The Gifted Medical Warrior

Hired as a new bodyguard

Eleanor awoke suddenly. She started to convulse, but it didn't take long before she turned her head and starts to vomit thick, dark blood, and then she became calm.

Elizabeth clutched her tightly, as she was sobbing into her hair. "She’s breathing," she checked her daughter again. "She’s really breathing." She said.

I knelt beside them. "How long has she been like this?" I asked.

" It's been five months; it started as a small fatigue and minor fevers. But every month, it gets worse. We didn’t know what was happening," he said.

"It’s Erebus poison," I said to them.

Elizabeth was shocked. "Erebus poison? That’s impossible! It’s… it’s a death sentence." she said.

"We need to take precautions; you have to fill a bathtub with warm water and add salt. Both of you should soak in it. You may be infected."

Elizabeth looked surprised. "Infected?"

"Erebus poison stays in the body for months, devouring white blood cells, once it takes hold, symptoms emerge." I explained to them.

"What about Eleanor?"

Vinie asked.

"She's cured now. The technique I used was taught by my guru, Master Chen. It can heal any disease, no matter how dire," I assured them.

Elizabeth looked at her daughter but kept mute and didn't say anything.

"Who would do this to us?" Vinnie asked.

Though I knew the answer, I kept it to myself. For now.

"Wait, you're telling me Eleanor's cured? But everyone knows Erebus poison is incurable. How can we trust this?" Elizabeth asked again.

Vinnie's gaze shifted between us, uncertainty etched on his face.

I gave a reassuring nod. "I know it sounds unbelievable, but tomorrow, when the hospital opens, take Eleanor in for a check-up. Let the doctors run their tests. They'll confirm she's in the clear." I said to her.

Elizabeth looked at me with skepticism. "And what about the method you used? You're saying it's some kind of miracle cure?" She asked.

"Master Chen's methods aren't exactly what you'd find in a medical textbook, but they work. It’s ancient wisdom, passed down through generations. Not mainstream, but effective," I explained.

I took out a small compass from my cross-bag. It had an intricate engraved design on it. It was made for elite military units. I gave it to Emily.

"Hey, kiddo, sorry I came rushing here and didn’t have time to get you a proper gift. Next time, I promise it’ll be something special." I said as I gave it to her.

Eleanor looked so surprised as she took the compass from my hands. She turned it over and started to admire the design. I gave a smile, looking at her.

"I like it!" she said. She looked so happy while playing with the light from the flashlight in her hands.

"Thank you, Ryder!" she said as she looked up at me smiling.

"You know my name?" I looked surprised and asked.

"Daddy showed me your picture," "You're really handsome." She explained.

I laughed so hard upon hearing from her, though it was an unexpected compliment from her, but it still felt genuine.

Vinnie and Elizabeth exchanged a glance. Vinnie smiled, but Elizabeth remained calm.

"Well, I guess I passed the inspection," I said as I knelt beside Eleanor. I brushed the edge of her hand gently with my fingers, as I watched her fumbling with the compass's flashlight.

Eleanor giggled, she was so happy.

Elizabeth's expression remained calm, but she still managed to say a polite, "Thank you," though I could see some disbelief in her eyes.

Vinnie gave a reassuring smile. "You see, Elizabeth, Ryder’s a good man. He just—"

But Elizabeth’s voice cut him off. "That doesn't erase his past, Vinnie. He's a murderer. I won’t have him in our home."

She scooped Emily into her arms, she fixed her eyes on Vinnie. "Take him to Everwood Industries. They’ve got a dormitory for employees. They’re looking for a new security officer. Speak with Reginald, the head of operations. He’ll find a place for... Ryder."

Vinnie looked so surprised, he almost laughed too broadly. "That’s great, Elizabeth! Thank you."

I caught a glimpse of Elizabeth’s face as she turned away. Her reluctance was clear, but she was still soft inside.

As she went into the house, Vinnie clapped me on the back, he looked so happy. "Everwood Industries is family-owned. Elizabeth’s family had been running it for generations. It’s a huge opportunity, Ryder."

I nodded, as I carried my bag. "Let’s go."

When we arrived at Everwood Industries, the place was both awe-inspiring and very intimidating, with its towering skyscrapers which loomed over the manicured grounds. The place practically screamed for money, wealth, influence, power. I couldn’t help but whistle softly.

"This is some serious real estate, Vinnie, I’ve seen in smaller cities," I said.

Vinnie chuckled. "Yeah, Everwood Industries is a beast. Elizabeth’s family built it from the ground up." He said with pride.

As we entered the lobby, I caught sight of a sleek, silver sports car parked. There was a price tag that was bold and read “One Million Dollars” attached to it.

I was so shocked and astonished. "A million-dollar car in the lobby? That's... a statement."

Vinnie laughed, he didn't look that surprised, he had already become accustomed to the extravagance. "Yeah, Elizabeth’s family likes to make statements."

I couldn’t help but ask. "You’d think with all this, they’d go public, right? This company is massive."

Vinnie’s expression turned serious. "Actually, we tried a few years back. But the government’s never granted us the necessary approvals."

"That’s strange. What’s the holdup?" I was surprised.

"No idea. It’s been a major hurdle for the company," Vinnie replied.

I nodded my head, but I knew there was more to this that Vinnie didn't reveal.

As we reached the reception desk, there was a man with a receding hairline and a permanent scowl. He greeted us. He looked over me from head to toe.

"Ah, Vinnie," he drawled, his voice was dripping with disdain. "And you’ve brought... Ryder, is it?"

He gave me a labor contract like it was an afterthought, he was looking at me with disdain, as if I were nothing more than an inconvenience.

"Fill this out,". "Then report to the janitor’s closet. You’ll be working as a... sanitation engineer." he said casually.

Vinnie’s face turned angered. "Reginald, what the hell? This is my brother, Ryder. He’s not some damn janitor." This is the first I saw Vinnie raising his voice.

Reginald sneered. "And I’m not a charity, Vinnie. You’ve always been good at begging favors from your wife’s family. But don’t expect me to be swayed by your whining."

Vinnies clenched his fist, he could barely contain his frustration. I could feel the heat of his anger. I stepped in instantly, and placed a calm hand on his arm.

"Vinnie, it’s fine," I said, keeping my voice calm. "I’m okay with whatever position they have."

Vinnie looked at me, he looked so frustrated. But he didn’t argue.

Reginald's expression remained unchanged.

"Good," he said.

"Glad we understand each other, Ryder. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have more important matters to attend to."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving us in the lobby.

Vinnie’s anger was palpable, I tried to cheer him up. "Hey, it’s not so bad," I said, a little more cheer than I felt in my voice. "I’ve had worse jobs."

Vinnie slapped me on the back. "Thanks, Ryder. I owe you one."

He checked his watch and nodded. "Alright, I have to head out. I’ll see you tomorrow."

I paused for a moment, and then I opened my arms. Vinnie looked surprised. He stepped closer to hug me.

"I’m glad to see you again, brother," I said.

Vinnie’s smile and he patted my shoulder. "Me too, Ryder. Me too."

He pulled away, and I turned toward the janitor’s closet, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

The lights flickered overhead as I walked down the hallway. What lay ahead wasn’t exactly what I’d hoped for, but it was a roof over my head, a chance to start over.

I pushed open the door to the janitor’s closet, and the musty smell hit me immediately.