myself. You are free to go."
Hardy saluted, "Thank you, Sir. I will hang around till the new guy comes."
"That would be nice." Stacey smiled, finally relaxing her shoulders.
***
"Dad… Mum…" Stacey called excitedly as she waltzed into the house, making her way to the sitting room with graceful and confident steps, "I have got good news."
"Sweetheart, right in time." James waved her over to where they were.
"Hi, dad." Stacey greeted him with a kiss. She hadn't yet seen the person standing before her parents, till she finally looked up.
Standing right there with his arms behind him, like a soldier on parade, was one of the most gorgeous men, she had ever laid eyes on. He was gentle on the eyes, fair - almost pale, with a unique pair of golden brown eyes- like embers of fire. They were so deep and enchanting that, one could get lost if they stared long enough into them. His jawlines were defined, with small neat stubbles and the perfect smile that made the knees weak. He was beautiful! He looked so unassuming and innocent, but Stacey could tell that there was more to him than met the eyes.
She found herself staring, and lacking the will to break the stare.
"From the smile on your face, I can tell you had a blast at work today." James asserted but Stacey couldn't hear him.
"Stacey… Stacey!" Susan intervened.
Stacey gave a nervous chuckle, "sorry, Mum. I was thinking about something." She finally took her seat beside her parents, but still kept stealing glances at the tall young man before them.
"Honey, this is your new body guard. Adrian Enzo." James informed her with a wide smile.
"Oh..." Who would have thought the he was her bodyguard? Stacey stood and offered him a handshake, "Stacey Brown."
"Adrian Enzo at your service, ma'am." He managed a smile, taking her hand.
Stacey immediately felt the mark in her arm hum… But it was just for a split second. She couldn't be sure if the mark actually came alive, or it was her mind playing with her. So, she dismissed the thought.
Stacey felt an unfathomable attraction to Adrian. It felt like she had known him way before now, but his face didn't ring a bell in her head.
"Looking forward to working with you." Stacey said, before withdrawing her hand.
"Mr. Enzo, you may go now. You resume tomorrow, so take your time to ask questions on anything, okay? You came highly recommended, so I expect nothing short of excellence from you."
"Roger that, Sir." He said with a confident smile.
Once Adrian exited, James returned his attention to Stacey. "So, what's the good news?"
Stacey beamed, her mind had been preoccupied by something else for a few minutes, but now she was back to herself.
"Guess who got nominated for the legal icon of the year?"
"You?"
"Are you serious?" James screamed. He would have wanted her in the business world, but he loved it when she made waves in her career. He was literally her biggest fan.
"Yes, dad. I did."
Susan hugged her tightly, "Congratulations baby."
"Thanks Mum."
Motioning to one of the guards waiting near the door, Susan instructed, "Tell Phillipe to get me the finest wine from the cellar. We are celebrating."
Stacey had a double feat to be happy about. Not only did she get nominated as the legal icon of the year, she also won a case that had been dragged in court for quite some time. This made every news and media outlet in the city to sing her praises and bid for exclusive interviews. She turned them all down at first, but after much persistence and incessant calls to her office, she finally accepted to grant two interviews.
On the scheduled day, Stacey and her guards arrived the conference hall amidst a throng of reporters hanging around the premises with their cameras and recorders, in a bid to capture the moment.
Stacey was grateful for her guards, she always was, although some times, she felt they were a thorn in her flesh. If not for them, probably she would have been dragged down by the eager and antsy crowd.
The interviews lasted about three hours with only a thirty minutes' recess in-between.
"Thank you, so much, Ma for your time." The first interviewer said, smiling satisfactorily.
"It was my pleasure." Stacey replied, returning her handshake.
"We will get in touch with you, once we make the publications. I believe this will change the narrative for many people."
"I will be looking forward to that." Stacey nodded.
She just wanted to leave already. For an uncanny reason, she wasn't feeling relaxed anymore, like something bad was in the offing.
"Adrian?"
"Yes, Ma'am." He answered, moving closer to where she sat.
"Let's get going."
Stacey was already standing, as the reporters made their way out first.
There was no escaping the myriad flashlights from the cameras and the reporters shoving their recorders in her face to get her speech, once she made her way out of the hallway.
"Ms. Brown, can we get your statement?"
"Ms. Brown, how do you feel about being nominated for legal icon of the year?"
"Do you plan on granting more interviews?"
The question kept rolling down like an avalanche, and she tried to answer some, while completely ignoring some.
Adrian had his eagle vision at alert, scanning the entire perimeter. His eyes darted back and forth as he led Stacey through the throng. Suddenly, his gaze locked onto a man fast approaching Stacey. In a flash, he yanked Stacey behind him, his palm up to shield her. The assailant, attempting to Stab Stacey, instead plunged the knife into Adrian's hand.
Adrian grunted in pain but acted quickly. With his free hand, he grabbed the man's wrist and twisted, forcing him to drop the knife. Then, with a swift motion, he tackled him to the ground, pinning him down as the other guards rushed to surround Stacey.
Stacey froze like an ice statue. For a moment, she taught the knife had gotten to her. She looked over at Adrian who was kneeling over the assailant, his hand bleeding. He motioned to one of the other guards to take charge of the assailant as he rushed to Stacey's side.
"Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes scanning her face.
Stacey nodded, still in shock. She swallowed hard at the blood he was losing, "Your hand…!"
Adrian glanced down at his injured palm, his expression dismissive. "It's just a scratch. I'll get it treated at the security quarters. Let's get you somewhere safe first."
Stacey's gratitude overwhelmed her. "Thank you, Adrian. I owe you my life."
Adrian smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Just doing my job, ma'am."
As Adrian led her to the waiting car, her mind raced with questions. What kind of man was Adrian? He had put himself in harm's way without hesitation to keep her safe. She had only seen stuff like this in movies.
He made her feel safe.