CHAPTER ONE #2
“Seriously, though, she’s not a diva, from the information I’ve gained. She grew up in the shadow of her father’s fame but has paved her own success.”
Yeah, right.
Using his surname.
Sure, it’s her surname, too, but she could have changed it to Smith or Brown and sought success.
Did she?
No.
I rest my case.
“...and makes videos. You should do some research.”
I realize I’ve tuned out and only caught the end of what Josh said.
“Sorry, did I hear that right?” I ask as he grins, amused. “You want me to watch her Instagram makeup tutorials?”
“See. You know the lingo, you’ll be fine.”
Christ.
If life really was on my side, this chick would at least be OnlyFans famous.
Typical.
“You’ll report to Ryder on a day-to-day basis. He looks after our personal security division. This morning he has some baby stuff to take care of but will be in the office within the hour.”
Savannah and Ryder had their baby recently. I know a lot of the team from socializing with them all via Liam. My sister has befriended many of the girlfriends and wives, especially Savannah, who is a big movie star. Jessie is at the beginning of her acting career.
“Are you sure her father doesn’t need a bodyguard, instead?” I ask, trying my luck.
Steven Stallone has been in over a dozen Blockbuster movies, and I’ve seen every single one. I have no idea what he looks like now, but a guy like him doesn’t let his body go.
“Does he look like he needs security?” Josh laughs.
“Yeah, but he’s nearing sixty.” I smile.
“I’ll give you one million dollars to say that to his face.” Josh lifts his coffee, looking me dead in the eye. “In cash.”
Fuck that.
“Nope. I’ll make sure to look after his lovely daughter and keep my nose right where it is.”
Josh laughs and tosses me the file. “Good decision. Her home was broken into recently. They took some valuable diamonds and personal items.”
I start flicking through, reading the notes. My brows shoot up as I take in the personal items. Expecting a laptop, TV or other valuable items, I’m a little creeped out when I learn they took a pair of panties and a dildo.
“LAPD is investigating, right?” I glance up at the Navy SEAL.
“Absolutely, and anything we learn, we should report back to them.”
I flick through the file some more and then nod.
Josh crosses his thick arms, and I know I hold my own in the muscle department, but I can’t help feeling a moment of pride to be working for the well-regarded SEAL.
Under this roof there is a hell of a lot of skill and experience. Ryder, my new boss, is former Delta Force—which, cough, doesn’t exist, cough—and one hell of a tough nut.
During my interview with Josh a month ago, I asked him, “Why go private?”
As he often does, Josh took his time to answer, while I wondered if he was in SEAL Team Six. The things I’ve heard indicate the answer is likely yes.
“To make way for younger SEALs and do what we are able to do here without the red tape,” Josh replied. “The right guys were staying in the teams to pass on knowledge, but creating BHS was my next journey.”
I appreciated his honest answer.
I tap the folder on the palm of my hand and stand. “Be good to talk to the investigating officer to find out if there is any history of her having a stalker or crazy ex.”
“Number’s in the file.” Josh pushes his chair back and climbs to his feet. “Glad to have you on the team, Jayden. There are a lot of opportunities at BHS, so get this job under your belt, and we can talk.”
Nope.
I’ll be fine doing just this.
I hope.
Although I wonder if there are any OnlyFans on the books. Can’t hurt to ask.
I’m joking.
(Kind of.)
“Thanks, good to be here.” I smile as he glances over my shoulder.
“Morning, Penny.”
“Good morning.” Penny is the BHS office manager who is more like everyone’s mom. “Sorry to interrupt you boys, but I wanted to let you know the boardroom is all set up ready for your senior meeting. Did you want a working lunch?”
“No, thanks.” Josh rounds the desk, patting his abs. “And stop bringing in those muffins. Cassy says I’m getting fat.”
“Oh, rubbish, she’s teasing you. You could do with a little fat,” Penny winks at me.
“Can’t catch the bad guys with a big gut, Penny.” Josh lifts his shirt, exposing an impressive six pack which rivals my own—which I don’t say out loud—and pats it.
“Joshua Black, cover up.” She scoffs.
We follow him out into the hallway as he laughs. “Jayden is starting with us today. Can you—”
“I’ll take him.” Liam walks up the stairs with his satchel on his shoulder and a grin on his face. One my goddamn sister put there, likely. “Hey, buddy.”
I block out the image, and we shake hands. “Still marrying my sister?”
“Still going to ask me every day?”
“Yup.” I grin widely.
“Take him down to get some metal and kitted out,” Josh says and leaves us to it with a wave over his head.
“I’ll put some muffins aside for you,” Penny pats my arm.
“Hey! What about me?” Liam cries.
“You had twice your quota last week.” Penny frowns at him.
“Pretty sure that was Marshal. We look the same. I can see how you got us mixed up.” Liam talks louder and louder as Penny rounds the corner, shaking her head, and disappears. “Damn.”
“Ya gotta treat your dealers with respect, dude.” I slap his back, and we both chuckle because it’s an inside joke. We used to call my mom our cookie dealer growing up.
“I’ll drop my bag and take you down to the armory and supply room.” Liam nods in the direction of the offices.
I’ve visited for drinks a couple of times, but this is the first time I’ve gone deep inside the Black Hawke Security world.
I’m more excited than I thought I’d be.
“Hey, bozo, Tiffany isn’t a fucking diplomat; she’s Steven Stallone's daughter. A social media chick.”
Without missing a beat, Liam’s eyes flare, then he breaks out in a big grin. “No kidding? Well, don’t marry her.”
What the fuck?
“Why the hell would I marry her?”
“Josh and Cassy. Ryder and Savannah.” Liam drops his bag on his desk and props his hands on his hips. “Seems like a trend.”
Cassy is the daughter of a famous rock star, and Savannah one of the world’s hottest actresses.
This is not the same.
“Idiot. Now, show me where you keep all the weapons.”