Once Piper arrives at her father's building she feels incredibly anxious and a little fearful over how this will go. Even Miranda's smile did little to settle her nerves. 'Deep breaths P. Calm down. Your just having a conversation with your dad.' One more deep breath and Piper knocks on his office door.
"Come in" Bill says with a loud even tone.
"Hey Daddy!"
"Hi Princess. You look nice." Bill says with a smile. "Have a seat. So what did you want to talk about"
"Thanks Daddy. I wanted to re-visit discussions about my security detail". Piper looks him directly in the eye carefully judging his even expression and tone." She's usually good at seeing into a person, but her dad, well she's never had more than a partial read on him.
"As you know my 21st birthday is in a few days."
"How could I forget Princess."
"And I was wondering how much longer I had to have security for." Piper holds her breath, waiting what feels like ages for a reply.
"You won't go without security". Bill stares at her sternly, seemingly bothered by the request.
"But why Daddy? Danny's was removed when he turned 18." Piper says trying to keep her hurt and anger in check.
"That's correct and the same would be true for Cal is he could find some direction. Until then he too will live have sustained security."
"But why me? I have direction Daddy. I'm doing well in all my classes, the ones I choose and the ones you wanted me to take in business. I have a very clear path in mind. I've made a positive impression in my media internships. I've merged what I've learned in public relations and business, and know how to market myself and the brand I'm sculpting."
"And I'm proud of you Piper. The security detail isn't a punishment Princess. It's about necessity not based on anything you did or didn't do."
Piper is truly perplexed. "I don't understand Daddy! Being watched constantly has never been good for my social life. The guys scare away anyone who shows even the slightest bit of interest in me. And Mom is still trying to set me up or dictate who I should be with. That has never worked for me. I tried it in high school and it was miserable. I need to be able to talk to whoever I want and judge for myself who I might want a relationship with. As if the supposed royalty image isn't enough to deal with, I also have my every move reported back, and never really get to know anyone because security always tries to shut down any flirting or even a basic conversation."
Bill's face softens a little at the heartfelt emotion coming from his daughter. "Piper I hear what your saying and perhaps we can compromise a little. But I can't allow you to not have a security detail."
Quiet tears stream down Piper's face. "Why do I still need one?"
"Princess, I'm afraid that has more to do with me than you. I'm a very powerful well respected businessman. But not all my competitor's are okay with that. For as long as I can remember I've been fielding off takeover attempts, blackmail attempts, false news more fit for a celebrity or politician than a businessman. I've even heard of attempts on my life, which is why I keep my own detail."
Piper speaks lowly, "What does that have to do with me specifically Daddy?"
"I'm just getting to that Piper," Bill sighs. "Everyone knows that my achilles heel is you. I love your brothers too, but it's not the same. You are my Princess, you've had a piece of me ever since I saw your blonde hair and captivating blue eyes for the first time. You're not perfect, but I've always viewed you as a little angel. Unfortunately the world does too, so their easiest way to get to me is through you".
"Do they think I'd turn on you or something? How can they possibly get to you because of me?
"Piper, my biggest fears are that someone would take you. In hopes that having you as a hostage would force my hand to give into whatever they are asking. And even more dreadful is the thought that someone might try to seriously hurt you." Piper looks at him with a mix of emotions in her eyes: hurt, fear, sadness, anger, and love.
"Princess I know it may seem unlikely or overprotective of me. But we've been running probability scenarios on these types of things since you were a baby. Your brothers too, but they always came back with low risk and yours has always been moderate to high. I promise you it's never been my attempt to ruin your social life. I just couldn't live with myself if anything happened to you." Bill lowers his head and shakes his head.
"I don't know what to make of everything you've said today Daddy," Piper reveals in a shaky tone. "You mentioned something about compromises?"
"Yes Princess. Why don't I order us something to eat. We'll both think on it. And after lunch, we'll start discussing our ideas." Before Bill leaves the room he hands Piper a notebook and pen to jot down her ideas.
Piper lets out a sigh. 'This day is proving even more emotional and confusing than I thought it would be.' Opening the notebook, she writes My Security Detail. 'Since apparently not having one isn't a choice, what do I want and not want in one.' She jots down a quick list before the food arrives. They silently eat their meal, both deep in thought about the promised compromise.
"So Princess, have you written down some ideas?"
"Yes Daddy." she smiles.
"Excellent. Let's begin. What is the most important item on your list?" Bill settles into his chair and looks her straight in the eye.
Keeping her voice steady Piper states "I haven't gotten along with many of the guards I've had over the years. So I would like to choose my own security team from those who have passed your security certification training."
"That sounds like something I could be open to. Do want me to give you a list of the certified men and women I employ?"
"No" Bill raises him eyebrows towards her. "I mean yes I'd like a list, but that's not all I had in mind." she looks at him tentatively.
His expression relaxes. "What did you have in mind Princess?"
"I'd like to be involved in the whole process. Start observing the training classes that are in their last month." She observes her father's eyes to see if he's still open to her thoughts. "I want a stack of files on the trainees. Every detail that's available about them. I'd like to start watching their training and get a sense of which styles or approaches I'm most comfortable with."
"I can work with that. But I want your selections to be scoring at 80-85% minimum. I also want at least one detail member to have real-world experience." He looks her in the eyes letting her see that this is as far as he's willing to compromise. "Do you feel these guidelines are fair? That they meet my concerns while still giving you some control?"
Piper thinks for a moment. 'Well that's probably going to be the best I can get, so I should probably agree to it.' She shifts her gave back to her father. "That seems reasonable Daddy. How small of a detail will you allow? And when can I begin the process?"
"Princess, I know you want the number as small as possible. But I must insist for four at a minimum, preferably five." He smiles warmly at her. "As for the second question, I need to see how far the latest class is into their training. So I'll have Miranda get back to you on dates. And I'll make a call to the head of training to make sure you get all the lists and paperwork you want before you return to Smith."
"Thank you Daddy! I will take a four person detail, with possibilities of a fifth if the situation absolutely warrants it." A genuine smile graces her face. "Can I make a special request of those in the top 20%?"
"What's that Piper?"
"I want short videos, say no more than five minutes of each candidate telling about themselves and why they would want a long-term security detail instead of many short assignments"
"That sounds like an insightful request Princess. I will include that info when I speak to the training head. Anything else?"
"Yes Daddy. I was hoping that my team could report directly to me. They can write-up security notes for you, but can they please stop reporting every detail of my life, and definitely not scare away people from talking to me unless that individual is showings themselves to be rude or grabby."
"I will talk to the current detail about that. And then you can talk to your selected team later." Bill pauses until they are looking directly into each others eyes again. "But, if the team senses or assesses any kind of danger around you, then in that moment their protection orders bypass your request. Do you understand?"
"Yes. In case of danger I would want them to do what they are being paid for and protect me."
"So my Princess, have we covered everything? Do you feel we've reached a workable solution for both of us?
"Yes. I think we have a better sense of each others needs and concerns. Thank you for being open to lessening a few of the restrictions and allowing me to choose a staff of my own. "
"I'm happy to hear that Piper. My biggest role as a Dad is to make sure your safe. You know how much I love you."
Piper wraps her arms around him. "I love you too Daddy!" Bill smiles and walks her to the door.