The Protector (Barrett Boys #3) - Jordan Ford Page 0,22

who I am. In fact, maybe it’d be better if I kept that information to myself. Just to start with. Try to keep a low profile. That’ll help with safety, right? I mean, this stalker person won’t even know where I am.”

Daddy looks kind of dubious. “Once the news hits, there’ll no doubt be reporters on your doorstep, asking all about college, and then you’ll be in the spotlight again.”

“Yeah, well, the news doesn’t have to hit, you know?” I thread my fingers together while Ruby groans beside me. “People don’t need to know about this letter, this stalker, me heading off to college. You’re the famous one. They’re interested in you, not me. So, you know, when you think about it, me being away at Fitzroy, flying under the radar, is really the safest place for me. And taking a bodyguard who’s young and doesn’t look like a trained special ops agent might work in my favor. We all know Burk will want to act like James Bond.”

“No he won’t!” Ruby flicks her hands in the air.

“Oh please. He loves that stuff,” I counter. “He gets off on pretending he’s some kind of secret agent.”

Azim snickers but quickly swallows the sound before looking at his boss. “I really think, sir, that Indigo has a point. If it doesn’t work out, Brody can return her home.”

“If it doesn’t work out, my daughter could be kidnapped and killed by some psychopath.”

“Sir.” Brody steps forward. “I swear on my life, I won’t let any harm come to your daughter. If you give me this job, I one hundred percent commit to bringing her home every holiday in one piece—happy and safe.”

My lips part just a little before my eyebrows rise and I share an impressed look with Azim.

He gives me a secret grin and winks while Ruby screeches and storms out of the room.

Crossing my arms, I give Brody a grateful look before turning to my father.

“I think that settles it, right, Daddy?”

My father gives in with a small smile and shake of his head. “Looks like you’re off to college.”

It’s an effort to suppress my grin and squeal of glee.

“Azim, work with Brody to update him on every detail, and figure out the safest route for these two to get to Fitzroy. And it might be a good idea for Brody to head out with Indigo a couple times over the next few days as a bit of a test run. You’ll accompany them to a shopping mall and run Brody through the ropes of how our family operates.”

“Yes, sir.” Azim nods.

“Thank you, sir.” Brody extends his hand, and they shake on it.

Okay. Well, it looks like my dreams are coming true after all.

All I’m asking for is a chance to be a “normal” college freshman. Let’s hope this Brody Markum can be the man I need him to be.

10

Today’s the Day

This week has been a blur.

I’ve had so many things to do—maps to study, college plans to memorize, access codes to learn. Burk went over most of it with me. He didn’t outright say it, but I think he’s kind of pissed not to be the one going.

“Well, when I was there scoping the place out…”

“I know Fitzroy pretty well considering I’ve been there already.”

“If I was the man on this job…”

Thankfully Azim has held steady and not switched me to Ruby detail. After her performance in Castle Shaw’s office that first day, I don’t think I could stomach it. Not even for sixty-eight grand a year.

Azim has put me through my paces with extra training that’s gone late into the night. He takes his job so freaking seriously and is obviously determined to make sure I’m the right man for the job.

It’s no wonder I haven’t had a chance to call and let Jake know until now.

“You’re serious?”

“Yeah, man. It’s good money, and it’ll be easy.”

“And you’re leaving today?”

“Sorry, I meant to call you earlier, but it’s been an intense week.”

“But the last time I spoke to you, you’d just lost your job. Now you’re some bodyguard?”

“It’s all happened kind of fast,” I agree.

“This is crazy. You could be fending off a stalker!”

“Shhhh. No one’s supposed to know about that.”

“Who the hell am I gonna tell?”

“I don’t know! Just keep your voice down. Besides, Azim admitted yesterday that he thinks it’s probably a hoax like the others were. They’ve been getting crazy mail for years. Castle Shaw is paranoid. Which, you know, works in my favor!” I laugh, my