“Hello, I'm Jaxon," my bodyguard spoke; it was here that I realized he was probably around my age or maybe just a few years older. "Mr. Starr, I heard your concerns, but I just want to assure you that I am very good at what I do. I will keep Emery safe."
I was mesmerized by the sound of his voice. It was so velvety smooth and yet so masculine; definitely a voice that demanded attention. He sounded very convincing when he spoke, and I almost felt safer just with him being in the room. Almost."Thank you. I appreciate that. I don't mean for this to come across as rude, but... aren't you a little young to be a professional bodyguard?"The corners of Jaxon's full lips twitched as if he was expecting this question. "Well yes, I am young; I have to be in order blend into the college where Emery will be placed. Chief will explain all of that in a minute; but once again, I assure you, I've had all the required training.""Jax is one of the best. He was top of his class, and as my adopted son, I've pretty much been training him his whole life. He knows what he needs to do in this field; I have no doubts," Chief explained."I didn't mean to offend anyone by asking, but you have to understand... she's all I have left." I heard my dad's voice quiver as he spoke which almost pushed me into a new fit of tears. Just this morning the two of us had been laughing on the golf course... how can a day change so much?"No offense taken; We understand completely. That actually makes this part a bit harder," Chief Hale sighed, "Emery... I'm afraid that when we relocate you, it's going to have to be just you."I heard what he said, but I couldn't process what it meant, so all I said was, "What?""Your father cannot come with you. Right now, the mob doesn't know that you're alive. For all anyone knows, you died when they shot at you and your car flipped. It is this factor that is going to keep you safe the most."My body trembled, "Bbbb-but I don't undersss-tand. If I'm dead, why ccc-can't he come www-with me?"I glanced at Jaxon who was standing in the corner. His arms were still crossed, but his eyes were cast down on the ground as if he wasn't paying attention to what was being said. In fact, I didn't think he had looked at me at all since he entered the room."If your dad relocated, it would be very suspicious; if we made him disappear and gave him a new identity like we will do for you, the mob will know that you are alive and come looking for you. The best way to ensure your safety, and his, is if he stays put and sells your death to the public."This time I couldn't control it. I felt sick. My body trembled harder than ever and I let tears flow freely as sobs wracked my body. I knew that my ordinary life as Emery Starr was over."How long are we talking here? Months? Years?" My dad asked, wiping away his own tear and pulling me closer."That's going to depend on when we catch the mob leader. We're very sorry... we know this is a lot."I sobbed again and my teeth chattered together. The room we were in was freezing, and I was still in shock from the crash, being shot, and trying like hell to process the situation."Can someone please get my daughter a sweatshirt or something? She's freezing," my dad commanded. I'm sure it was his way of distracting himself briefly from the matter at hand, but I certainly wasn't going to object to his request.I saw some movement from Jaxon out of the corner of my eye. He unzipped his jacket and took a step forward before zipping it back up. "I'm going to check the other room for something. I'll be back."For a moment, I wondered if he was about to give me his jacket, but it seemed he changed his mind. Either way, with everything going on, I couldn't bring myself to care all that much. In other circumstances, I would have been thrilled to wear his jacket."So... what happens now?" I asked Chief Hale."Well, Emery, as soon as we are done here, we need to relocate you. We have an emergency overnight bag we will give you, and Jaxon will drive you to one of our orientation centers in South Dakota. From here, it'll take you about 8 hours. You need to be there by 7 a.m."Just then, Jaxon appeared with a scratchy wool blanket. He didn't unfold it as he handed it over to me. "This is the best I could find," he said.I looked him in the eyes for the first time when I grabbed the blanket from him. I was shocked by the ice-blue color; they were much lighter than I initially thought and they were dazzling. I also couldn't help but notice the small scar that cut into his left eyebrow— it made him look dangerous and if I was being honest, even more sexy. "Thank you," I muttered, although he had already walked away from me to take his place behind the Chief again."What happens at the orientation center?" My dad asked. I opened up the blanket, spreading it over the two of us and flinching as I bent my sore arm."We already called the center and they're preparing everything for your arrival. It is here that they will give Emery and Jaxon new identities, new background information to memorize, and a new location. Even I don't know the details on their location, but I told them to make arrangements at a college somewhere so she can continue to get an education. Emery will also be given a new wardrobe and makeover to mask her identity; nothing too extreme, I assure you. From the orientation center, they will be dropped at an airport and get on a commercial flight under their new identities. Once there, they will begin their new normal."I nodded along as I listened, although with everything going on, I didn't hear every word that was said. "Will I be able to contact my dad?" I blurted.It was silent for a brief moment. I stole another glance at Jaxon who was looking down again. I don't know why I cared, but it almost bothered me that he was appearing so nonchalant as my life was literally falling apart. Finally, the chief answered. "No, Emery. I'm sorry. You won't be able to contact anybody from your old life. I know this is hard, but we need everyone to think that you are dead and any contact you have with anyone, even your dad, is traceable, and it puts you at risk."I wasn't surprised at all by the answer. I pretty much knew it when I asked but I just wanted it confirmed. Hearing it stated out loud made it that much more real."You keep saying I need to sell her death... can I ask what that all will entail?"I listened in horror as the chief explained how my dad needed to say goodbye to me here, go home, and tell friends and family about my unfortunate passing. The media is to be informed, and a picture of me will be displayed on the news as one of the victims of the grocery store shooting. He is then to hold a funeral for me, and hopefully, that will be enough to convince any remaining members of the mob that I am dead. Although in all honestly, I did feel that Emery Starr as I knew her had died today.I could barely pay attention as the chief went over the finances and logistics with my dad; I didn't feel this part concerned me too much. Jaxon also chimed in here and there to mention safety measures he will be taking, but again, it was hard for me to process or really understand everything he was talking about. Time seemed to drag on slowly in this moment, but as soon as we were done with our discussion, I wished for more time; because now that we were done, it meant saying goodbye to my dad.The chief walked with my father and I, as Jaxon lead the way down a small hallway leading to a back exit. Once we were outside, my heart began pounding and my tears started again."Hang on, Em, I want to have a word with Jaxon," My dad stated, moving away from me to join Jaxon by a large truck. He was loading some bags into the back."Emery, I just want to thank you for agreeing to testify. I know this isn't easy, any of it, but you're a brave girl. We are going to keep you safe, and we will work day and night until we get this guy," Chief said.He was nice, and I tried to force a small smile in his direction to show him that I was grateful for his statement. He gave me a kind smile in return, and placed a strong hand on my good shoulder, which provided me with a little bit of comfort until my dad returned to me.This was the moment that I had been dreading. I gave my dad a hug, hanging tight to him and trying to note everything about his embrace; I didn't know when I'd get the opportunity to hug him again."I love you, dad," I sobbed into his shoulder."I love you too, Emmy," My dad whispered back, "Jaxon seems like a good guy, and I trust him to keep you safe. Listen to him, Emery, at all times; trust him."I nodded at his words, not knowing what else to say in the moment."Emery, we gotta go," Jaxon interrupted, giving me enough courage to pull away from my dad."I'll see you soon," I said, trying to convince myself more than him as I made my way over to Jaxon. Although I was talking to my dad, I couldn't look at his tear-filled eyes as I spoke these words; it was just too painful.Jaxon was waiting by the truck with the passenger door already opened. He silently offered me a hand, which I hesitantly took as he assisted me up into my seat. I enjoyed the comfort his touch provided me, and wished I could keep my hand in his until I felt whole again.I hadn't felt this kind of pain since my mother and sister died. I knew my dad was alive, and I was lucky to be alive, but I was being ripped away from the one family member I had left with no contact and no reunion in sight. I felt like my heart was going to burst from my chest; like there was a lump in my throat so big I couldn't breathe; like if Jaxon even looked at me with an ounce of sympathy, I would crumble into a million pieces.This was the start of something... and I had no idea what was going to happen next. I just closed my eyes, refusing to look back at my dad as Jaxon and I pulled away from the station, knowing I couldn't bear the sight of the growing distance between us.Almost 5 hours had passed since Jaxon and I left the station, and I already felt like it had been an eon. I shifted in my seat, crossing my legs and hugging my arms tight to my chest for comfort and warmth. "You okay?" Jaxon asked, turning the radio down a few notches. This was the first thing he said to me since we left; I must not have moved much until now. Although his question was nice, it seemed he was trying to keep me at a distance; like he asked more for common curtesy rather than legitimate concern. But to answer his question, no. I was in no way okay. My arm was throbbing from the gun shot, I had whiplash starting to kick in from the car flipping, and I was freezing from the inside out. But, the absolute worst part, was knowing that everything was about to change, and knowing that my poor father was left behind, on his own, to sell my death to everyone. So no... not okay, Jaxon. "Emery?" He asked again while still remaining focused on the road. This time though, I did c
My heart was pounding. I found myself trying to be impossibly closer to Jaxon as we walked, longing to touch him for a sense of security. I hated feeling so vulnerable and weak, but Jaxon did have a way of making me feel safe; even though he wasn't Mr. Sunshine. With a big, muscular frame and chiseled features, a person would need to be crazy to try and fuck with him."Stay close and act normal," he commanded while opening the door. We were instantly hit with a cool breeze from the air conditioning being sucked outside. I nodded in response, my whole body shuddering once again as it adjusted to the new temperature. He frowned at me before shrugging out of his black leather jacket. "Here. Put this on." I quickly accepted it and tried to thank him, but he was already turned away from me and walking towards the front desk. I quickly put on the jacket and hugged it tight to my body as I followed him, a waft of cologne hitting my nose.The receptionist was very pretty and not what I expe
After my shower, I made quick work of getting dressed and crawling into bed. Jaxon and I only exchanged a few words, and he hadn't looked at me even once since I was out of the bathroom. He had the TV on and asked if I had a channel preference, which I politely declined. I knew I wouldn't be awake long anyway once I was tucked into the firm hotel bed. Sure enough, I fell asleep within moments despite the fact that I had a lot to process. My brain and body were just completely drained at this point. However, because of everything that happened, my subconscious was on overdrive, and it made for some horrifying dreams. I don't remember the specifics of the dream, but next thing I knew, I was being woken up by Jaxon. He had his hands placed gently on my uninjured arm, shaking me slightly as I came to. I was surprised to find I had only been asleep for about an hour and that tears were still streaming down my face as my body trembled. Honestly, I was amazed I even had any tears left in
I must have fallen asleep again in the car; I wasn't sure for how long, but boy was my dream intense. When my eyes finally fluttered open, all I saw was a man's face hovering in front of me. Since my dream was so incredibly violent and I had been in such a deep sleep, I couldn't register what was happening, or that the man I was looking at was Jaxon and not an attacker/shooter.Without thinking, I struck out with my good arm and kicked my legs, fighting off my assailant.The man caught my fist as it flew, but the momentum sent me tumbling sideways out of the vehicle until I was seized around my waist."Woah woah! Emery, it's me!" Jaxon called as he caught me and held me to his body to stop me from fighting. He held on tight while I was eased from the car and placed gently onto the ground.Immediately, I snapped back into reality and let my body sink into his large, sturdy frame. "Jaxon? Oh god... I am so sorry! Did I hurt you?"I felt Jaxon chuckle slightly as he steadied me on my fe
After Laurie took my measurements for new clothes and took my photo for my new ID, she lead me through a series of hallways until we arrived at a different room. She opened the door to reveal a small, plain room where Jaxon was seated, going over what looked to be blueprints with another man— Cal, I assumed."Jaxon, she's ready for you," Laurie announced. He and Cal immediately turned to look at me, and I suddenly felt self-conscious. I was about to reach out and stroke my hair out of nervous habit, but stopped when I realized I no longer had the length that I used to."Wow... nice job, Laurie," Jaxon stated. My heart was pounding. He had complimented Laurie, but did that mean he thinks I look nice? I willed my face to stay neutral as I approached the table. "Did you look at your file?" Jaxon asked me before I had time to overthink his comment. I nodded in response, feeling nervous for some reason about finding my voice. Something about the small, bland space was oddly off-puttin
Here's the thing about the witness protection program that I didn't think about prior. You get your documents and a new identity, but you still look the same. Sure, they gave me some highlights and a new style, but essentially I still looked like Emery Starr, and that's why I felt a constant pang of paranoia. I was confused at first why we didn't take a private plane, but Jaxon assured me that they used commercial flights to blend in. We had new ID's and nobody would be looking for a Skyler Finley or a Mason Walker. I was fine with all of this, and despite my paranoia I felt calm as we made our way through security and onto our plane.However, the minute Jaxon left my side to go to his seat near the back of the plane, I felt eyes on me. It was probably nothing, but I kept thinking about Chief's words. The line of followers that this particular mob leader had created was extensive, and they could be anywhere. Comforting, right? I settled down into my window seat and waited anxiously
Finally, the flight attendant's voice flooded the cabin and Jaxon immediately released my hand. They went through their safety demonstration as we began taxing towards the runway. I didn't have it in me to pay attention even though I didn't fly often— I had too much on my mind and felt like I could fall asleep at any moment. Jaxon and I remained seated in comfortable silence until we were in the air. I was staring out the window, looking at the city structures become smaller and smaller; my old life becoming farther and farther away. "I know you're probably tired, but let's review some of our information quick for when we get off the plane. At least the basics," Jaxon stated, breaking me away from my somber thoughts. We were speaking so quietly nobody would hear us even if they tried to listen in. I nodded, "That’s a good idea." Although I agreed, my mind felt fried and I doubted I'd be able to cover a lot before actually falling asleep. "What's your name?" Jaxon started on the q
Grabbing our luggage and making it to campus was a smooth process. Jaxon had ordered me to stay close to him at all times— a relief because the perv from the plane tried to stand by me at baggage claim until he took note of Jaxon. He was quick to step between us, acting as a wall so that Brennan wouldn't be able to see me behind his large frame. It was nice to see Jaxon in action, not that Brennan was anything like the people I needed real protecting from.I felt a little bad that Jaxon had to grab most of the suitcases since my arm was in a sling, but again, he was a huge guy so I figured he'd be fine.Our trip from the airport was mostly silent, as the only conversation that happened was when Jaxon would bark orders at me or fill me in on safety protocols. I tried my best to understand everything he was saying, but I really only got it after he broke it all down. I didn't need to know all of the technical aspects of it anyway. I was thinking about everything Jaxon told me as we ma