The Kazak Guardians (17 page)

With Hendrix staring at me, Lihua led me down the hallway to a large room that resembled a library, except libraries didn't have leather recliners and a gorgeous golden-brown rosewood desk the size of my kitchen.

"What would you like, Lynn? Pardon me for saying so, but I think you are going to shake up our nice, comfortable world."

"Coffee will be fine. I don't mind, because you're right."

I sat drinking a very nice brew of coffee when Gendel, a red-haired woman, and a small girl entered the room. I guessed this wasn't his first marriage since Mrs. Gendel was a good twenty years younger than him and the little girl looked to be only four or five. I stood.

"Eveleen, this is the Kazak, Lynn. Lynn, this is my wife Eveleen. The little terrorist is Sibeal."

"I'm pleased to meet you, Eveleen and Sibeal the terrorist. I'll bet you rule this house." I bent slightly when I addressed the child and could see the twinkle in her eyes.

"Please sit, Lynn. Based on the threats I've gotten and what my adviser tells me, I believe the biggest threat is to my wife and child. They believe kidnapping and extortion the most likely scenario, although they don't rule out violence." He looked toward his wife while he was talking. "I've had some nasty threats."

I would soon learn if the threats came from disgruntled citizens, professional criminals, or Assassins. I hoped it wasn't Assassins. A combination of the other two seemed more likely. People were unhappy with large financial institutions taking money from the government and then paying themselves huge rewards after having caused the problem. Most people would take out their frustration in blogs, on Facebook, and through other non-violent outlets. A few would write threatening letters or threaten actions they never intended to carry out. A handful of fanatics wanted retribution that was more direct and they felt justified in using extortion, physical assault, kidnapping, and even murder. And criminals were always alert to cash in on an opportunity. The threats presented excellent cover for not only extortion but also kidnapping. Murder didn't pay.

Assassins were expensive; therefore, they wouldn't be used unless someone was using this outrage to make a power grab. In that event, it would be more logical to attack Mr. Gendel. I concluded Assassins were the least likely threat against Eveleen and Sibeal. It was, however, an academic exercise. I had to be prepared to protect them whether the attackers were amateurs, semi-professionals, or professionals.

"You want me to protect Eveleen and Sibeal. Not you. Is that correct?"

"Unless you're around when the attack is going on-"

"No, I can't protect your wife and child if I'm trying to protect you. I'll intervene only if helping or protecting you is somehow necessary to protect them." I met him eye to eye.

"You're not like the bodyguards that have been hired for me. They're accommodating." He held up his hand. "Unfortunately, I see your point and agree. My bodyguards will have to be enough."

"Now for the part you, Eveleen, and Sibeal are not going to like. I have rules. I take protecting a client very seriously, to the point of risking my life for them. However, I can't protect them without their cooperation. If you or Eveleen don't like my rules, I'll understand, but will leave you to find someone else." I looked from Gendel to his wife and back again. Neither spoke.

I turned my full attention on Eveleen. "First, you and Sibeal will always be in my sight. I'll be in every room, car, club, and bathroom if it has a second door or window. There are zero exceptions. We'll have to work on sleeping arrangements." I was trying to be complete so there would be no misunderstanding. "If Eveleen's and Sibeal's lives are at stake and an Assassin gets involved, your guards are useless. I've seen them penetrate Pentagon security. I've just recovered from an encounter with three. If I hadn't been glued to my client, she would be dead. So, no exceptions without my approval."

"Witton did warn me. He said you had rules but might be the best Kazak he has." He looked to Eveleen, who nodded. I wondered if Witton had meant it or had said that to soften Gendel up for
Lynn's Rules
.

"Eveleen, be warned, there may be other necessities such as where we sit in a restaurant, etc." She stood, kissed her husband, and left the room with Sibeal and me following.

***

"Eveleen, until we can work out a reasonable solution, you, Sibeal, and I will sleep in the same bedroom." I held up my hand. "I'll sit in a reasonably comfortable chair. At least for now I've no relief, so I'll be on twenty-four hours a day. I need sleep too, but I'm a very light sleeper."

"Lynn, you're going to take some getting used to," she said with a smile.

"Let's go see the bedroom you and Sibeal are going to sleep in."

Eveleen led me to one of the guest bedrooms. It was the size of three average-sized bedrooms-like mine-and had an attached bathroom suite. I would have liked to see the master suite if this was for guests. The bedroom had a king-sized bed, end tables with hanging lights over each one, a large LCD television on the wall, a combination radio and CD player, a bookcase with novels and CDs, a settee, and a large picture window. The walls had several paintings, and an assortment of sculptures and vases were scattered around the room. The bathroom suite had every luxury imaginable and a long, narrow frosted window. The bedroom windows looked onto the rear of the three-acre property.

"Before tonight, I want these curtains replaced with heavy material that can't be seen through. I'd suggest every room you intend to use have them. I don't want someone to be able to see your shadow in the window. Yes, this is excessive and probably unnecessary, but a person with a rifle can't tell the difference between a male, female, or child." I didn't want to put them in a cocoon, but I wanted to cut down on their unnecessary exposure. The rear of their property was far too secluded and tempting. Eveleen nodded after looking at Sibeal. "The door to the bathroom will remain open. I want you in my sight at all times. Yes, it's necessary, and I'll need a recliner of some sort."

Eveleen talked to several people over the next hour, including her husband. He frowned and looked in my direction several times but said nothing. I decided to throw him a bone.

"Mr. Gendel, is there a room in this house that has only one entrance and no windows?"

"No, most rooms have only one entrance; however, every room has a window."

"No, Daddy. The media room doesn't have any windows and only one door," Sibeal said while bouncing up and down. Her face lit up in a devilish smile.

"Very good, Sibeal. Daddy didn't think of that." He turned and looked at me.

"You and Eveleen may want to view an adult movie now and then. Sibeal and I'll stand guard, won't we, Sibeal?" I squatted a bit to look directly at her.

"Why?"

"Because bad men are mad at your father and mother, so you and I will protect them while they watch a movie."

"Why can't we watch?"

"If we watch, we won't be watching for the bad men."

"Oh. All right, I'll help you. Can I have a gun?"

"That sounds like a good idea." Out of the corner of my eye I saw both of her parents go pale. "One of Daddy's men will buy you a gun that shoots those rubber darts." I smiled at Gendel. He nodded and smiled back. I thought he might have been willing to buy her an Uzi to be alone with his wife.

For the next week everyone's schedule changed. Sibeal was removed from school and Gendel hired a tutor to fill in until the situation was resolved. Eveleen had to limit her activities to those that could include Sibeal. When I looked at the situation, Sibeal was by far the winner. Twice during that week, Gendel and Eveleen used the media room. I think that made it easier for Gendel to tolerate my rules.

I had two recliners placed at the beginning of the hallway leading to the media room. I kept Sibeal occupied with stories and practicing with her new guns: a water pistol, rubber dart gun, and a realistic-looking Glock that looked like mine. She was a typical young girl experimenting and testing the limits. Under other circumstances, I might have married Gabe or someone like him and had a girl just like her. She was a sweet, if mischievous, child. It was, however, unlikely that I would ever have a child of my own. I couldn't go back in time, and wouldn't if I could. I was content with my life.

It was interesting to follow Eveleen around. She was a member of an exclusive country club and played golf several times a week, had golf lessons twice a week, a massage every now and then, ate lunch out frequently, and shopped at exclusive stores. Of course, each activity required compromises now that Sibeal and I had to accompany her. In the beginning, her golfing friends were concerned.

"Eveleen, isn't that your daughter with the woman in your golf cart?"

"Albert has been getting some nasty letters since the bailout and subsequent bonuses. Many of the letters threatened Sibeal and me so he decided to hire a personal bodyguard for us. Since she can't protect both of us if we aren't together, Sibeal and she will be tagging along."

"Your bodyguard doesn't look like she could protect you from any of our husbands."

"Hopefully none of your husbands will try." Eveleen grinned.

Having to sit with Sibeal and me in the cart from one shot to the next did limit Eveleen's socializing time. Other than that, their game wasn't much different. Afterward, they ate in the club's dining facilities. They gave me strange looks when I stipulated a specific table. This time the conversation was limited by the presence of Sibeal at their table and me standing off to the side-the price of security.

At the spa, the masseuse was a little put out when Sibeal and I joined them in the room.

"Mrs. Gendel. Is that your daughter and... ?"

"Yes, Preta. That is Sibeal and my bodyguard."

"Do they need to be in here?"

"Yes, my bodyguard gets upset when she can't see both me and Sibeal. Don't worry about them." Eveleen removed the towel around her chest and lay on the table.

"Mommy, what's the lady doing to you? You're all greasy. Does it hurt?" The questions came one after another in rapid fire.

"The lady is giving me a massage. She puts oil over me so her hands are soft as she works the tension out of my muscles. No, it doesn't hurt. It feels wonderful."

"Can I try it?" Sibeal stood and moved closer to Eveleen, "Please, Mommy." Eveleen nodded. After she was finished, she helped Sibeal up onto the table. I think the masseuse found it interesting working on Sibeal's tiny back. I would bet she would try to turn it into a side business. Eveleen smiled and Sibeal giggled the whole time.

Afterward, Eveleen and Sibeal spent fifteen minutes in the sauna. I felt my rules had benefited Eveleen and her daughter. They had become closer because they were spending more time together and sharing their daily activities. Even when shopping, Sibeal joined her mother in the private dressing room, giggling, while her mother and she tried on clothes in exclusive boutiques.

Sibeal couldn't stop talking each night, telling her father about every minute of the day. Her father seemed to enjoy listening to her. That night she was explaining her mother's golf lesson.

"Daddy, Mommy's golf teacher gave me a lesson. I got to use a club and hit the little white ball." She stood up to demonstrate her swing. "It was fun. I want to learn how to play like Mommy. Can I have lessons-"

The sound of glass breaking and the heavy drape bursting inward had me up and moving almost before the bullet slammed into the picture on the opposite wall.

"Gendel, on the floor!" I shouted as I launched myself toward Sibeal and Eveleen. I grabbed Sibeal and pulled her into me and managed to knock Eveleen out of her chair and onto the floor. I rolled once with Sibeal, coming to a stop on my stomach facing the curtain. When more glass broke and the curtain moved, I fired four shots. A man crashed to the floor. I fired once more into his head and then four more through the curtain-just in case. I slammed a new clip into my Glock and waited, holding Sibeal down with my left arm.

A minute later one of Gendel's bodyguards came through the door. I barely stopped myself from shooting him.

"You three get outside and see if there is anyone else out there. Close this door and don't come near it or the window unless you get my permission; otherwise I'll assume you're one of them." I nodded toward the dead body. The guard shut the door and I heard him shouting instructions to the others. "Gendel, stay down," I said, although it seemed unnecessary. Eveleen lay on the floor dazed, while Sibeal squirmed under my arm trying to see. Her eyes were as wide as saucers. This appeared to be just one more exciting experience for her.

I rose onto one knee, keeping a hand on Sibeal so she couldn't rise. A few minutes later I heard Gendel's guard, Jimmie, shout from the side of the house. He sounded like he was well away from the window.

"It's all clear, Lynn. There was one more, but he was well down the road by the time we got out here."

"You should have shot him. Never mind. Reach in and open the curtains so I can see you-hands empty."

***

One of the guards called the police and Gendel explained what had happened. They tried to question me. All I would say was that I was a Kazak, and I shot the dead man. They didn't ask for proof and didn't really need me to explain since Gendel was in the room the entire time.

***

We sat in Gendel's study after the police and the medics left. Other than a rather large bruise on Eveleen's head, no one else was injured. Gendel had asked the cook for dessert and milk for Sibeal. He and Eveleen each had a large goblet of wine.

"I see what you meant about protecting Eveleen and Sibeal but not me unless that protected them. I had heard the words and at the time thought that you were carrying your rules too far. Tonight made me understand your logic. You helped save me tonight because it was necessary to protect my wife and child. Dividing your loyalties could have put us all in jeopardy. I thought Witton was trying to appease me when he said you were one of his best. I believe he's right." He sat holding his wife's hand, while watching his daughter eating dessert as if nothing had happened.