A Legacy of Stars -- Part IV --

“Makin’ rounds, Maxwell?” a large man asked, glancing up from the monitors. “Don’t ya trust me?”

“Nothing personal, Gibson,” Faith answered. She glanced over his shoulders, studying the screens. She was satisfied with what she saw.

Gibson leaned back in his chair. “I have to say you’ve done a pretty job here.”

She had spent the last month rearranging security around Jarrod. She had contacted many people, all former agents she had either known personally during her time with the Preventers or knew by reputation. Although there had been a few holdouts, she had managed to convince several to join the security team. Getting Gibson on board had been one of her greater successes.

“It sounds like you’ve had doubts, Gib.”

“Doubt you?” He grinned, his white teeth a stark contrast to his dark skin. “Perish the thought. Besides, this is pretty posh, considering some of the places I’ve worked.”

She smiled. “I know what you mean. But don’t get too comfortable.”

“Yeah, I know. I went through all the training, too, Faith. Constant vigilance.”

“That’s the idea. So, keep those pretty brown eyes on those monitors, Gib, and we won’t have any problems.”

“Will do, ma’am.”

She should have chided him for the improper salute, but Faith decided to let it slide. Gibson was good at his job. His humor helped keep him sane in a job that made many cold. She couldn’t criticize him for that.

* * * * *

Faith continued on her rounds, making sure that the men and women on duty were doing their jobs. She was about to turn in for the night but elected to make one final walk by Jarrod’s room. When she saw that his light was back on, she knocked on the door.

“Is everything alright in there?” Faith asked. When she got no reply, she knocked again. “Hello?”

Not waiting further, she tried to open the door. It was locked. Cursing under her breath, she forced the ornate handle down, easily breaking the lock. She would have to check the locks on all the doors later, but her current priority was finding Jarrod.

The man in question was returning to the bedroom from the adjoining bathroom. He started when he saw Faith. He quickly recovered and with a long-suffering sigh, he surveyed the door.

“Do you own a door company?” he asked. “You seem fond of replacing them, Maxwell.”

“Take it out of my pay.”

Shaking his head, Jarrod walked over to a couch and sat down. “So, to what do I owe this intrusion?”

“I saw your light was own. When you didn’t answer at the knocks, I decided to investigate.”

“Do you honestly expect me to be attacked in my own room?”

“You hired me to protect you,” she stated, a hint of irritation in her voice. “Assassins will strike where and when they can. I’m only doing my job.”

“You’re right, Faith.” He glanced away. “I’m sorry.”

The use of her name shocked her as much as the apology did. Ever since she had been hired, Jarrod had called her by her last name. In a way, it irritated her, making it seem as if the two of them were complete strangers. However, the same distance that irked her made her job easier.

“I’m trying to keep appearances as normal as possible,” she stated, “like you asked me to. I understand the reasons why.”

He shook his head. “You understand nothing, Maxwell.”

“Don’t I?” she asked, glaring at him. “The current president has all but put you at the top of his list of favorites. Your current position is merely a stepping stone for a much higher office. That and you are the heir of Winner Enterprises. It can make you a pretty tempting target for a lot of unhappy people.”

Jarrod openly gaped at her. She fought the urge to smirk. Clearly, she had surprised him.

“How did you? I mean how could you?” He laughed. “And just how did you come to these conclusions?”

“I’ve spent some time around politicians, especially when I was younger. Besides, I majored in public relations as well as history in college. I was working on a dual masters before I was recruited by the Preventers.”

Again he was surprised. In all the years he had known her, this was the most that Faith had ever talked about her past. It was easy to forget who she really was.

“I never understood why you joined the Preventers,” he said.

She shrugged. “You and everyone else.”

“You could have had a career in politics.” He managed to stop himself from mentioning her mother. “You could have done a lot.”

“By cashing in on my mother’s memory? No, I’ve left that part of my life behind me. Besides, I have done a lot of good as a Preventer, far more than I could have ever done as a politician.”

“Why do I get the feeling that you don’t like politicians?”

She smiled, her blue eyes lighting up with amusement. “Don’t worry. I consider you one of the good guys or I won’t be working for you.”

Her beeper went off, shattering the mood. She scowled as she read the message. “I’ve got to check on this. I’ll have someone replace the door in the morning.”

“Good.” He watched her head for the door. “Maxwell?”

She stopped, turning to look at him. “Yes?”

“Make sure to get some sleep yourself.”

She rolled her eyes. “Will do, boss.”

Once she was gone, he surveyed the damaged door. Luckily it would still close, although the lock was broken. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that a broken door handle would soon be the least of his problems.


Part IV “Makin’ rounds, Maxwell?” a large man asked, glancing up from the monitors. “Don’t ya trust me?” “Nothing personal, Gibson,” Faith answered. She glanced over his shoulders, studying the screens. She was satisfied with what she saw. Gibson leaned back in his chair. “I have to say you’ve done a pretty job here.” She had spent the last month rearranging security around Jarrod. She had contacted many people, all former agents she had either known personally during her time with the Preventers or knew by reputation. Although there had been a few holdouts, she had managed to convince several to join the security team. Getting Gibson on board had been one of her greater successes. “It sounds like you’ve had doubts, Gib.” “Doubt you?” He grinned, his white teeth a stark contrast to his dark skin. “Perish the thought. Besides, this is pretty posh, considering some of the places I’ve worked.” She smiled. “I know what you mean. But don’t get too comfortable.” “Yeah, I know. I went through all the training, too, Faith. Constant vigilance.” “That’s the idea. So, keep those pretty brown eyes on those monitors, Gib, and we won’t have any problems.” “Will do, ma’am.” She should have chided him for the improper salute, but Faith decided to let it slide. Gibson was good at his job. His humor helped keep him sane in a job that made many cold. She couldn’t criticize him for that. * * * * * Faith continued on her rounds, making sure that the men and women on duty were doing their jobs. She was about to turn in for the night but elected to make one final walk by Jarrod’s room. When she saw that his light was back on, she knocked on the door. “Is everything alright in there?” Faith asked. When she got no reply, she knocked again. “Hello?” Not waiting further, she tried to open the door. It was locked. Cursing under her breath, she forced the ornate handle down, easily breaking the lock. She would have to check the locks on all the doors later, but her current priority was finding Jarrod. The man in question was returning to the bedroom from the adjoining bathroom. He started when he saw Faith. He quickly recovered and with a long-suffering sigh, he surveyed the door. “Do you own a door company?” he asked. “You seem fond of replacing them, Maxwell.” “Take it out of my pay.” Shaking his head, Jarrod walked over to a couch and sat down. “So, to what do I owe this intrusion?” “I saw your light was own. When you didn’t answer at the knocks, I decided to investigate.” “Do you honestly expect me to be attacked in my own room?” “You hired me to protect you,” she stated, a hint of irritation in her voice. “Assassins will strike where and when they can. I’m only doing my job.” “You’re right, Faith.” He glanced away. “I’m sorry.” The use of her name shocked her as much as the apology did. Ever since she had been hired, Jarrod had called her by her last name. In a way, it irritated her, making it seem as if the two of them were complete strangers. However, the same distance that irked her made her job easier. “I’m trying to keep appearances as normal as possible,” she stated, “like you asked me to. I understand the reasons why.” He shook his head. “You understand nothing, Maxwell.” “Don’t I?” she asked, glaring at him. “The current president has all but put you at the top of his list of favorites. Your current position is merely a stepping stone for a much higher office. That and you are the heir of Winner Enterprises. It can make you a pretty tempting target for a lot of unhappy people.” Jarrod openly gaped at her. She fought the urge to smirk. Clearly, she had surprised him. “How did you? I mean how could you?” He laughed. “And just how did you come to these conclusions?” “I’ve spent some time around politicians, especially when I was younger. Besides, I majored in public relations as well as history in college. I was working on a dual masters before I was recruited by the Preventers.” Again he was surprised. In all the years he had known her, this was the most that Faith had ever talked about her past. It was easy to forget who she really was. “I never understood why you joined the Preventers,” he said. She shrugged. “You and everyone else.” “You could have had a career in politics.” He managed to stop himself from mentioning her mother. “You could have done a lot.” “By cashing in on my mother’s memory? No, I’ve left that part of my life behind me. Besides, I have done a lot of good as a Preventer, far more than I could have ever done as a politician.” “Why do I get the feeling that you don’t like politicians?” She smiled, her blue eyes lighting up with amusement. “Don’t worry. I consider you one of the good guys or I won’t be working for you.” Her beeper went off, shattering the mood. She scowled as she read the message. “I’ve got to check on this. I’ll have someone replace the door in the morning.” “Good.” He watched her head for the door. “Maxwell?” She stopped, turning to look at him. “Yes?” “Make sure to get some sleep yourself.” She rolled her eyes. “Will do, boss.” Once she was gone, he surveyed the damaged door. Luckily it would still close, although the lock was broken. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that a broken door handle would soon be the least of his problems.


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