THE GOOD PROTECTOR

CHAPTER 2

This man who attracted Michelle to the bones turned into a bully, and she was cursing him deep inside her. Among the circles of people who could help her, she hated it was Aljhon, but she has to choose whether her ego comes first or her desire and get what she wanted.

 “You’re implying agent Santarez, you don’t want to join my team?”

The overbearing man crossed her legs and clasped his hands, looking at her straight in the eye.

“Yeah, but I don’t see any problem if it’s connected with work,” she said.

“Well then, we’re settled. You are here ‘cause you have guts than most of your teams.”

“Okay, you’ve got the best choice, but that picture, in your phone.”

He raised his eyebrow, “Why, you know something?”

“No, I think I have seen that somewhere.”

“They give this logo only to those who accomplished important jobs from foreign countries,” he showed her the wallpaper.

“What missions are you referring to?” she asked, moving her head closer to the phone in his hand.

“You’re in no position to ask me. You may go.”

“I’m interested. Maybe I could apply for that international mission and received one.”

He answered her with a crooked smile as he pointed the door.

It is hard to convince the egoistic man, except she could find something to feed him, and it’s a bonus if he bites. If she can establish a good bond with her new colleagues, it could be her best shot, but they were aloof to her, inside and outside of the agency. This complicated the problem, making things difficult for her resolve. It bothered her the most since she despised looking silly into the eyes of others.

#

Later that afternoon, she waited for the opportunity to voice out her sentiments over the unwelcoming behavior. She took the chance when everyone gathered at the kitchenette for snacks.

No one expected her shamelessly pointing her finger at the officers she knew were younger than her, both in age and in the job. She acted righteous in front of them, unconcerned of the boss glaring at her with his deep brown eyes.

“We’re professional here, then let us act as one. Maybe you’ve heard unpleasant rumors, but work is work and personal is personal. You are my juniors, but I hate you behaving as if you know me better than my teammates in Bravo.”

She turned to her unit leader in crossed arms, standing behind them. “I confessed five months ago, I like sir Aljhon. But I don’t think I deserved criticisms because of it. Besides, you have nothing to do with my feelings.”

She waited for someone to rebut her, and the older guy at the back opened her mouth, but she gave him a scowl.

“Without due respect, you are my senior, then you know better than everyone else’s here you shouldn’t be condoning their immature behaviors.”

“That’s what I’m supposed to tell,” he said.

“Damn it! You kept silent despite knowing it’s wrong? You call yourselves protectors, but you’re bullshitting me on the face ‘coz’ I’m f*****g imperfect.” she sniggered.

“Did we just heard you lecturing us?” Aljhon asked and put his arms over her shoulder.

“Right, but I hope it will be the last or else see me in the boxing ring downstairs. I’ll beat you in pulp!”

She caught faces smiling, others bowed their heads, and her new boss patted her back.

 “Well, we have freedom, but I guess my title will not save me in the ring. Okay, show her respect she deserves, she’s threatening us,” the man smirked and went away.

 Only if she has justified reason to cancel her transfer order, but until she extracted information on the logo. The messenger won’t be asking her to find it if it exists from accessible sources. The message is not trustworthy enough, but at any rate, she will win over Aljhon’s trust and if doesn’t work, tailing him or breaking into his home is a piece of cake if she deem necessary.

 For the following days, she failed to convince him to tell her everything related to the blue diamond, and she understood it completely; he was not fond of her.

One afternoon, they received an order to escort and assist the daughter of a dignitary from China, but the agents were in doubt because the client has no history of speaking foreign languages aside from her native dialect. The assistant must be fluent in Chinese but outsider is not an option. Thus, Michelle volunteered to exalt her skills and to offer a good deal with the team leader.

 Now, she overturned the table and Aljhon agreed with her, but on top of requesting information, she demanded four days of vacation after their assignment. Of course, she can’t trust a sly man, so she requested Rick, Ruze, and her new teammates in Charlie to witness his approval of her condition.

 Her plan worked out in a legit way, she threw a single stone and hit two birds, and she won the game.

#

 A day after receiving the command, the leader briefed them on the VIP’s personal background, her personality, habits, associates, and bodyguards, her purpose in visiting, her destination, her favorite foods, lifestyle and everything about her.

 The leader instructed her to become the eyes and ears while serving as an assistant to the client therefore, accompanying her everywhere in the country. Based on the report given to them, the guest is a low-risk profile and she was glad to oblige because she gained something from it.

#

 It was 9:30 in the morning, and the rest of the company arrived at the Philippine international airport. They positioned themselves in the hallway, at the entrance, in the parking grounds, and in their escort vehicle. Michelle and the team leader will escort the Chinese at the exit in gate 2.

“The VIP is on the move, time of arrival in three minutes.”

She scanned the place as crowds walked back and forth, and noise buzzed the whole airport.

 “Get ready, the VIP is now five meters from your location,” a voice from her radio informed. She glanced at the surrounding and spotted a skinny woman in a white suit, as tall as her in her 5 feet and 4 inches height, and at the age ranging from 23 to 25. Her name is Xien Zu, and according to her profile, an aspiring trainee (idol) in the Korean industry. She has narrow crescent shape brown eyes, manifesting her Chinese origin, and she has fair skin. Her shoulder length layered hair, colored in red dye, emphasized her astounding feminine look. She has a V-shape face, a double eyelid, an upturned nose and a small thin lips.

Beside her, two bodyguards in black suits are on alert. One is a woman, and the other is a man and far taller than the VIP. The guy is not a Chinese or any Asian descendant based on his body built and appearance.

 Team leader Aljhon approached the Xien Zu and introduce themselves in English, and she had to showcase her skills, which impressed the visitors, especially her.

 They escorted her to the hotel where she was to spend seven days attending her conference before returning to China. She had no trouble assisting her as she is not a spoiled young lady. Also, she’s not picky with food and didn’t nag for her once to go for shopping or have fun somewhere. She treats her bodyguards as friends but on top of her kindness and simplicity, Michelle observed something bizarre in her behavior, but she waited for the chance to ask her.

Xien spent five days in the hotel, but then she looked distracted than usual. Her skin sagged, and her eye bags swelled. During her last day, she was silent, refuses to eat and won’t even talk with her bodyguards. She suspected something is going on, but she needed to confirm it. The night before her departure, she sneaked into her room. She was sitting on her couch hugging her knees tight.

 “You don’t want to return to China, am I right?” she asked approaching her.

The Chinese almost swooned from fright.

 “I know you can speak foreign languages-”

She bolted from the sofa and covered her mouth before she could finish. Her hands were cold and shivering.

Michelle took her phone, wrote a text and showed it to her.

 “What’s wrong.”

 The woman replied below her message.

 “No. I can’t trust you, neither my bodyguards.”

 “I work for money and if you pay me double,” she nodded to convince her.

 “But those two outside the room work for my Father’s money.”

 “I’m confident I’m kinder than them. Besides, we’re both women,” she said.

 “Name your price,” Xien handed her phone.

 “Not yet. It depends on the risk I have to go through to help you.”

 “Then prove me yourself. Let’s talk somewhere else.”

 “No. It might be dangerous for you. What languages can you speak aside from your mother tongue and English that your guards can’t understand?” she asked.

 “I know Italian, Korean and Filipino.”

“Okay, tell me everything in Filipino, but wait for my signal,” she said.

After inspecting the room and establishing their privacy; the client narrated her story, which flabbergasted her upon hearing it. She was uncertain of the young woman’s decision, but her visa will expire tomorrow and have to apply for an extension.

The client direly needs someone’s help, and yet the contract has yet to end in 24 hours. As of now, she’s her responsibility, and as part of her job, she can’t neglect her safety, though she can’t meddle with Xien’s family business.

After a few seconds of contemplation, she called Rick, and asked for his help. He is annoying sometimes, but excellent at his work. For once, he hasn’t disappointed her yet in times of need.

It was 8:30 in the evening, and the bodyguards came and checked on them. Xien grabbed her arms as she looked at the door, but she instructed her to act normal. They asked Michelle of her time of exit, and she lied, leaving in twenty minutes.

Half an hour ran out, but they rejoiced upon seeing the uniformed members of the Bureau of Immigration. They arrested Xien’s bodyguards, suspected as illegal immigrants, however, they resisted and invoked their innocence, but afraid of repercussions, they left with the officers of their volition.

When the authorities departed from the hotel, she escorted the woman to the parking lot, and drove her without the other knowing her plan. After a while, her junior called her reporting that the VIP was missing, but she told them she accompanied her for a walk. She turned off her radio, increased her driving speed and focused her attention on the road.

 It took her twenty minutes to drive before they arrived at the Bureau of Immigration Office in Sefford City. Upon knowing Xien is in urgent situation to apply for visa extension, the consular officer advised them to come back in four days with the documents needed.

They went back to the car. Michelle fumbled behind the steering wheel for a while. She closed her eyes and kept silent for a moment.

 “Four days is too long for me. What should we do?” Xien asked her.

 “I’m thinking, but have you reported it to the police or any law enforcement bodies?”

 “I did, but they don’t care about my wishes. Everyone groveled under my father’s power, and my family is ready to disown me for going against their wishes. Sorry, I involved you in this mess beyond your job, but I have no one to turn to.”

 “No, remember, until tomorrow, your safety is my concern, but I can’t save you alone. If you fight power, then you must use the same method to win. I have nothing to offer than my protection, but I don’t know until when,” Michelle shook her head.

 “Then are you…. saying, you give up? But you said--”

 “Hey! Hey! Listen to me, I’m not finished yet,” she interrupted her while sobbing.

“I can hide here, but please help me.”

 “That won’t work. The immigration officers will hunt you, including your bodyguards. I’m sure they’re off the hook by tomorrow. Your father is a powerful man, but you can fight him,” she said.

The Chinese was silent for a moment, then her cheeks raised and showed Michelle her white teeth.

 “Have you heard of the ‘SINORAGE’? It’s the Spain International Organization of Agents. They are operating at the international level, offering advance protection to high-risk clients from abroad. I knew someone working for them, we could ask for their help.”

 “Okay, after contacting them, what’s next? To run from them, you must have a good plan.”

 “Then what do you suggest?” she asked.

 “For now, fasten your seat belt,” she said, starting the engine.

 On their way, her team leader called her. She answered it despite knowing his concern.

 “What the f**k are you doing, Santarez? Where’s the VIP?” he ranted at the other end.

 “She’s here with me. I’m driving her somewhere to save our heads.”

 “If something happens to her, your job doesn’t count. The agency has to pay the price, and hundred people will lose their livelihood!”

 “She’s okay, unless you tell her bodyguards or the police to look for her.”

  “God damn it, Santarez! If anything happens, I swear, I'll rip you into pieces —

She ended the call and maneuvered the car, assuming they were in the middle of a pursuit.

 “Where are we?” Xien asked. She peeped through the window after she pulled over the vehicle.

Houses are standing on far distances and the lights from 24 hours’ establishments are minimal, unlike in the city. The environment is devoid of any noise coming from honking of cars or bars or the crowded places.

 “Come,” she stepped out, followed by her escort, then they walked in.

A plump old lady in in her 40s standing on the counter greeted her with a bright smile. She welcomed her with a tight hug.

 “My dear Mich? Its you! What are you doing here?” she asked and glanced at her companion, busy looking around.

 “Ah, this is Xien, my friend. She is a Chinese but she can speak our language. For the meantime, I’ll entrust her here for two days ‘cause I have something to do. Call me anytime if a problem arises.”

 “Yes, mam. There you go again with lots of your secrets. Okay, what are your instructions?” she crossed her arms.

 “If someone will come for her, say nothing,” she said and patted the woman’s shoulder.

 “Xien,” she called, distracting her from enjoying the ambience of the new environment. “Stay here for a while, and I’ll be back within 48 hours.”

 “What? Y-you’re leaving me here alone?” she fretted over her decision.

 “No need to worry. The employees and the owner here are my friends. You are safe with them. This is a hostel in a countryside. The services are more than what they offer in five-star hotels. Trust me if you want my help. If something is wrong, call the number I gave you.”

 The client hesitated to let her go, but after convincing her, she agreed despite the doubts and fear reflected in her eyes.

#

After leaving the inn, Michelle showed up at the agency and prepared herself for a handful of reprimand. Just as she thought, they fried her for going beyond her limitation. Agent Aljhon confronted her asking for the VIP but she reassured them of her safety and that she will return to China in few days. She can’t trust them, but she will never gain what she wanted until she tells them the truth. The entire team was dumbfounded upon hearing her explanation. Their facial expressions were the same as hers when she heard it from Xien.

“Still, the contract is void tomorrow and our service ends there too. We have nothing to do anymore with her regardless of her circumstances,” he said.

“If she ends it and applies for a new one,” she suggested.

“Well, and good, but it’s her blood. Who will take the risk to meddle in their family business considering that her father is an influential high-ranking official?” Aljhon looked at them one by one.

“After this task, we have no obligation to her anymore and whatever decision she chose, we will no longer be accountable,” one of the senior agents said.

She kept her mouth shut, afraid it may lead to her disadvantage in the deal she started.

#

After two days, she held her head high as she charged at the office that morning.

“Are you sure the client will return to China tomorrow?” her boss asked while opening his drawer.

“Yes, sir. You can check her records then at the immigration.”

 “Okay, but since you’re her assistant, let her signed the undertaking today. Now here’s the information you want to know on the blue diamond,” he handed her a brown folder. “Your application for leave, I’ll sign it in front of you.”

Her palm was sweating as she turned over her paper. The man did not hesitate and scribbled his signature. Before leaving the agency’s parking lot, she opened the file and but her phone rang before she could take a peep. It was Alicia, the owner of the Seer Hostel.

“Yes, how is Xien?” she asked.

“Two men came… and they were looking for the Chinese girl,” she stuttered, tremor is in her voice.

She straightened her back from her slouching position on the car’s seat.

“Stop them. Break their legs if you have to. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes,” she put aside the file and started the engine. Skidmark appeared on the agency’s parking ground as she drove the car in a zigzag manner to shorten her travel.

Her heart pulsated, and her fingers were tensed while gripping the steering wheel. She learned defensive driving from her training, but she wasn’t sure if it will save the VIP from imminent danger.

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