This is a quick one shot that will only be 3 or 4 chapters. I need less complex stories right now as i am on the mend. I am still writing RA but that one is getting twisty and complicated. The angel one as well, i kinda need a break and like not thinking too deeply about details and plot twists. Hence this story. An idea presented by Nerdrific and in honor of her bday, i present to you Security Officer Bo. Imagine Bo in her security uniform from the episode where she looked like Lara Croft in her form fitting campus security outfit. Whenever she is in security mode, picture her that way.
Read it, enjoy it. I will update this when i can. I have no idea why i took on writing three stories now...sheesh.
"For the next three days, this arena will be our number one focus." Dan, aka the Colonel, boomed like the drill instructor he once was. His voice ricocheted off the brick walls of the tiny basement room of The Marcus Sports Arena. "This band, Dutch & Downing, is the biggest band this arena has seen in quite some time." Dan strolled around the room in his black fatigue pants, black fitted shirt with SECURITY in white print. All topped off his high and tight, salt and pepper buzz cut leftover from his days in the marines.
The Colonel paused in the middle of the front of the room. Standing in front of the projection screen where he had the entire blueprints of the arena splayed out. He stood tall and firm, making eye contact with everyone in the room. Scowling once at my best friend, Kenzi, sitting next to me and semi-conscious. I jabbed her in the ribs to wake her up, "Kenz, the colonel is staring at you."
She coughed and jolted forward, grimacing at me, "Damn you and your sharp elbows, Bo." It came out as a rough, hung-over rasp. I shook my head and nodded at the colonel who smirked in return. I was his favorite Security Officer and it was on that fact alone I was able to get Kenzi a job.
The colonel droned on, "This event will draw close to a million people over the next few days. This entire unit will have to be on our toes and better than the best we already are." He held up the thick briefing packet that was on the table in front of me. "Now, let's review, shall we?"
I flipped to the front page, reading over the statistics of the three day concert. Kenzi groaned, "It's like he's preparing us for the invasion of Europe. It's just a dumb band with silly teenage fans. We don't need to be this serious." She flicked through the large packet, pulling off her oversized sunglasses and squinting at the bright fluorescent light.
I shook my head, looking over my best friend. Her raven black hair was in a messy bun, thankfully free of color streaks that would make the Colonel frown even further. At least she was in uniform and semi sober, but fully hung-over by the way her bright blue eyes were half open. "Kenzi, this dumb band is the biggest thing in the country and world right now." I flipped to the photograph of the band. The lead singers were a boy and a girl, no more than twenty three and the newest import from England. Dutch & Downing had literally exploded on the scene with one appearance on one of those make me a star reality shows. Filling the hearts and ears of the world with their pop, acoustic, soul sound.
Six months later, the world was consumed by the duet group with a three piece backup band. I had to admit, I did own one of their albums and was actually a little excited to be working the event. I glossed over the boys profile. Damien, twenty three. Red hair and blue eyes. His dislikes and likes all laid out for us and the catering team. I moved to the girl, Lianne, twenty two. Bright blonde hair and green eyes. Her dislikes were similar to Damien's and she seemed to have an extensive rider that included specific water flavors, candy flavors and how warm she wanted her towels. I found it unusual for security to have this information but didn't pay it too much attention. Could have been the Colonels secretary was being over exuberant with her collating and stapling.
I shook my head, fame and wealth corrupt people into simple and weird fools. I turned to the back of the packet where the security interests laid. The Colonel was also going over that part with the room. "As you all can see, we need to be diligent and vigilante in regards to entry and exit. This band has had some minor breaching issues at other venues. I will not allow that to happen on my watch. We will be sticking to handcuffs and pepper spray; the police will be handling the big guns for us. So please leave the firearms at home or in the secured rack in my office." A few groans filled the room, "I know, I know, I am not happy about it since we are all highly trained marksmen, but the PR for the band has asked we limit the firepower. For the bands image sake." The Colonel shook his head and reached up to tap the white screen behind him. "The green room will be down in the main locker rooms. We will have that area exclusively badge and wristband access only. You all have the color coding and who will be wearing what." The Colonel moved around, "I have given all of you assignments for placement throughout the venue and the event." He paused, "Dennis, Malikov. You two I am placing as direct liaisons for the band. You two will go where they go and not leave their side unless it's for them to go on stage."
My head shot up as Kenzi groaned, "Excuse me sir?"
The Colonel grinned, "I had requests by the manager of the band to find my best officers to stick on the band like glue since their own security team would be lighter than normal. Something about passport expiration." He shook his hand, "Anyways, the specifically requested females and Dennis, you are my best female let alone best officer I have." He looked around the room with his steely grey eyes, effectively silencing the mild grumbles of the rest of the room. "As I said, you and Malikov will be the primary security for this band for the entire three days. Your packets will have the rest of the information you need. And as always, that information will be need to know and you two are the only two who needs to know it."
I let out a slow sigh. Turning back to the packet, understanding why I was looking at the contract rider and the other non-security information I had before me. I had only been on the security team for the arena for almost a year. In that time I was always a floater or stuck up by the ticket booths. Never was I assigned the duty of VIP and talent protection. Kenzi on the other hand, was excited and bouncing in her seat as she read over the riders and other nonsense. "Woot Woot, VIP protection bitches. This is gonna be awesome! Rubbing elbows with the rich and stupid famous." She was practically leaping out of her seat, doing her little excited dance she usually did at the buffet.
I was lost in thought and mild panic that I didn't notice the Colonel had dismissed the room until he walked up to us. "Dennis, is there something wrong with your assignment?"
I stood up quickly, tugging on the edge of my very well fitted black security shirt, "Oh no sir, just surprised that you gave me this detail." I ran my hands nervously down the black fatigue pants, suddenly missing my gear belt that always gave me a place to rest my nervous hands.
"Why are you surprised? You really are my best officer. You show up early, you never hesitate to act and act appropriately and you never complain when I stick you in the back nosebleed sections on drunk patrol." The Colonel glared at Kenzi who was still giggling and bouncing over the packet, "And you manage to make this one actually show up on time."
I looked down at Kenzi, kicking her in the shin, making her yelp and pay attention. She stood up straight next to me, saluting the Colonel. I threw her a dirty look, "I appreciate the thought, sir…"
The Colonel shook his head, "No buts, Dennis. Take the assignment, do it well and have some fun. The band manager will be here in two hours to do a quick walk-through. They have asked you be here to assist them." He winked at me, "You do good on this and I will call in a favor with the Chief. Get your application on the fast track." The Colonel threw Kenzi another glare before walking away.
I let out a slow breath, grabbing the packet and my jacket. Kenzi linked her arm in mine, "Let's get this shit show of a party started! It says on the sheet that they already have the food in the locker room kitchen. I feel the need to personally investigate much of it." She grinned at me, "You know, for the bands safety."
I rolled my eyes and let my tiny best friend drag me down the hall. Maybe the police department would call me in the next two hours and tell me I had been accepted and I could quit this job on the spot. For some reason, I was nervous to take on such a big job as guarding sassy English musicians. But something in my gut told me to ride it out.
Two Hours later –
"Kenzi! Can you please stop digging in the candy? The manager will be here any minute." I stood in the locker room that looked more like a fancy hotel room than a locker room. The walls had been covered with thick velvet. A large couch and a handful of chairs had been brought in to add life to the room and everything looked like a plush sitting room fit for a King. I felt very much out of place in my security uniform.
Kenzi rolled her eyes, her mouth full of chocolate. "Bo, you seriously to relax, like Xanax relax." She chewed the mouthful and swallowed, "I had to make sure the chocolate was at room temperature like Missus Lianne requested in her rider." She wiped her hands on the edge of the black tablecloth in the green room. She straightened her gear belt that hung off her hips at an angle, "Did you see some of the crazy shit that little girl has in her list of demands? Five pairs of clean underwear? Three pairs of size 7 slipper? Let alone the weird food requests and temperatures for said food? Shit, I can't wait for the day to be rich and famous and be a twat."
I laughed lightly; I had read all of Lianne's demands and found them to be ridiculous compared to the simple ones of Damien. All he wanted was cold beer and water, hot pizza and some fresh pastries. "You don't need to be famous, Kenzi, you are already in a world of your own." I heard the locker room door open. I waved Kenzi over, "Shit, it's the manager."
Kenzi hopped to stand next to me in her best mannered way, which still had her hip jutting out with attitude. I smoothed my tight black shirt and adjusted the bulky gear belt as the door opened. I smiled as tall man in a tailored suit walked in first. Grinning brightly at me and roaming his eyes over my tight shirt, "Hello, are you Officer Dennis and Officer Malikov?"
I nodded and stuck my hand out, "Yes sir, that would be us. I am Officer Dennis." I nodded to Kenzi, "Officer Malikov. You must be the manager? Mr. Lewis?"
The man shook his head as he took my hand. Squeezing his sweaty palm against mine in a way that made me cringe but smile through it. "Oh no my dear, I am Edwin Acer. The executive from Black Star Records that signed Dutch & Downing. I just popped in to meet with the security director and his team." He gave me another greasy look that made me want to shower and silently curse the Colonel for his need to have tight clothing. Claiming that it would not allow attackers anything to grab on to, instead just give pervy executives plenty to oogle with their eyes. "You are stunning, Officer. I might have a job for you in my office if you feel security work isn't suited for you."
"Does that job involve a hand or maybe some blowing?" Kenzi's voice seemed to echo in the large room, her voice full of irritation at the man. I bit my lip to stifle a laugh as Edwin turned bright red and tore his hand free from mine. Trying to recover with a salesman smile, "Anyways, the manager is right behind me. Excuse me, I would like to take a look at the rest of the green room. See if it meets the standards of the band."
Kenzi huffed at him, "Do that and keep your hands to yourself." She folded her arms across her chest as I glared at her. "What, no one touches my bestie like a pervy meat handler. I don't care if he was the president, he touches you again I'll break his fancy fingers."
"If he was the president, I am certain the secret service would take issue with you trying to break fingers, regardless of how perverse the intent." The warm, smooth, feminine voice with the slightest English accent, made both Kenzi and I turn our full focus to the door.
I felt my mouth drop open slightly when I saw the woman. Tall, blonde, lean and dressed in clothing I knew cost more than my car, she was gorgeous. She kept her smile minimal when as she looked around the room. A notebook in her hands, she scribbled notes. I could not help my eyes as they took in the sight before me. Her blonde hair seemed to flow perfectly around her shoulders and lay across the brown leather jacket she wore. Her long neck met a firm jaw line that was still soft. Pink glossed lips that made me a little warm when I caught the glint of light from the room, directed my eyes to travel up to a pair of amber colored eyes that when she looked in mine, I swore I felt my heart pause and say, hey now.
I was utterly entranced by this woman's presence. The way the room seemed to fill up with her light perfume, which I instantly detected as my number one favorite perfume that I could not afford on my security paycheck. I had no idea I was staring and watching every little move the woman made until I felt little Russian fingers pinch my arm.
"Reel in those eyeballs before blondie trips over them." I looked down at Kenzi smirking at me. I cleared my throat as she whispered, "You're blushing, Bo."
The blonde looked up from her notepad, still smiling gently in that professional way that meant nothing. I cleared my throat again, "I should apologize for my friend here, and she sometimes lacks tact."
The blonde's lips curled up into a genuine smile, "Its fine. I also often find Edwin to be a pervy meat handler. I wish I could have the freedom to break his fancy fingers." She stepped forward, her eyes meeting mine. "I am Lauren Lewis, manager and PR for the band." She held her hand out for me to take.
I smirked as I took it, noticing for a split second that her amber eyes dropped to admire my chest before returning to direct contact.
When our hands met, hers wasn't sweaty like Edwin's. It was warm, comforting and there was the slightest tingle that raced through my palm and to the rest of my body, making me shiver slightly. Lauren's smile grew a bit wider, "It's nice to meet you Officer Dennis. I have read your file, I agree with your director. You will be a perfect fit for the next three days." She removed her hand to turn and greet Kenzi. I instantly missed her hand in mine and wanted to grab it again, hit pause and let the feeling soak in. I stumbled over my mouth as I spoke, "Um, call me Bo and this is my partner Kenzi."
Lauren nodded, "Bo, Kenzi. Unique names for two girls, but I already prefer them over Officer Dennis and Officer Malikov. Less of a military feel." She turned and scanned the long craft service table already set out with food for her approval before it was carted to the fridges for the next day.
Kenzi stared at me after she was properly introduced to Lauren, mouthing "What the hell is wrong with you?" While Lauren walked to the craft service table. I shrugged, telling her silently I had no clue. All I knew was this blonde woman smelled as good as she looked and I wanted to be around her.
Lauren poked at a few things on the table, grimacing at the way the deli tray jiggled like jello, "I know the Colonel went over a few things with you, but I would like to address some other personal issues that I would like you two to be on the watch for." She turned to face us, setting her notepad and leaning against the table. This gave me a clear view of what she was wearing and I could not resist staring.
Her leather jacket draped open to reveal she was wearing a grey slouch neck blouse that draped and hugged her body, Highlighting curves and planes that had me clenching my jaw. The dark black jeans with a designer label on them told me she had them custom made to fit her long, lean legs and had been worth every overpriced penny she paid. The black jeans sat on top of a pair of worn brown boots that I could tell were worn from use and not for show. I bit my bottom lip involuntarily; I had never seen clothes on a man or woman that drew me in like this.
I felt Kenzi pinch me again, giving me a dirty look and nodding at Lauren, who was talking while looking at the floor.
"Lianne has some exuberant fans. One in particular we are nervous about. Seems she has intent on coming to this concert and doing everything she can to get up close and personal to Lianne." Lauren dug in her notebook and handed over a small sheet of paper with photographs on it. "This is the girl. She has been sending letters, gifts, and strange packages to Lianne's fan club address. There has been constant social media flooding. Hitting her Facebook, Instagram, Twitter with unusual comments and postings. Edwin and the others think the girl is harmless." Lauren paused looking at me a sense of seriousness that told me this was more, "I do not. That's why I requested security to be one on one with the band. Normally I would have the usual crew, but I think one of the boys has been slipping things to the internet. Hence why I had all of their passports held in England. I need to find the mole, basically, and I need fresh set of eyes with no interest in the band on a whole."
I looked at the sheet Lauren handed me. It was pulled from the internet, grainy selfies of a girl that looked to be in her mid-twenties and doing her best to recreate Lianne's unique rocker star look. The following page went over the innocuous threats on the young musician. Hidden under a crazed fans attempt to be caring in her hero worship. Most of the social media posts were borderline obsessive in a way I felt the girl wanted Lianne to put the lotion on its skin or get the hose again. There were no names other than the girl's user name, Liannelovesme4evas.
I looked up at Lauren, "Has this girl gotten close to the band or Lianne?"
Lauren held my eyes, "Yes. At a store signing event in London. This girl, whose real name is Paige, showed up and made quite a scene. Bringing Lianne flowers and a large stuffed animal. When security wouldn't let her jump the line. It became physical, she had to be taken down by pepper spray and detained. The fall out in the days following was vicious. Paige took the internet and the mail. Lashing out at Lianne and threatening her. Sending her dead flowers in the mail, and other dead things." Lauren paused for a moment, "I just recently received the girl's full record. She's a bit unstable, but free to travel out of England." Lauren shook her head, "You Americans need to tighten up the borders in regards to psychotics."
Kenzi chuckled, "They don't call us the land of the free and the home of the crazy for nothing, hon." She folded up the sheet and tucked in her back pocket. "What makes you think this cray cray will be coming to the event?"
Lauren sighed, pushing off the table, "She posted a picture of her outside the arena last night. Paige is here and on a mission. She even captioned her photo; Nothing will stop me this time." Lauren grabbed her notebook and stepped towards us, "Not even Edwin or anyone else knows about this. I want to keep it that way. I just need the next three days to go smoothly and if Paige appears, I expect you two to do what you must. If she is arrested here, she will be deported back to England and will have a harder time seeking freedom." Lauren smiled lightly, I could see around her eyes the weight of this ordeal was taking on her.
I smiled, "Don't worry. We are the best of the best and if there is one thing we know how to do, is deal with crazies."
Kenzi winked at Lauren, "True dat, I couldn't tell you how many times I have had to handle some of Bo's crazy ex-boyfriends. A little Russian one two and all's well." Kenzi grinned at me as I blushed.
Laurens smiled faded when she heard boyfriends. She cleared her throat and stood straighter, "Well, I would like this to be handle more with tact and less with street thuggery. Paige may seem innocent, but I fear she is dangerous if agitated." Lauren turned to leave the room as Edwin sauntered up from the kitchen in the far back. "The room looks fine. I will be in early tomorrow before the band arrives to update you." She dug in her jacket and held out a business card, "Here. If anything comes up, that is my direct mobile number." She met my eyes and for a second I saw a slight sparkle in the iris of her brown eyes.
Edwin pushed past me, latching his sweaty hand on Lauren's shoulder, "Lauren, my dear, shall we go? This room is satisfactory. The kitchen is prepared for the vegan requests. I think we are done here, let's move on to that dinner and drinks I promised you."
Lauren's jaw clenched tightly as she nodded. I wanted to rip his hand off her shoulder and pound his fingers into nubs at the way he groped at Lauren. She sighed, "Yes, we can go now Edwin."
Edwin turned to Kenzi and I, "Officers, good day." He winked at me, "That job offer still stands Officer Dennis." He flicked out a business card in my direction. Kenzi snatched it out of his hand and tore it into little shreds before sprinkling it on the floor, "She has a job, Eddie."
Edwin raised an eyebrow, but held his greasy bleached smile. "Come Lauren, the limo is waiting." He turned and sauntered out of the room.
Lauren looked at me, "It's part of the job. I'm getting used to it." She held her notebook closer to her chest, "I will see you in the morning, Bo. Kenzi." She smiled and held my eyes a little longer before slowly exiting the room.
The second the door clicked shut; a small fist slugged my shoulder, "What what WHAT was with the eye fuckery going on with you and that blonde? I thought I would have to scoop your eyes off her body and hold them up." She stared at me as I flushed a bright red, "And you yell at me for not paying attention during the salty eagle's briefings. Here you are spacing out, grinning like a dope and letting your peepers undress the poor English bore that is Lauren Lewis. Band manager extraordinaire."
I frowned and slugged her back, "She isn't boring. I wasn't staring." I plucked at my gear belt.
Kenzi walked to the door, "My fat Russian ass, were you not staring at the blonde. You were staring at her like she was thanksgiving dinner and you hadn't eaten in months. You wanted to devour her, I had no idea you liked the la-la-ladddieess that much." Kenzi raised an eyebrow, "I know there was that one women's studies professor in college you had a dibble dabble in her office with, but I've always seen you chasing the cock a doodle doos." Kenzi placed both hands on her hips in the ultimate judging pose, "She is a cold one, cold as ice. But your dirty looks could set her on fire."
I scowled at my best friend, "Where the hell did you learn how to talk?" I rolled my eyes and opened the door, taking the hallway back to the security office to change. "We need to focus on the stalker not my apparent roaming eyes."
"TV, my shitty criminal uncles, Highlights for kids in the doctor's office. But I think I developed most of my language skills from reality TV." Kenzi nudged me as she raced to catch up to me, "You know I am just kidding, Bo."
I looked back at her, irritated. Irritated that I had been so obvious in my oogling of the woman. "Whatever, just try to tone it down when we work over the next few days. We need to be focused and ready for anything." I sighed, unbuckling my gear belt as we entered the office. I moved to my locker and fiddled with the combination. Kenzi leaned against the locker next to me, her voice softer when she spoke, "Bo, I am only making fun of you because it's been a long time since you looked at anyone with interested eyes." She placed a hand on my arm, squeezing it gently. "It's kinda nice to see you distracted in a good way. Life isn't all about this security job and the police academy."
I sighed, looking at my best friend. "I know Kenzi. It doesn't matter. In three days this concert will be over and this band will be back across the ocean. No point in getting too interested in anyone." I slammed my locker closed, pulling my jacket on over my tight shirt. "Come on Kenz, let's hit Burger Bob's on the way home. My treat."
Kenzi squealed and ripped her locker open, removing her giant bag and coat, "Last one to the car has to buy me a milkshake." She took off like a bat on fire out of the office.
I laughed and followed after her at a slower pace. Kenzi was right, the way Lauren lit up my senses, and it had been a long time since anyone did that. But in the end, it wouldn't amount to much. I had a job to do and she was well above my pay grade and life status. She was just a blip on my radar for the next three days and fall back to just another someone that put a smile on my face. She wasn't anyone I would dare to spend more than a second thought on. Lauren Lewis was just another somebody that would come and go in my life.
Even if that somebody was one of the most beautiful women I had ever laid eyes on.
