2. Chapter 2
Chapter two
Galen
Galen took a deep breath as his stomach turned like a Ferris wheel, and his heart lurched into his throat. Keep it together, mate, don't embarrass yurself. She’s the wealthiest and most powerful woman on the planet. Keep yur head on. Straighten yur tie. Everything is good as gold. Any other night, Galen would advise his employer to stay inside with an enjoyable book in front of the fire, or watch a match on the telly, but tonight, she was determined to brave the inclement weather. Remember the rules of engagement. Don’t speak unless spoken to. Don’t make direct eye contact with her. What wus the cardinal rule? Aye, never touch her if ya value yur life.
Galen stepped out of the elevator into the penthouse. He quickly assessed Ms. Dea, standing at two o’clock at the floor-to-ceiling windows, admiring the driving snow. Nature was indeed pissed tonight. The wall of falling snow completely obscured the lights of the surrounding buildings. The primo view of Boston and the harbor were mere figments of imagination. Galen could tell she was on a mission from the stern look on her face. Galen had only seen Ms. Dea from a distance before tonight. The other security guys' reports of her being a knockout hadn’t done her justice. He tried not to gawk. She was tall, striking, and mesmerizing. Being around her made him feel small and sad. He dared not speak and held his breath as he waited to be acknowledged.
“Good evening, Mr. Tucker. A pleasure to finally make your acquaintance,” she said without turning toward him.
“Pleasure is all mine, ma’am. Dodgy conditions outside,” said Galen in his New Zealand accent.
“The conditions are harsh indeed, a fitting metaphor for life. But nature has never stopped me before, and it won’t tonight. I’m on a quest I must see through. May I ask you a question, Mr. Tucker?”
“Yes, ma’am,” said Galen, still holding his breath.
“Is this outfit right? Does it make enough of a statement?”
Galen tried to think of the most flattering comment he could pay because he was the last person to advise on fashion, and complimenting a woman had never been his strong suit. He’d never been in the presence of such a posh lady and knew he’d likely never be again. “Yu’re a stunner, ma’am.”
Ms. Dea laughed softly. “A delightful response, Mr. Tucker. I hope my fashion choices will be moot if the evening plays out as I intended.”
“Major plans tonight, ma’am?” Galen winced the moment the words tumbled out, knowing he was being intrusive.
“The biggest ever. Alex’s twenty-fifth birthday, and so much more. Tonight, everything changes.”
“Let’s get ya on yur way, ma’am. Yur chariot awaits.”
“Oh, I hope not, Mr. Tucker. Chariots were a dreadful way to travel. Way too bumpy.”
Stepping into the elevator, Galen watched the floor numbers as they descended. From the corner of his eye, he noted Ms. Dea carefully patting her coat pocket to ensure the contents were secure. Stepping out of the elevator at the security exit to the building, her driver greeted them.
“Good evening, Ms. Dea. The roads are frightful with a nor’easter tonight; we'll take the Hummer rather than the limo. Boston in the winter is a cruel mistress.”
“Thank you, Malcomb, you think of everything,” she said, smiling. “How many years have you been my driver?”
“Two decades, madam,” Malcomb said as he opened the door for Ditta and closed it before climbing into the driver's seat.
“It feels like only yesterday. I want you to know I trust you completely with my safety and that you’ll never steer me wrong.”
“Excellent pun, madam. New security tonight?”
“Yes, Mr. Tucker will be accompanying me tonight. Once you drop me off for dinner, you and Mr. Tucker can take the rest of the evening off so you can get home safely.”
“How will you return home, madam?” asked Malcomb, his injured pride visible in his darkened eyes.
”I’ve made other arrangements,” said Ditta as she turned to Galen and glimpsed the disapproving look on his face.
“Speak your mind, Mr. Tucker. You obviously disagree.”
Galen chose his words carefully before responding. “Apologies, highly recommend against that course of action. There’s no way to protect ya if ya send me away.”
“I’ve made other arrangements,” she said forcefully.
“That’s not necessary, madam. I’m prepared to wait for you all evening to ensure you return home safely,” said Malcomb.
“I insist, gentlemen, it’s not open for debate. Please follow my orders.”
Galen swore her eyes flashed as he nodded silently before gazing at Malcomb. He noted the driver’s furrowed brow as they made eye contact in the rear-view mirror. They agreed, but Malcomb shook his head, overruling any further objections from Galen.
“Malcomb, you’ve been a faithful employee. I deeply appreciate you,” said Ditta.
“Thank you, madam; you’re going to make me blush. What’s your destination tonight?”
“Dante’s Inferno Tavern.”
“Oh my; that’s the last place I expected.”
“Why?”
“The tavern is mostly for townies but has become a popular drinking establishment for Harvard students. My son William likes to go there with his friends. It’s not seedy, but it's a dive bar by Boston standards.”
“Well, if William has the same sensibilities as his father, I’ll surely enjoy the establishment. How is he doing?”
“He’s due to graduate in May with his degree in engineering.”
“Excellent. I’ll make sure he receives a wonderful gift.”
“You’re too kind, madam. Let’s get you on your way so you arrive on time.”
Galen sat quietly, with his bruised ego barely contained, trying to understand the rules of engagement. Malcomb was breaking every rule, but Ms. Dea obviously didn’t care. Had to be his years of service, allowing him to respond so relaxed and informal. Galen carefully sized up Ms. Dea as she stared at the winter wonderland outside the Hummer window. She looked lost in thought until she turned towards Galen with tears building in her eyes. She was packing a sad tonight. She looked so deep into Galen’s eyes before speaking that he questioned if she’d read his thoughts. Did she see his every secret?
“Listen carefully, Mr. Tucker. As of tomorrow morning, I’m assigning you as the leader of Alexander Lieth’s security detail. Your job is to protect him with your life if needed. I fear that there has already been an attempt on his life. Although this won’t make sense now, you must share two gifts to assist him with his journey. The first gift is the knowledge that he can bypass the protections of board members by physical touch, with their consent. The second gift he’ll need is this dagger.” Ditta picked up her purse and pulled out an elongated box holding a dark brown dagger with a five-inch blade and ivory handle resting on a white silk cloth. She handed the box containing the dagger to Galen. “The dagger is a priceless family heirloom. You must keep it safe until Alex needs it.”
Galen sat dumbfounded, staring at the weapon in his hands. He’d held many weapons in his life, but the aura of this dagger was intense. He wanted to drop it on the floor to escape the energy it held.
“How’ll I know the right time, ma’am?”
“I trust you’ll know the appropriate moment to give him both gifts. You must wait until all appears hopeless to give him the dagger. You must hide it and keep it safe. It will give him courage and connect him with his birthright.” Ms. Dea momentarily clasped her hands around Galen’s hand. The intense warmth from her skin burned his hand as intense energy waves pulsed through his body. Every hair on his arms stood on end. Galen wanted to recoil from her touch and cower in the corner, but dared not break her embrace or offend her. Galen had heard rumors about what she could do, and he was terrified. He was totally at her mercy.
“I mean you no harm. You must guide Alex with these gifts,” she said as she gently released Galen’s hands and reclined back in her seat.
Galen could see the tears escaping her eyes. However, he was paralyzed to respond to this woman he’d barely met, but already feared. “Will do mah best, ma’am. Not mah place, but ya, right? Ya seem sad.”
“I guess the moment hit me thinking about past accomplishments, failures, and being sentimental. I orchestrated this plan years ago, and now it must happen tonight.”
Ditta’s musings were interrupted by Malcomb’s gentle voice. “We’re almost there, madam. Two more lights to go. I can drop you off close to the door.”
“Thank you, Malcomb. You’re a gentleman, and I hope life continues to bless you.”
Stepping out of the vehicle to open the door, Malcomb offered his arm to guide Ditta onto the slippery sidewalk. Galen looked at Malcomb, and the driver was as confused by Ms. Dea’s melancholy behavior as he was. Neither man was comfortable with the unusual request to dismiss her driver and security detail in a raging blizzard. She turned, blew a kiss in Malcomb’s direction, and made her way toward the entrance of the building.
Galen turned to Malcomb and asked, “What now, mate?”
“In all my years working for Ms. Dea, I’ve learned it’s best to honor her wishes. Step back inside the vehicle, Mr. Tucker, and I’ll take you back to headquarters.”
Galen stepped back inside the warmth of the Hummer. This situation felt wrong. Something earth-shattering was about to happen. Galen pulled out his phone as it vibrated. The text on his phone read, Do you want Amara to recover?
Who the fuck? Stop pissing with me, he texted back to the unknown sender.
You'll be able to save her with our help. All you must do is obtain a sample of chocolate Ditta Dea gives to Alex Lieth, was the reply he received.
Could it be true? Can they save Amara? Galen recognized something in his heart he hadn’t experienced in years: hope.
Instinctively, he responded, I’ll do it.