Chapter 13: David glanced around the small airport, wondering who and where this "Renaldo" person was that Jason had mentioned. Seeing the muscular man coming towards him, David immediately had the answer. He picked up his bag as Renaldo stopped in front of him. "Are you Tyler?" David nodded. "Come on, kid. We've got a lot of talking to do." Once they were settled in the back of a limo, Renaldo leaned toward David. "You recognize the risks in these jobs?" He asked. "Good", he said receiving a nod. "Then I have your assignment." Renaldo took some photos out of his suit pocket. "This is Moreno." He said, showing a picture to David. "He's the one we're after, and who is after us. He wants our territory and will stop at nothing to get it. It's important that we protect those that Jason ordered us too. If we don't, Moreno will get to them. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" "He'll go that far?" "He'll go further. Moreno has no heart. If someone is in the way or is a threat to him, he'll take them out. If he sees the opportunity to get to Jason, he'll do it." Renaldo put the picture down and took out another one. "This is Carly Roberts. She's the mother of Michael, Jason's kid. It's a long story, and you'll probably hear it someday, but not today, and not from me. "This is Michael. You have to understand that Jason loves this kid more than anything. No one except for himself, Carly, his sister, and her friend, is going to go near him. Do you understand?" David nodded. "Okay-here's the important part, so listen carefully. This picture is of Jason's little sister, Emily, and her friend, Lucky." Renaldo handed the picture to David. "They don't really like the whole bodyguard thing, or so they tell us." Renaldo caught Johnny's eye in the rearview mirror and winked. Johnny turned back to driving, but Renaldo could see that he was chuckling. "The other night, someone opened fire at a party on the beach." David stared at him. "Was it this Moreno guy?" "We don't think so. Moreno likes to play games. That's not his kind of move. Anyway, this is where you come in. We want you to become friends with Emily and Lucky. Since you're about their age, this should be easy. But it's more complicated than that. You're going to be another bodyguard, in a way. Johnny and myself might not be close by if something happens, like the other night. We want you around in case anything does. And since you're a kid, they won't suspect." "Why are you keeping this from them?" David wanted to know. "We want them to put all of their trust in you. They trust us with their lives, but they don't confide in us with their suspicions. Got it?" "Yeah." "Okay, listen up. Lucky is a Spencer. He has fighting in the blood and he can usually take care of himself. But Emily is fragile and vulnerable. She had some trouble last summer and started messing around with drugs. Now, Lucky is very protective over her. So get on his good side. Other than that, they're both great kids. Do you think you can handle this?" David stared down at the picture of pretty brunette. "Not a problem." "These clothes are so adorable." Emily said as she and Carly browsed in a clothing store for newborns and children. "Aren't they? I love shopping, especially for Michael." Carly looked at the price tag on one piece of clothing and made a face. Putting it back on the rack, she said, "I'm going to pay for these things. If you'd like, you can take Michael outside." "Sure." Emily took hold of the stroller handle and pushed open the door as Carly brought the clothes up front. Outside, she lifted her head upwards and let the sun's warm rays shine down on her face. "Emily!" She turned around and smiled. "Hey Nikolas." "Hi." He said once he caught up to her. "How are you doing?" "I'm fine. How are you?" "Good." Nikolas looked around. "Lucky isn't around here, is he?" Emily chuckled. "No, he's back at the house." "Well, how about going out to dinner with me tonight? There's a great Italian restaurant nearby on the boardwalk." "Sounds great." "Good, I'll pick you up at seven?" "Uh-" "Oh, right, Lucky." "You know what, come anyway. I'm sure he won't mind…much." Nikolas chuckled. "We'll see." "Em, are you ready to go?" "Sure, Carly." Emily smiled at Nikolas. "Bye, Nikolas." "See you tonight, Em." "Goodbye, Nikolas." Carly waved and then turned to Emily. "Tonight?" "We're going out to dinner." "Oh." She said knowingly. "A friendly dinner." Emily corrected. "Are you sure?" Carly said pushing Michael's stroller. "I seem to remember you having a crush on him a few months ago." Emily rolled her eyes and grinned. "And are you sure a certain someone won't be jealous?" Carly teased. Emily's eyes sparkled as she laughed. "Who, Lucky? Never!" |