His Keeper

Chapter 9

With the day to day operations established, Mr. Brown designated authority to the group. Nate, Stephen, and Brandon would be in charge of interviewing potential employees. They did this through a three-part interview process which contained: a first interview to review their background checks, three letters of recommendations, and work experience either through the military or police. Secondly, extensive tests that target their physical strength, endurance, and written capabilities to determine if they could handle the physical aspect and documenting accurate reports. Lastly, another face to face interview panel interview with all partners of A.P.S. If candidates passed, they were given a welcome packet with a sizeable income and top of the line benefits. Johnny, Vincent, Adrian, and Abram would take over with the training of all new employees, handling inventory, payroll checks, and firings if it came to that. Mr. Brown assigned Jeff to meet with potential clients alongside him. Within the first six months of being in business, A.P.S became a well-sought out agency for high profile cases mainly because of Mr. Brown’s influence. A.P.S quickly became known as a personal security detail exclusively for high profile clients such as actors, actresses, political officials, and even events such as award ceremonies, concerts and sporting events.

            About two years into their business, they developed a very positive reputation within the Los Angeles area which included over 1,000 clients and over 5,000 employees. Although within the last year, a change had happened within the structure of how they conducted business. Mr. Brown decided that it would be best for Nate’s and Jeff’s roles to change. Jeff had lost a few prospective clients on first meetings, which didn’t sit right with Mr. Brown. He felt that Jeff was starting to lack the finesse needed to attract new clients. He held a meeting with the pack and convinced them that it might be best for Nate to handle the clients with him while Jeff worked in the hiring with Stephen and Brandon.

Mr. Brown expressed to the pack, “Gentlemen, so it has come to my attention that Jeff’s wife, Isabel, is currently 8 months pregnant.” Nate and Adrian let out a few cheers of excitement. Mr. Brown raises his hand, smiles, and continues, “With that being said, I feel it prudent for a change to occur within our designated leadership roles. You all know how I feel about family and I feel it best that Jeff be given more duties that will keep him closer to home.”

Jeff responds firmly, “Mr. Brown, it is completely unnecessary for there to be a change. I am well able to maintain my duties.”

Vincent quickly responds, “Bro, it is totally ok. We all know that you can maintain your duties, but I would love to fill in for him if need be.”

Mr. Brown interjects smoothly, “Actually, Gentlemen, the man I had in mind was Nate seeing as our next prospective client will be requiring more traveling. I felt Nate would be up for the task.” All eyes turn to Nate who sits stunned.

“It would be an honor to fill in for my brother, seeing as my niece will be joining us in the near future,” replied Nate.

Mr. Brown smiles at Nate then turns to Jeff and says, “Jeff, you take care of your wife for the time being, we can talk about your role after the baby comes.”

The rest of the pack nod their heads in agreement. Nate walks over to Jeff and tells him, “I got you, Brother.” Mr. Brown looks at each of he guys and asks, “Are we in agreement?” The pack each nod and says, “Agreed.”

            Two weeks later, Mr. Brown had a big meeting with a big company named Alpha Entertainment regarding a mega concert that was taking place in three weeks’ time at the Regency Arena. With elevated ticket sales, the expected crowd would not only require the assistance of police, but also extra help. So, it was no surprise that A.S.P. got the contract. A.S.P was hired to help with crowd control, offering transportation and protection for the entertainers traveling to and from the hotel to the arena, but most importantly their duty would be to provide around the clock protection for one entertainer, Amara, who was the headliner of the event. A.S.P. was to provide protection from the time she arrived in Los Angeles to the time she left. Mr. Brown decided that this detail would be assigned to Nate as he felt he could handle the specifics of this event.

             With Amara arriving two days before the concert, Nate and I had our routine morning breakfast. “So, Marcel, it looks like we might have to miss a few breakfasts due to my new work assignment.” He pauses, sighs, and says, “can I ask you for a favor?”

I look over at him already getting a sense of what he is about to ask me.

“Would you mind taking my key and staying at my apartment for a few days to keep watch over my place?” He smiles confidently.

I immediately shake my head and say, “I don’t feel comfortable in your home even though you completely trust me. It still doesn’t feel right.”

So, Nate took out an envelope from his pocket and said, “I kind of figured that you wouldn’t take my key so please at least take this envelope.”

 I took what he handed me, looked inside, and smirked because I already knew it was money. Because this was typical Nate. Always looking out for me. I smiled and told him, “Thank you”.

As we began eating, I asked him, “So what’s the job?” He kindly responded, “Sadly, I can’t say, but it’s a pretty big deal.” Then he asked me “when this job is done, I would like to offer you a job at my company cleaning the building. What do you say?”

With a sad smile I said, “With the coming months, I will actually be heading home, but I appreciate your offer. But I am hoping to at least have one more meal before I go on my way.”

Nate nods sadly and says, “I’ll hold you to that.”