Chapter 125

ASHER

I’ve never been a morning person, especially when the sun is just peeking over the horizon, and I’ve only managed to squeeze in three hours of sleep. My dad’s been back for a few days now, and today is the first day I’m joining him at work.

I guess he needed a few days to unwind after being away from Mom, you know? He woke me up at the crack of dawn, a five-thirty alarm that had me crawling out of bed like a zombie. This was mainly because Maddy didn’t get home until two in the morning, and no matter how much I tried to convince myself to sleep, it was a losing battle.

I lean over to kiss her goodbye, whispering that I’ll see her tonight, even though she’s deep in sleep. I should be in that state too, but it feels wrong to leave without saying anything. After all, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so I bid her farewell.

The words “I love you” are on the tip of my tongue, but I laugh them off. We haven’t known each other long enough for that, and I’m almost certain I can’t feel that emotion.

I meet Callum in the lobby, climbing into the SUV with him, feeling as ragged as a stray dog. I should’ve gone to bed instead of waiting for Maddy, but I couldn’t sleep, and that’s why I’m not exactly thrilled about being up at this ungodly hour.

“You look like you haven’t slept a wink,” Callum observes as he pulls onto the street.

Today, we’re shadowing a client’s daughter, following her wherever she goes. Right now, the idea is so unappealing that I could crawl back into bed without a second thought.

But I’ve been bored out of my mind, and maybe this distraction will help curb the cravings that have been nagging at me.

“That’s because I haven’t. I need coffee. Maybe even an energy drink,” I confess.

“Asher, you need to be at your best if you’re going to be protecting other people’s lives,” he complains, sounding like a petulant teenager who didn’t get his way.

I wonder if that’s where I got my attitude from…

“I know you mean well, Dad. But it’s too early for a lecture. Can we have less patronizing and more silence?” I request, not in the best of moods.

He quiets down, but not before muttering something about idiocy under his breath. It’s like he’s just my boss, not my father.

I guess I should be glad he’s treating me as part of the team, keeping our family relationship separate from work.

Does he really think a little sleep deprivation will affect my performance that much? He must’ve forgotten how alert one can be after a dose of caffeine.

As requested, he stops at a drive-thru, getting me a double shot of coffee and a breakfast sandwich.

By the time we arrive to pick up our client, a sixteen-year-old girl, I’m ready to tackle whatever the day throws at me.

She sits in the back of the car as my father drives her to school. The silence in the car is deafening, yet peaceful.

I find myself wondering why wealthy parents hire security for their kids. Why did my father start his business?

Was there a pressing need for protection personnel, or did he see a business opportunity?

These thoughts linger with me throughout the day, prompting me to ponder what drives my father to be who he is.

Unfortunately, the day is slow and somewhat boring. The girl goes to school like any other teenager, and our job is to stay out of sight but within reach in case we’re needed.

Things get a bit more interesting after school when she and her friends head to the mall. There’s something about malls that pose a significant risk to safety.

Maybe it’s the numerous hiding spots for potential threats. Dad has me follow from the opposite side of the mall while he trails behind her.

We’re connected via earpieces, and it’s my job to keep an eye out for anyone who looks suspicious.

I don’t see anyone who strikes me as unusual, let alone a threat to the girl.

Callum, however, doesn’t fully trust my judgment yet, even though he doesn’t know that I’m aware of his doubts.

I spotted his backup team about twenty minutes ago, trailing behind us and munching on pretzels.

Even though they’re in plain clothes, unlike my dad and me, I recognize them because I’ve known them since I was a baby.

A little backstory might be helpful here. The girl hasn’t been living here for long because her family fled their home country just a few months ago.

Her dad works for a foreign government, which has unfortunately attracted some enemies.

So now they’re living here under assumed names, with round-the-clock protection.

I find it odd that they chose America as their safe haven—especially since our streets are filled with easily hackable cameras, and facial recognition could potentially expose their location to their enemies.

But who am I to question their decision or suggest they stay hidden in their safe house?

The day wraps up peacefully as we drop the girl off at her home and leave the night shift to the second team. This is how I end up back at my place.

I can tell my dad is pleased with my performance. He leaves me with some heartfelt words of praise.

The only downside is that I have to do it all over again tomorrow—and I’m already dreading the sleep deprivation.