Hostage (Bodyguard #1)(42)
‘Well, don’t get too cosy,’ said Charley sharply. ‘You’re there to do a job. And, judging by the increased chatter on the internet and our communications intercepts, your role is more vital than ever.’
‘Has a threat been made?’ asked Connor, sitting up.
‘Not directly. But there are indications of a number of terrorist attacks being planned against the United States. Nothing concrete, but the CIA and Secret Service are certainly twitchy. You should ask Dirk Moran for an update.’
Connor gave a strained smile. ‘I’ll ask, but he’s not exactly welcoming me with open arms.’
Charley nodded, immediately grasping the situation. ‘This often happens at the start of an operation. There’s always someone who doubts the capability of a buddyguard. You’ll have to gain the director’s trust. Until then, that’s what we’re here for. I’ll ask Amir to email you an encrypted threat update.’
‘Thanks,’ said Connor. ‘At least I’ll know what to watch out for.’
‘So, do you have anything to report?’
Connor shook his head. ‘Not really. It was a normal school day – or as normal as it can be for a buddyguard! At first I suspected everyone from students to teachers. But that can’t last, so I’m going to study the staff list tonight. The drop-off and pick-up by Secret Service is tight, as would be expected. Other than that, I learnt how to say “Where’s the toilet?” in Chinese – Cèsu? zài n?li?’
‘H?n h?o,’ complimented Charley, yet again surprising Connor with her hidden talents. ‘Well, it’s a good day when nothing happens. Let’s hope it stays that way.’
‘Are you sure you want to join this class?’ asked Alicia, raising a doubtful eyebrow at Connor. ‘You don’t have to do everything I do, you know. Most of the boys have opted to play baseball.’
‘No, it’s fine,’ said Connor. ‘I’ve always wanted to learn to dance properly.’
Connor hoped he sounded convincing. He’d never considered dance class before in his life, but he needed to stay close by Alicia to do his job. As they entered the school gymnasium, Connor discovered, to his dismay, he was one of only three boys in the entire class.
‘Hey, over here!’ called Grace, beckoning them to join her and Paige on a side bench. As they approached, Grace gave him an odd look. ‘I wouldn’t have thought this was your sort of thing, Connor.’
‘You English boys are full of surprises,’ giggled Paige, slipping on a pair of glittery dance shoes. ‘Have you done salsa before?’
‘No,’ replied Connor, beginning to feel nervous at the prospect. ‘The closest I’ve ever got to salsa is some sauce with a bag of tortilla chips!’
Despite the weakness of his joke, the girls all laughed. But they stifled their amusement when an elegant elderly lady appeared and clapped her hands for their attention. Connor recognized the woman from the staff photo file as Miss Ashworth, a former professional ballroom dancer who had toured the world several times.
‘Class, we’ll continue with the Cuban-style salsa step from the previous lesson,’ she announced, her tone clipped and precise. ‘Alicia and Oliver, would you please demonstrate?’
Alicia joined a young blond boy in front of the theatre stage and Miss Ashworth pressed Play on a CD machine. A lively, percussion-filled, horn-heavy dance track filled the gym hall and Oliver led Alicia through a series of seemingly complex moves. Connor watched in growing awe as they danced energetically to the music. Alicia was a natural mover, her hips swaying, her arms flowing and her feet shimmying across the floor in a dazzling, twirling display. Her ability was matched only by her enthusiasm. She literally threw herself into the music and seemed to come alive under its influence.
Miss Ashworth paused the CD. ‘Not bad,’ she conceded. ‘Just be careful where you put the break step. Now, everyone, find a partner.’
Having seen what was expected, Connor stayed sitting where he was.
‘That includes you, young man,’ said Miss Ashworth, noting his presence.
Connor smiled politely. ‘I’ll just watch for the time being, if that’s OK.’
Miss Ashworth gave him a stern look. ‘No, it’s not OK. If you’re in my class, you dance. No exceptions.’
Seeing Connor’s trepidation, Alicia came over. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll partner you.’
‘It’s you who should be worried. I don’t have much experience at this,’ he admitted, not wanting to embarrass Alicia – or himself.
‘It’s all right, I’ll lead you,’ she assured him.
‘Well, on your feet be it!’ he said, throwing caution to the wind.
They stood opposite one another in line with the other students. Alicia instructed him to take her right hand in his left and place his right hand on her upper back, while she put hers on his shoulder.
‘Now look at me,’ she said. ‘It’s important we stay in eye contact during the dance … and you need to come much closer.’
Connor stared at her, feeling slightly awkward at being so close to his Principal.
‘Don’t look so nervous,’ she smiled. ‘It’s just a dance.’
To you it might be, thought Connor, wondering what Colonel Black would make of all this.