The Threat

With not much time to sleep that night and up bright at early the following morning, Max strolled into the precinct, coffee in hand, and made his way back into the conference room where the others waited as the clock nearly struck 8:00 am. "Good morning, everyone." He spoke, taking his seat with an exhale while glancing at the paperwork in front of him.

"Captain Ford will be joining us momentarily to discuss details of our itinerary. In the meantime, everyone turn to page 3 of the report to go over the details of the newest member of our team, Jack Keller." Ryan began, taking a seat as well. "Max, if you would like to brief us?"

He cleared his throat before speaking. "Jack Keller; age 26. Born and raised in New York so he definitely knows his way around the city. Upon graduating High School at the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Armed Forces for 4 years. Afterward, he relocated to Seattle, Washington where he currently works for a security company called Central Protection as well as the Seattle Police Department working cases alongside them for high profile security services as a bodyguard. He is highly trained in defensive tactics, firearm safety and usage, physically fit, intelligent, and has always been at the top of his classes, exams, and work. Assigning him to a protection command like this will be a great choice with this experience and knowledge. He is also my nephew, born and raised in a police family."

Looking at his watch, he tapped his fingers on the table impatiently. "So when will this agent be here?" Tylor asked, looking over at the far end of the table at Max. "Mr. Simmons would like to meet this man before leaving his home in an hour."

"He boarded a 2:00 am flight this morning. A 5-hour flight from Seattle…he should be arriving—"

"Any minute?" A young man spoke standing at the entranceway of the room, interrupting Max. The four men all turned their heads to see him grinning while holding a duffle bag. "Agent Jack Keller, reporting for duty."

The young man was quite handsome and clean shaven as he stood there. He fashioned navy blue jeans, a grey polo shirt, a black tie, a black leather jacket, and tactical duty boots. His hair was a light blonde that just passed his ears, ocean blue eyes, and about 5'10 in height.

"Jack, good to see you." Max smiled, standing up and walking over to him and embracing him in a friendly hug. "It has been too long."

"Yes, it has uncle," Jack replied, pulling away. "It has been a long morning but I have arrived as quickly as I could."

"Yes and we don't have much time, but let us fill you in." Max finished, talking him over to the table and both took their seats. "This is a classified assignment of protection services for a young woman named Mia Simmons. She is the daughter of a multi-millionaire founder and CEO of Simmons Insurance, Norman Simmons. He owns and operates in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Ms. Simmons is 23 years of age and is finishing her last year of business and law at NYU and will require 24/7 services in ensuring her safety."

Jack began looking through the report on the table and came across her photo, a simple one of her taken on the phone while leaving a building. Her hair, chestnut brown that just past shoulder length, casual clothes of jeans, white a pink tee, and black ankle boots. Observing the picture from head to toe, she was quite beautiful to look at. "Protection services for what main cause?" Jack asked, snapping out of this brief stare of the photo and back up at the men.

"His name is Seymour Harmon, the sole son of criminal mastermind, John Harmon. He was the apparent boyfriend of Ms. Simmons before his criminal activity was discovered and was sent to jail 3 months ago. He escaped from a supermax facility yesterday and was spotted in Manhattan. Mr. Simmons believes he will be coming back for his daughter." Liam began to explain to the new agent on their team, crossing his arms over his chest. "While the whole police force is on alert to catch Harmon, our team has been specifically chosen to find him, while you will be protecting Ms. Simmons until he is taken down."

"I have taken up many protection services before but none as specific as this one. 24/7 protection."

"You will be given a company car for your own personal use, as well as escorting Ms. Simmons to and from all her arrangements. Although you will be required as a live-in agent in their home, we have also prepared a safe house apartment for your own use as well located 6 blocks from the Simmons residence." Liam continued, sliding an envelope his way. "Your keys, documentation, and paperwork are all inside this envelope as well as a company cell phone to reach us whenever needed."

"Very extensive, indeed."

"This is a top priority assignment, Jack. There will be a heightened police presence throughout New York for the hunt of Harmon and his accomplices. Ms. Simmons is a vulnerable target, we cannot be complicate with any information." Clearing his throat, Max continued. "Also, I don't feel the need to tell you but as per the contract requested by Ms. Simmon's father, be aware that there is a strict zero no-fraternization policy with the client."

Jack knew the definition of boundaries and the job requirement of this protection service. There was to be zero malfeasance. There was no denying Mia's beauty from her picture; straight brown hair that passed her shoulders, creamy skin, mesmerizing smile, and a slim and fit body. One feature that stood out more than the others was her unique rare eyes - one green and the other blue - also known as heterochromia. "Very good." Jack smiled. "When do I start?"

******

In the heart of the Williamsburg district of Brooklyn, New York, Jack rode in a brand new black hybrid Ford Fusion alongside Max as they drove up to the home of the Simmons. Looking out his window, he was certainly in awe starring at the home in front of them on Bushwick Avenue. The specular mansion looked to be over 6000 square feet, with a large landscaped front lawn.

They parked on the road and began to proceed to the front door and rang the doorbell. Jack was beginning to feel slightly anxious starting his new assignment—one that he knew that he would have to be on his top guard for. Within the next minute, the two entry doors opened revealing the family's butler who let them in after Max had shown his badge.

In the foyer, the room was simply stunning and grand. Two large staircases on both sides of the room attached with one another on the second floor, an elegant seating area in the middle of the room, and doors on both sides to more rooms throughout the house. High ceilings and large windows filled the room with natural light as they walked in and waited to be called upon. Jack took in the next moment looking down and straightening his tie to make sure he was at his best to be presentable. Max smirked, waiting, till a man came out from the right and approached them.

"Welcome, officers." Norman began, shaking their hands. "I am Norman Simmons. Thank you for making such haste in my requests for services."

"Of course, sir. My name is Chief Max Murphey, head of this operation, and this here…is Agent Jack Keller, who will be assisting your daughter in her protective services."

"Pleasure to meet you, sir," Jack spoke with a smile after being introduced.

"I am sure you are aware of the situation. My daughter hasn't been contacted by Seymour since hearing of his return, but she feels very uncomfortable and frightened by it. You will be paid well for your services, and I hope justice will come forth swiftly and he will be behind bars again soon." Norman continued.

"Rest assured, sir, my men will be working diligently to bring this man down. And Agent Keller here will be at yours and your daughter's services in your safety."

"Thank you both. Well, I shall leave you to work as I am late for a very important meeting. We have our butler, cook, and maid at your service. My daughter should be down shortly. Excuse me." He finished, shaking their hands once more then proceeded out of the home.

"Well, I'll leave it to you from here." Max spoke, turning away and beginning to leave the home.

"Uh, just me? Max, wait." Jack faltered apprehensively as he looked back at him exiting.

"You got this. Good luck." Max grinned once more, looking back and throwing him the keys to the vehicle. He then let himself out of the home, heading back to the precinct to meet with the others to begin their investigation on the assignment.

Jack stood there for a moment, thinking about everything he knew about the duty up to this point, and quickly going over a speech on what to say to Ms. Simmons for when she was to meet him. He cleared his throat and placed his hands behind his back staring at the front door, waiting patiently. Another job, another mission, right? How would this be so different than other work he had done? He was a bodyguard for this woman and he had to have a clear thought of mind to ensure that safety.

"You must be my agent?" Came a voice from up above.

Jack turned around and looked up at the top of the left stairwell to see her standing there looking down at him. His eyes locked onto her feature—she was definitely more beautiful in person than in that photo. He took in a deep breath as she made her way down the stairs and over to him and he felt as if his heart skipped a beat. Never has he ever felt so flushed before meeting someone.

"Uh—yes, ma'am. Agent Jack Keller." He stumbled at first but was able to pick up his words. "I have been assigned to your protective duties."

"Mia Simmons. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Keller." She introduced herself smiling at him as they shook hands. "You will be accompanying me to my day to day routines?"

"Yes, ma'am. I will not leave your side."

With the look on her face, you could tell she enjoyed hearing those words be spoken to her. Her own personal bodyguard, young and attractive—perhaps someone she could be more comfortable around instead of an older more boring, and strict individual. Although she wished the circumstances of her day to day life could be different, she too had to be on her guard now that he was back in society and could be possibly coming after her once again. After the two finished exchanging a friendly look at one another, Jack then escorted Mia out of the house as they prepared to leave.

Upon leaving the house, Jack opened the front door in a very mannerly gesture for her to proceed outside, which she gladly accepted and began to walk out. Walking past him, Mia inhaled his cologne; a sweet and refreshing scent that was pleasurable to take in, which caught her off guard, and soon found herself to lose her footing and fall forward off the porch steps. With a slight yelp, Mia threw her arms up realizing she wasn't able to catch herself, and clenched her eyes shut for a moment to prepare herself knowing she was going to fall down the steps. Surprisingly, within the next split second, Mia found herself still and safe, opening her eyes to see that she had fallen... right into Jack's arms.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his face very close to hers, his arms wrapped around her tightly, helping her remain upright.

She was speechless while looking into his ocean blue eyes while thinking about how this current predicament happened. She was never this clumsy, yet somehow something had completely thrown her off which landed her in the arms of another. Her arms were clenched to his biceps, very firm and muscular to her touch, their faces only mere inches away from one another. Both gazed upon each other, their eyes almost piercing with emotion; she suddenly felt flushed and immensely embarrassed. After her moment of realizing this, Mia released her grip from him awkwardly. "I, uh...I am so sorry!"

Jack couldn't help but let out a friendly smile. "Your eyes. They are... stunning." Being in such close proximity, he then shook his head and took a step back away, "My apologies. Please be careful in watching your step, Ms. Simmons."

"Y-Yes of course. I don't know what overcame me just now." Jack feeling rather flushed himself, then proceeded to escort her to his car in the driveway. As he walked around to the driver's side he knew he needed to put the kibosh on his feelings right away. This could go no further. It was quite a close first encounter with his new client, which Jack knew his professionalism was of utmost importance to maintain. He had taken many protection services in the past few years while working in Seattle, yet none were quite like this one - a young and attractive client which since meeting - couldn't keep his eyes off of. Shaking these thoughts out of his head, Jack then proceeded forward with their day and drive Mia to the university.

Driving from their home to her first destination of the day, New York University, was a half hour drive through Williamsburg, across the Williamsburg Bridge, and into Lower Manhattan. It was certainly a long time since Jack had been back in New York and often forgot how big the vast city was. Mia began to look nervous as they crossed the bridge, hearing the news that this was the part of town that he may be lurking around in. Even with a bodyguard, he still could be anywhere.

"So you are in your final year of studies?" Jack began to break the tension she was experiencing while in a daze staring out the window. He wanted her to be more comfortable and not always thinking and having worries on her mind.

"Uh, yes. Business and Law. My class graduates in three weeks at the end of the month." She spoke, her words were soft and unsettled. Mia was feeling somewhat shy around this new man but also relieved to have someone to speak to.

"One day you will be taking over your father's company. That is quite an accomplishment."

"Yes, it's very overwhelming sometimes. To be the CEO of a large company—I will be in charge and responsible for a lot." She then looked over at Jack. "How about you? Did you always want to be a part of law enforcement?"

There was a slight pause before he replied to her question, "I enjoy helping people."

As they then pulled up to the building, Jack turned off the engine and stepped out, following Mia who also did as well and began to make her way to the school.

"Ma'am, I should—"

"I will be all right from here, Agent Keller," Mia spoke softly, interrupting. "I only have a four hour lecture today and there is plenty of security inside. I will be here at 2 o'clock."

But before Jack could reply, she had turned away and began to make her way inside the building. The first day on the job, he knew he should have gone inside with her, but knowing the security in the university, he stepped back and returned to the car. Once inside, Jack sat there for a moment. 4 hours. He didn't want to go too far away, perhaps sitting in the car park where he was so he can observe from the outside. This was a good time to look up information about the case. He then turned around and reached in the back seat, grabbing a laptop. Another company tool for him. Time to get comfortable, turning on the laptop, and reaching over for the envelope with all the case files in it.

Seymour Harmon; age 24, hair color: black, eye color: blue, weight 150lbs, height 5'12. Son of John Harmon who passed away last year—criminal mobster mastermind. Seymour was charged with drug and weapons trafficking, assault, robbery, attempted murder, and sexual assault. He was certainly following in his father's footsteps with criminal activity. Although John Harmon was never caught and prosecuted, Seymour was. 10 years behind bars in a supermax facility—known to be one of the most heavily guarded prisons in the United States, was it possible he had connections inside to help him escape? He was certainly not one to underestimate.

Looking through the files, he then came across Mia's. Age 23, hair color brown, eye color green/blue, weight 130lbs, height 5'6. Daughter of Norman Simmons—in charge of marketing and advertisements of all sorts that deal with thousands if not more clients worldwide. He is currently looking to seek to expand his company with other branches across the United States. He is also wealthy, single—a widower. Children: one. He was a very widely popular and influential member of the business world. Mia on the other hand… had a strict work ethic to follow in her father's footsteps, 4.0 GPA, quiet, shy, motivated. Clean records. Made him begin to wonder how she ended up with a guy like Seymour.

The hours seemed to have gone by quickly and caught up to 2:00 fairly fast. Jack stepped out of the car and walked around to the passenger's side and scouted the area while waiting for Mia to come out of the building. She was precisely on time as she opened the door and walked down the steps towards him. The sun glistened upon her figure as Jack watched her. There was just something about her that he felt compelled to be the one to protect her. Maybe it was a good thing to be back in New York again.

"Are you ready to go back home, ma'am?" Jack began as she approached him with a minor smile.

"Actually, my cousin texted me that she is back in town and wanted to get together with a few friends to go see a movie. The theatre is just a few a minutes' drive on Third Avenue and East 11th Street."

"I would not suggest that is an appropriate measure to take right now, ma'am. It is dangerous for you to be out in public." Jack protested.

"This is why you are here, Agent Keller. I still need to maintain a public presence. I need to show everyone that I am not afraid."

Being in a dark theater for 2 hours could prove to be a test for him to maintain her safety. Yet, she looked like one who would not back down from her decision. It was important for her to carry on a normal life as best as the situation could offer. "Very well, ma'am." He then opened the passenger door for her to step into.

Before doing so, she turned her head and looked at him. "You know, we might be together for a while. You may call me by my first name if you like." She smiled then proceeded to get into the car.

Together for a while, right? Depending on the time it would take to catch Seymour, Mia's protective services could undeniably be for a while. The thought made him smile as he closed the door behind her then continued around the car and got in as well, driving off to their next destination. The movie theatre was just a few short minutes away from the university like she had told him. They made their way to the parking lot and continued up to the building where three young ladies waited for them.

"Mia!" One of the friends spoke first as they all gathered together close and exchanged hugs with her. "You look fantastic! We haven't seen you in ages!"

"I've missed you all too," Mia spoke quietly, smiling. "A lot has been going on. In fact…" She then turned her head at the man behind her. "This is Agent Jack Keller. He is watching over me. These are…my cousin Ellie and my two friends Luna and Maggie."

"Pleasure, ladies," Jack replied, nodding his head at them. "Let us continue inside?"

The four walked ahead of Jack while he checked all their surroundings while entering the building. It wasn't very busy, which was an advantage of not having to overlook too many individuals.

"So…your father hired HIM to protect you, eh?" Ellie whispered over into Mia's ear as they walked ahead, arms linked, giving her a nudge on her shoulder. "He's pretty cute." She grinned.

"Shhh!" She tried shushing up her cousin before he would hear them, feeling herself flush.

Ellie then turned her head back and smiled at Jack. "Hey, Mr. Bodyguard. Mia and I will be in the ladies' room for a few minutes. Be right back." Ellie was a slender and athletic 22 year old, energetic, and happy-go-lucky lady who maintains a positive outlook on life. She had medium length blonde hair up in a high ponytail, green eyes and around the same height as Mia's.

Jack walked with the two misses and waited outside the washroom while Luna and Maggie waited in line to get them their tickets. All activity in the lobby area was normal as he continued to look around. Couples, families, friends, no one looked suspicious enough to inquire about. Perhaps they were in the clear—Seymour had just returned, he most likely had much on his mind and agenda other than his ex-girlfriend?

Suddenly, Jack heard a scream from within the woman's washroom.

He withdrew his handgun, a sleek and fully loaded G22, and ran inside. He aimed and proceeded cautiously entering the room—Mia was on the floor being helped up by Ellie. "What happened?" He asked, lowering his gun while checking all the stalls. To see that no one else was in the room.

"Oh my, he sure came in fast!" Ellie chuckled. "Quite charming how you will rescue her from inside the woman's restroom!" Once he concluded the washroom was clear, he looked back at the two women and inserted his gun back in its holster.

"I'm so sorry." Mia apologized. "Ellie startled me and I slipped."

"Please be more cautious, ma'am. Your safety is my top priority." He then began to walk over to the washroom main door. "We can never be too caref—" Abruptly his sentence was silenced as he opened the door and headed out—his head nearly struck by a bullet that raced past and shot into the wall beside him. "GET DOWN!" Jack instructed the two as more shots began to fire towards them. Both Mia and Ellie did as they were told in complete fright, ducking down close to one another. The theater began to panic as the fire alarm was pulled to evacuate while the gunman made his way towards the woman's washroom.

Jack listened against the wall with precision to hear for the right moment—exactly when the gunman had finished his clip. He used that moment to withdraw his own gun and storm out of the washroom to be confronted with one man who was in mid reloading. The man in his 20s, short brown hair, brown eyes, and wore casual jeans, a black short-sleeved shirt, and black sneakers. He looked at Jack and began to fumble his clip as he saw him dash forward. There was not enough time to reload as he was too close and was tackled to the ground violently.

"Who sent you!?" Jack demanded, aiming his gun at the man's forehead. Yet oddly, he then began to laugh—mocking him. "WHO SENT YOU!?"

"Seymour sends his regards. He will be seeing Mia soon." He replied, calmly, laughing. Swiftly enough, he pulled out a small pocketknife and was able to slash Jack in his left forearm, causing him to flinch back from the pain. The man used this opportunity to kick Jack off him and begin to make his escape. Through the stinging and pain of his wound, Jack lifted his right arm with his firearm and fired—shooting the perpetrator in the leg which caused him to fall to the ground.

Jack lifted himself up and ran over, pulling out his handcuffs and locking him up. Taking a breath in of relief, he pulled out his cell phone and pressed 1 on his speed dial.

"This is Agent Jack Keller. Reporting a 10-33. Shots fired at the Theater on Third Avenue and East 11th Street. The culprit in custody. Requesting backup."

"Copy that, Agent Keller. Standby. Dispatch is on its way."

******

The next few hours seem to have felt the longest after the trepidation at the theater. Max was on scene along with other officers to inspect the crime after a job well done by Jack arresting one of Seymour's accomplices. Mia and her friends were undeniably shaken up and all were escorted home. Since Jack was required to make a report at the precinct of the incident, Mia was driven home by Max who stood over her watch till he was finished. Nearing 9:00 that evening, Jack had finally pulled up and into the driveway of the Simmons residence. Feeling fatigued, he grabbed his duffle bag out of the trunk as well as his laptop and files and proceeded to the front door where an officer now stood by guarding for protection. Showing his badge, he was then allowed to enter where he saw Max sitting on the foyer couch overlooking files.

"Chief." Jack spoke first, watching him look over and quickly pack up his work and met up with him.

"Ah, Jack. Well done today. Catching one of the accomplices on the first day. Was he interrogated yet?"

"Yes, although he hasn't said anything yet. I'm sure you will have a crack at him."

"Looking forward to it," Max spoke, patting Jack on the shoulder. "Get some sleep. I'll talk to you tomorrow." And with those words, he then walked past him and headed out of the house.

Jack sighed a breath of relief after a long day. As he then headed up the stairs to the second floor, he turned his head to the left hallway to see Mia emerge out of her room, smile, and walk over to him.

He smiled in return, seeing her safe. "Good evening. How are you?"

"Alive, thanks to you. I'm glad you are okay." She replied. "May I show you to your room?"

She then led him down the hall and into a room that was across from her own bedroom. They walked in and Jack looked around to feel quite comfortable in the space. He placed his bag down on the bed and looked back at Mia. "This is great, thank you."

"Hey, I just wanted to start by saying I'm sorry. Ellie was a little out of line at the theater. You… you saved my life." Mia spoke softly, looking over at him who was only a few steps away. "I am very grateful. I've never been in a situation like that before…"

"It's my duty to keep you safe. I won't be going anywhere till Seymour is brought to justice."

Just hearing his name sent a shiver down her spine, creating goosebumps on her arms. He was a malevolent man who she still dreamt of nightmares about. The news of his return turned her stomach and the thoughts that were now clear that he wanted to get near her once again. As they stood there for a few moments of silence, Jack then looked away and removed his coat and Mia was able to see the bloodstain on his grey shirt.

"Oh, are you hurt?" She asked, walking up to him and lifting up his sleeve to examine what happened even before he could reply.

"U-Uh." He stuttered, flushed as she touched his arm. "Just a scratch. Paramedics took care of it after the incident. I'll be fine."

"You know, taking over the family business wasn't exactly my first career choice. If I had siblings I'm sure they would have wanted to follow on that path. Before solely becoming involved with the company, I studied medicine to one day become a doctor." She smiled, pulling his sleeve back down, briefly looking at him then away heading towards the door. Once at the doorway, she looked over at him again. "Sleep well. Goodnight…Jack."

"Thank you." He returned the smile. "Goodnight, Mia."