Hostage (Bodyguard #1)(8)

The stern expression on the colonel’s face left Connor no room for doubt that there’d be grave repercussions if he ever did. ‘I understand,’ he replied.

The colonel took him at his word and continued. ‘In today’s world, there’s a demand for a new breed of bodyguard. The constant threat of terrorism, the growth of criminal gangs and the surge in pirate attacks, all mean an increased risk of hostage-taking, blackmail and assassination. And, with the overt media coverage of politicians’ families, the rise of teen pop stars and the new wave of billionaires, adults are not the only target – children are too.’

‘You mean like that French movie star’s son?’ interrupted Connor. The story of the boy’s kidnapping while on a sailing holiday had been splashed all over the news.

‘Yes, they ended up paying a million dollars for his safe return. But it needn’t have happened in the first place – if the family had employed a close-protection team. And my organization provides just such a service. Yet it differs from all other security outfits by training and supplying only young bodyguards.’ Colonel Black looked directly at Connor as he said this. ‘These highly skilled individuals are often more effective than the typical adult bodyguard, who can easily draw unwanted attention. Operating invisibly as the child’s constant companion, a buddyguard provides the greatest possible protection for any vulnerable or high-profile target.’

The colonel paused to allow everything he’d said to sink in.

‘And you want me to become a buddyguard?’ said Connor, dubious at the idea.

‘You’ve got it in one.’

Connor laughed uneasily and held up his hands in objection. ‘You’ve made a mistake. You must have the wrong person.’

The colonel shook his head. ‘I don’t think so.’

‘But I’m still at school. I can’t be a bodyguard!’

‘Why not? It’s in your blood.’

Connor gave Colonel Black a baffled look. Then the colonel said something that completely threw him.

‘You’ll be following in your father’s footsteps.’

‘What are you talking about?’ shot back Connor, suddenly going on the defensive. ‘My dad’s dead.’

The colonel nodded solemnly. ‘I’m aware of that. And I was very much grieved when I heard the news. Your father and I were close friends. We fought together.’

Connor studied the man before him, wondering if he was telling the truth. ‘But my dad never mentioned you.’

‘That’s understandable. In the SAS, we try to keep our personal and professional lives separate.’

‘SAS? My dad was in the army, Royal Signals,’ Connor corrected him.

‘That was his cover job. Your father was actually in the SAS Special Projects Team, responsible for counter-terrorism and VIP close protection,’ the colonel revealed. ‘One of the best.’

This new knowledge unsettled Connor, who thought he’d known his father pretty well. ‘Then why did he never tell me that?’

‘As a member of Special Projects, your father had to keep his identity secret. To protect himself, you and the rest of your family.’

‘I don’t believe you,’ said Connor, gripping the arm of his chair for support. His whole world seemed to be shifting sideways as the long-held memory of his father was brought into question.

The colonel removed a photo from his breast pocket and handed it to Connor.

‘Iraq, 2004.’

Five soldiers in combat fatigues and carrying sub-machine guns stood before a barren patch of desert scrub. In the middle was a younger Colonel Black, his distinctive scar visible just above the neckline of his body armour. Next to him was a tall tanned man with dark brown hair and familiar green-blue eyes – Justin Reeves.

Connor was speechless. Gripping the photograph with a trembling hand, he fought back the tears at seeing his father’s face so unexpectedly.

‘You can keep that if you want,’ said the colonel. ‘Now, on to your recruitment into Buddyguard.’

‘What?’ Connor exclaimed, events moving too fast for him. ‘But I haven’t agreed to anything.’

‘True. But hear me out and you will.’

Connor tentatively put his father’s photo down on the desk, reluctant to let it out of his sight.

‘First, your school will be informed of your transfer to a private school.’

‘Private school?’ queried Connor. ‘My family doesn’t have that sort of money.’

‘You’ll be funded by a special scholarship scheme. Besides, we need an official cover for your relocation to the Buddyguard training camp. We must maintain the secrecy of our operation. No one can  ever know.’

‘Relocation?’ challenged Connor. ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t leave my mum. You’ll have to find someone else.’

‘We’re aware of your situation,’ said the policewoman with a reassuring smile as she placed an envelope on the table for him. ‘We’ve made all the necessary arrangements to ensure she’s well looked after. And all the costs are covered.’

Connor stared at the mysterious envelope, then at Colonel Black. ‘What if I don’t want to become a bodyguard?’

‘It’s entirely your decision. You’re free to go home, but I think you’ll regret it.’