‘I’m FREE to do what I WANT!’ sang Alicia along to the band’s music, as she pirouetted on the dance floor.
Connor grinned at her gleeful performance. She’d hardly stopped dancing all night, only pausing for the buffet. With no Secret Service agents permitted within the gym hall itself, Alicia had felt able to spread her wings and truly let go. Connor knew Kyle and his protection team were standing post around the school grounds, securing the perimeter. But there was no one directly looking over her shoulder – that she knew of, at least.
Following the previous incident, President Mendez had requested that Secret Service give his daughter more freedom. In return, Alicia promised not to run off again. Dirk Moran wasn’t convinced about the idea of relaxing security arrangements. But the President had argued that Connor’s presence meant there was less need for agents in close proximity, especially during social engagements like the prom. The director had finally submitted to the President’s will on the proviso that Connor wore his covert earpiece. With so many non-vetted guests attending the prom, he wanted Connor to remain in radio communication with Kyle on a secure channel. Consequently, every so often Connor would hear a burst of radio chatter in his ear as each Secret Service post reported in.
‘Bravo Three to Bravo One. All clear.’
‘Ten–four,’ acknowledged Kyle. ‘Bravo Four, send update –’
‘I thought it would be a real drag looking after yet another summer exchange guest,’ admitted Alicia, as Connor suddenly became aware she was talking to him. ‘But you’re like no other boy I’ve met …’
She was dancing closer, her deep brown eyes gazing into his. With the prom in its final hour, the band had slowed the pace and several couples were already dancing hand in hand. As Alicia swayed nearer to him, Connor sensed her intentions might be heading in the wrong direction. Or is it the right one?
He certainly enjoyed her company and to say Alicia was attractive was an understatement. But such feelings were close to the line no bodyguard should cross. Indeed, Colonel Black had threatened dismissal of any buddyguard who entered into a relationship with their Principal. It was a matter both of security and of client confidence.
The President’s daughter was now dancing toe-to-toe with him. Connor could smell her perfume and, with each passing moment, he found his resolve weakening. He could be mistaken, but there was every indication Alicia wanted to become more than just friends. Whether that was because of his valiant defence of her the previous weekend, or because she genuinely liked him, or simply because he was the first boy her father apparently trusted around her, the situation presented a problem. Connor had been concerned that Alicia would find out he was a buddyguard, whereas the real danger was her falling for him. And me for her …
The song came to an end. They stood awkwardly opposite each other, both unsure what the next move should be.
Connor broke the tension first. As the band counted in another slow number, he asked, ‘Would you like a … drink?’
‘Sure,’ she replied, her hesitant smile unable to disguise what she’d really hoped he’d ask. ‘I’ll … um … go see how Kalila’s getting on with her “date”.’
Connor watched Alicia walk away. As she reached the edge of the dance floor, she glanced back over her shoulder at him, a fond look in her eyes. He offered what he trusted was a reassuring smile, then headed to the punchbowl table. He was halfway there when he noticed Ethan and Jimbo having an intense discussion at a nearby table. Their two dates sat with them, ignored and appearing as though they wished they’d never come.
Deciding it was best to avoid another confrontation, Connor diverted his course and stepped out through the gym’s main doors. He judged that it would be OK to leave Alicia for a short while. She was among her friends and Secret Service were patrolling the grounds outside the building.
Passing the restrooms, Connor turned left to pace a dimly lit corridor and ponder his dilemma over Alicia. Who could blame me for liking her? She was fun, gorgeous and the daughter of the President of the United States! Such a combination would be hard for any teenager to resist. Especially when she was the one showing the interest. Under any other circumstances, he’d have jumped at the chance.
No! Connor told himself. He’d made a promise to President Mendez – on his father’s memory – to protect Alicia. And he couldn’t do that if he got involved with her. Besides, as soon as anyone found out, he’d be transferred back to England – that is, if he survived the wrath of her father first. Then Colonel Black would boot him out of Buddyguard and all the care provided for his mum and gran would be taken away.
With regret, Connor knew he’d have to harden his heart and maintain a respectful distance. The easiest solution would be to say he had a girlfriend back in England … Charley, for instance. That would also help explain the international calls he kept making. As he resigned himself to his decision, Connor became aware of a figure at the far end of the corridor. Presuming it was one of Kyle’s agents, Connor raised a hand and said, ‘How’s it going?’
Without a word, the figure turned away and disappeared round the corner.
His suspicions aroused, Connor hurried after him. But the adjoining corridor was empty. Connor walked back to where the figure had been standing. There was a row of lockers. One of them was numbered 235 – Alicia’s locker. It didn’t appear to have been tampered with, but Connor was taking no chances.
He pressed a finger to his covert earpiece.
‘Bandit to Bravo One,’ he whispered, using his designated call sign.
Kyle’s voice immediately responded. ‘Bandit. Go ahead.’
‘I spotted a suspect in the east corridor but lost him. He was looking at Ali–’ Connor corrected himself – ‘Nomad’s locker.’
‘I’ll send an agent to investigate. Stay with Nomad. Bravo One out.’
‘There you are!’ cried a voice.
Connor spun to see Darryl walking towards him.
‘Who were you talking to?’ he asked, looking around the deserted corridor.
‘Err … just myself,’ Connor replied.
Darryl gave him a dubious look. ‘They’re about to announce the Prom Prince and Princess and Alicia’s asking where you are. You haven’t seen Fariq, have you? Kalila said he went to make a phone call and isn’t back yet.’
Connor shook his head.
‘What a weird guy he is!’ remarked Darryl, as they made their way into the hall and over to Alicia and the others. The students were all gathered in a mass before the stage. The band had stopped playing and the principal was addressing the school.
‘By popular vote, this year’s Prom Prince and Princess are …’
‘You got here just in time,’ Alicia whispered to Connor, not seeming to notice that he’d forgotten the drinks.
The principal fumbled with an envelope. The students grew quiet in anticipation and the drummer began a crescendo drum roll.
‘… Connor Reeves and Alicia Mendez!’
The room erupted with applause and Alicia hugged Connor in delight.
‘My knight has become my prince!’ she laughed.
Connor was taken aback by the tribute. He hadn’t even known what a Prom Prince or Princess was until this evening.
Grace winked at Connor. ‘Nothing like a bit of superhero action to win the vote.’
Paige threw some confetti over them and whooped, ‘Congratulations!’
‘You deserve it,’ said Kalila, her face lighting up for the first time that night.
‘Now if you’d like to come up on stage,’ said the principal, beckoning to the honorary couple.