chapter 3.... Andrew

Andrew watched with no elation while the Peace treaty got signed. 7years fighting a nameless war. He had thought joining the army would give him a sense of worthiness and for the first few years of the war it almost did. Countless number of times He had thought he was going to die. The adrenaline, the fear, the escapades were memories he wouldn't trade for anything else.

Those were highlight reels of his Entire life. Still, as the years rolled by and the number of Dead bodies piled up, Andrew felt like shit. His conscience pricked and His life almost lost its meaning.

Today, recollecting memories of all those years of blood shed culminating into a shit of paper with countless signatures of people Andrew knew nothing about, he couldn't help but wonder if it was ever worth it.

One thing was certain. He was done with the Army. 7years of fighting, 4 galantry awards and promotions.

Yet, Andrew was determined to walk away. He had paid a huge price.

Claire. The one girl He truly loved.

Andrew was an Orphan so the Army became his only Family and when the chance came to Join the War,Andrew knew it was his only shot to live life a Hero. It hurt him but He choose the Army over Claire.

She must have moved on now. Yes He made the right decision and now, he was about to make another right decision.

His intentions was well known to his superiors. He was going to resign from the Army.

General ISSA thought it Foolish. A very foolish decision. At 27, Andrew was already a pending Lieutenant. The sky was going to be his limit.

Andrew no longer wanted to Soar. He no longer wanted to conquer the World.All he wanted right now, was to go anywhere his steps would take him. He deeply wished He could revisit Salstone and see Claire.

One last time.

But it would only complicate things and open scars. It was best he sojorned far away.

"I have a proposal for you" General ISSA always spoke with a sweet candor in his voice. He was one Man Andrew highly respected. 32years in the Army, the stars on his vest was not just for show

"Sir my position is Unattainable " Andrew replied keeping a straight face. He had got his bag packed 2days ago and was about to turn in his resignation letter when the Summon from General ISSA came. The man just couldn't bare to lose him.

"The Mayor of Livingstone needs a bodyguard" General ISSA continue "I want you to take the Job. While you are at it, I would place you on compassionate leave. You get to keep your identity as an Army while you mull over your decision to quit"

"With all due respect Sir..."

"Also I want you to find out exactly what is going on in that City. There is a Fella called Lord Bay. He was here during the signing of the peace treaty. I have compelling reasons not to trust him. Investigate him and bring me feedbacks something illegal is going on in his town"

"Sir I don't think...."

"We would Match whatever salary the Mayor is going to pay you plus you also get all your dues from the Government"

"Sir I still don't think...."

"Once your Job is Done I would let you walk away no questions asked. And If you choose to stay on after that, I can assure you of another promotion"

"Okay fine! Fine! You wouldn't even let me Speak"

"I can be very persistent" General ISSA smiled, a broad smile spreading across his sturdy cheek.

"You schooled at the Military Academy close to Livingstone" It was a statement. Andrew answered all the same.

"Yes" He spent 6months in Salstone. That was were he first met Claire.

Claire.

Each time He thought about Salstone, He remembered Claire.

He was sure she No longer lived there. She had a soul that was bigger than that city. She once mentioned how she wasn't originally from that town.

"Do you Know who Lord Bay is?"

"He was very popular. Everyone around the region knew who He was,but I never got to meet him"

There where four cities cut off from the rest of the country by a Vast Ocean. Lord Bay was like the God of the land

"Okay lieutenant Andrew. Be careful. I would email you all the necessary info on your new Job"

"Thank you sir!"

Andrew was almost on his way out when General ISSA called out again.

"Lieutenant!"

"Sir!"

"You are one very handsome man"

"Thank you Sir!"

"Lieutenant!"

"Sir!"

"It's okay to fall in love"

Andrew certainly didn't see that coming

Andrew hated to be kept waiting. Yet, he was made to wait for 2hours at the jetty before the velvet Land cruiser came to pick him up.

"I was in a meeting" Dan said letting him into the car

"That's not an Apology " Andrew countered. He hated Men with Ego. Mayor or not, 2hrs was a lot of time to keep someone waiting.

"Oh wow. ISSA told me you are very Capable." Dan continued

"Mayor, it's General ISSA" Andrew was sure He wasn't going to like this Man.

"Easy big guy. I take it you work for the Army?"

" I work for The General Sir"

We rode in silence through a single laned road flanked on both sides by leafy shrubs, bamboo, plantain and coconut plantation.

"Can you a Use Weapon?"

It was a Silly question so Andrew decided not to answer.

Dan placed a Briefcase close to his lap. " You can open it, and make your Choice"

"I have my own weapons" Andrew answered. "This town never used to have a Mayor "

That statement seemed to surprised Dan.

"how did you know that?"

"I lived in salstone for 6months, 7years ago"

"Times change. This town was being marginalized. We needed someone to represent us politically. I am Humbled the people chose Me"

"Yet you need a Bodyguard" Andrew made sure He heard the sarcasm.

"Actually, it's my Wife who needs your services. I can take good care of Myself."