Extended Epilogue Paddy

P addy

"You said you wanted to speak someplace private?" Assessing the potential client, from his fancy suit to his well-groomed hands. Men, we weren't supposed to notice shit like that, but in my line of work, you had to push yourself to be more observant. One thing for starters, before he even spoke a word, I knew he had access to money, but I wasn't so sure he was the one making it.

"Curious to know who referred to me by name?"

"You did some work for an actress a few years. Bodyguard work. You were referred to me because you have military experience and wouldn't cower on the job."

Offering him a lowball glass of whiskey, I took advantage of his when he turned it down.

"So, the potential client's an actress?"

"A pianist. But she's big time. Sold out shows. Composed musicals. Even been in a picture or two. The problem is, being that good brings in the worst kind."

"Oh yeah?"

"She's got a stalker. And her safety is real important to me."

"She your girl?" Curious to understand why she didn't come to me if she's the one with the money.

"My wife." There was warmth there, but definitely not one I'd come to expect to see when you actually liked your spouse. "Only thing is my wife is a career woman. A real Hellcat if there ever was one. She thinks she can take care of herself. Maybe she can in her line of profession, but not for something dangerous like this."

"I'm not understanding you. You got a wife who needs protection. But you ain't gonna tell her it's protection?"

He shook his head in protest. "She'd never stand for it. Not if she knew. So, if you're open minded, I would just need for you to play a certain part."

By then, words just kept coming out and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "You want to pay me a quarter of a million dollars to do what ?"