"It's like this..." May began, hesitating. "I had an accident," she said, kneading her fingers. "Someone tampered with the brakes, which apparently caused it."
Watching the bodyguard take notes on his touchpad in smooth movements without looking at her somehow calmed her, making it easier to talk about what had happened.
"Since then, I've been suffering from amnesia. I can't remember anything from before the accident—not even who I am."
One of his eyebrows lifted slightly, the first change in his otherwise expressionless demeanor.
"That's why I can't tell you much. I have no idea who's after me or why. Though I suspect it has something to do with my parents' company. I mean, that's usually why people are targeted, right? Money?"
"Not necessarily," he replied, without looking up. "There may be other reasons—jealousy, revenge, to name a few. Even if you don't remember, please try to tell me as much as you can." His pen hovered over his touchpad, waiting for her to continue.
"All I can tell you is what I've been told after waking from my coma. I don't know if it's the truth or not. Two men visited me in the hospital, one claiming to be my lover, the other my fiancé. They're cousins and know of each other. Then there's my older sister, Lilly. She's an artist and not involved in the company. That's unfortunately all I know right now. That, and that someone is after my life."
May leaned back in her chair, exhaling slowly. The bodyguard's steady presence anchored her, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos swirling in her mind.
"I feel like I'm living someone else's life," she murmured. "Everyone knows more about me than I do."
The bodyguard's fingers paused over the touchpad. "That must be disorienting," he said, his voice gentler than before. "Have you noticed anything unusual since leaving the hospital?"
May shook her head. "Nothing that I've noticed. But then again, I wouldn't know what's unusual, would I?" She let out a bitter laugh. "Everything is strange to me now. Except—" she paused, thinking of the cryptic warning she had received. Should she share it with her bodyguard?
"Except?" he urged her to continue.
"Well, there's a note I found in my desk. It has only a single sentence printed on it: 'Don't trust A.' I don't have the slightest idea who it's from, nor do I know who this 'A' is supposed to be."
"Would it be all right if I could take a look at it?" he asked, his interest clearly piqued.
"Of course." She went to her desk to retrieve it and handed it to him.
Carefully holding it only at its edge, he gave it a quick look-over. "I'd like to send it to our investigation team. They can run various tests, such as checking for fingerprints. Do you mind?"
"No, not at all. Please," she motioned for him to keep the note. "I wasn't aware that security services also do this kind of thing."
The bodyguard tucked the note into a small evidence bag, his movements precise and practiced. "We at CSS offer a comprehensive protection for our customers, not only taking care that they stay physically unharmed, but also support them in solving the problems for which they reached out to us in the first place. Finding whoever is after your life, while keeping you safe is our priority. We'll start by analyzing this note and investigating the accident. In the meantime, we'll need to establish a secure perimeter around you."
May was astounded by the man's words, yet would never think to decline. She could use any help that she could get.
"I'm sorry to say this," he continued, "but the previous test has proven that your current security system is entirely inadequate. We'll need to upgrade it."
May nodded, feeling relief at the thought that access to her apartment would become more difficult. Thinking back how much fear she had felt less than half an hour ago, she couldn't wait for security to be tightened. "Please do so. Money is not an issue. And what happens after that?"
"We'll establish a routine," he continued. "I'll be with you at all times, while my team surveys the surrounding area."
May nodded, feeling a mix of relief and awkwardness. "Will I be able to leave my apartment?"
"Yes, but with restrictions," he replied. "We'll need to approve and plan all outings in advance. No spontaneous trips, I'm afraid. Your safety is our top priority."
"Of course."
"Do you have any questions at the moment?" he asked as he tucked away the touchpad. Obviously, he was done with his side of questioning.
"Actually, yes," May said, reconsidering. "Or rather than a question, I guess it's a suggestion. If you're going to be with me at all times, would it be all right if we drop the formalities?"
The bodyguard's expression softened slightly. "Of course. You can call me Kai."
"Kai," May repeated, nodding. "Please call me May. Well, Kai, I'm in your hands," she said, reaching out to shake his hand.
"I will risk my life to keep you safe," he said solemnly as his hand closed around hers. It was warm, his grip firm yet gentle, giving her a sense of security.
Ding dong.
The chime of the doorbell interrupted their discussion. Both turned their heads in unison, surprised by the sudden sound.
Kai turned towards May, alertness evident in his voice. "Are you expecting anyone?"