Chapter 19

The plan didn't work. With this abnormal situation, one woman was hard to get, never mind two. There was no way to hide it. No excuse would justify failure. It was difficult to admit it but other than getting a lecture, the outcome didn't turn out that bad. That was last night so why is she calling again?

"No complaints. I mean not from her. Brie called…" Having a client whom she had sex with suddenly showed up at her doorstep would cause anyone to be confused and scared. Brie called because she thought I made a mistake. What she should have done was call the person who's responsible for getting her a bodyguard. She's probably expecting a guy not a woman and definitely not one of her clients.

"So she didn't ask for a replacement?"

That's an odd question. "Why would she ask me for a replacement?"

"You don't think she knows."

That doesn't sound like a question but she's right. Just because I didn't tell Brie doesn't mean she doesn't know. Just because Brie didn't know before doesn't mean she doesn't now. Client confidentiality means she can't ask about the client but in this case, she's the client just not the one who requested protection service. "She didn't ask me." That's better than saying I don't know if she knows. There are lots of protection service companies out there. Maybe she doesn't know. But even if she does, so what?

"If Brie calls for anything, let me know."

"I will." This is getting weird. Why all of a sudden is she so interested in her?

"Any other issues?"

Oh. Now it's obvious why she called. It's not just to talk about Brie. It's to make sure I don't repeat the same mistake. Letting her know two hours before midnight was definitely a bad idea and inexcusable. "no, no issues" Apparently, that didn't come out convincing since she's asking again, this time it's not about Brie but about the one whom she thinks is more capable than anyone else. Since she asked, this would be a good time to ask how she was able to convince that psycho to take the job. Did she give her more money? That would be bad because next time she would be expecting more. What's that long sigh for?

"Do you know why I gave you this job?..."

Great. Shouldn't have asked. Here comes another lecture. Yes, I know I need more experience. Blah, blah, blah. I know she's hard to deal with. It's not like I didn't try to offer her something else. Of course I know how tough this job is. Don't have to tell me that. Encouragement isn't going to help if you don't tell me what you did! For fuck's sake. Responding back with that would definitely get me fired.

"Just remember, I trust you. You can do this."

Trust me but not enough to tell me everything. Right. Got it.

"and Riley, apologizing does not make you weak, it's…"

...the outcome that matters. Yea yea.

She completed the rest of the sentence in her mind at the same time but didn't expect her boss to end the call with one last advice that is simple to understand but confusing at the same time.

Sometimes you have to make sacrifices to get the job done?

Sun is out. People are out. Not much has changed except the weather. Today is cooler. Despite the beautiful scenery of Autumn, there are still lots to complain about. Complaining didn't work though. She obviously doesn't care since no amount of yelling, cursing, threats or calm reasoning can get rid of her. This isn't her fault though.

"Is that your real name? You don't look like a Hope." As nice as it is to be out in this peaceful area away from the noise, this is getting ridiculous. Warning was giving but she should know when she's allowed to talk. "Who is it?" Her phone didn't ring but she was looking at her phone. "Is it Riley?" There she goes again, doing what a bodyguard should be doing but this is Central Park. There are lots of people but there is no one in this area. Is there a need to look around? "Is it your girlfriend?" That's deliberate to see how she would react. Apparently, no change. "You're being very rude." Not just rude, she's acting like a completely different person from that night. She wasn't that talkative that night but she did respond when asked so what's with the attitude? "You know you don't have to be here if you don't want to." No one is forcing her to. She should know I don't want her to be here either. Maybe she needs the job especially nowadays. Work would be difficult to find for someone with her attitude but a bodyguard? It's hard to imagine that she would be qualified even with her 6 abs, numerous tattoos and scars that one would find intimidating but no one would now since they're all covered up. She may be quick but her body isn't as big as a man's. She may be able to knock out a drunk but would she have been able to if he was sober? "How's your feet?" Obviously, she's feeling fine now since she's standing but that night, the bottom of her feet were bleeding so much, it's hard to believe that she didn't even noticed that she had stepped on the broken pieces of glass from the bottle that the drunk had dropped on the balcony after she knocked him out. She must be one of those who has a high tolerance to pain. No sound came out. Most people would say ouch when hit with a rock. She's acting like she didn't even feel that. It's not a big rock but still. "I am trying to be nice here." Obviously, throwing a rock at her isn't nice but it got her attention. Now she's listening but what's that look for? She may be a woman but those eyes are as creepy as a man with a lustful desire. "Stop…looking at me like that."

"Let's go."

There she goes again. That's what she said 15 minutes ago. "I know they told you 3 hours but it doesn't mean exactly 3 hours. Okaay?" This arrangement is so ridiculous. The time limit is ridiculous. There's no one here. It's an open area with trees and fresh air. There's no chance of getting recognized with the dark shades and cap, no chance of getting a virus here, no chance of getting …"AH!" The café mocha is no longer hot. It doesn't hurt but the sneakers are now dirty and wet. "You crazy!" Brie asked, quickly realizing that she is after getting the thigh area of her jeans splashed with the remaining amount of café mocha.

"It's time to go."

"I...have had it with you. You want to go, then go!" Brie stood, waiting and waiting, with the intention to walk away if she did not. "ughhh" Wiping the wet area with a tissue didn't help much. "I can't believe this." That night, she was so sensitive, so protective, so…that is her, isn't it? Riley didn't deny that she works for her but didn't say she does either. Client confidentiality my ass. I want a new bodyguard! Message sent. Most likely, he's going to say no. It's time to call Riley. If anyone would know, it's her. "Riley!"

It came out more loudly than she had wanted to but that's because she's pissed.

If anyone would know how I feel, it would be Riley. That night, she was pissed. That night, Hope made the suggestion to see what Riley would do. It was obvious something happened between them since Hope didn't think Riley would apologize even though the incident wasn't entirely Riley's fault.

"She left. I told her to." It didn't take much to get Riley's understanding. Get me all dirty just to get me to leave. Who does that? "You don't need to." Why is everyone treating me like a kid? Needing protection doesn't mean I don't know how to get home by myself. "I don't care. Just get me someone else. Okaay?" It didn't take much to get Riley to say more than she's supposed to. Even though she did say she no control over Hope, she also said Hope is very good at her job. Why would she say that if Hope doesn't work for…"What are you doing!" It was so sudden, so unexpected. "Get this off!" Brie said while pulling her cuffed wrist, then quickly realized it's a bad idea since it hurts and it's useless to try since the other end is cuffed to the steel arm of the bench.

"You…would've been dead."

Her intention is understood but really? It's one o'clock not night time. This is a park. "There are people here." Not very near here but a scream would get their attention.

"Go home or stay here. Your choice."

My choice? She's not really leaving, is she? Yes she is. "Okaaay!" Have to go to the bathroom anyway. No wonder Riley said she's good at her job. "Where'd you get that?" That's so weird. Who carries handcuffs with them? A cop does but she's not a cop. Is she? Off-duty cops can have other jobs. She acts like one. She could be but she looks too fit to be one. "You're a cop?" No wonder she didn't want to notify the manager that night. She paid for sex. That's illegal. If she is, why is she so calm right now? Maybe she use to be one? "What happened? you talked too much so they fired you?" No reaction again. Okay. Riley did say she doesn't like to talk. She didn't say she's strange. That's probably what she meant. "I told Riley. She's going to get me someone else. After today, you don't have to see me again. Okay? You can go look after someone else." Oh. Now there's a reaction. What is she stopping for? Who's she looking at? Oh. She's probably saying I told you so right now in her own mind.

"Brie?"

"Hey…Jen, Leo" Brie said, putting her mask back on.

"I thought it was you but I wasn't sure…"

That's understandable since it has been a long time. All the classes are online now. Yes, I'm a college student. Those eyes under the dark shades can't be seen but she's probably surprised. What? Prostitutes can't be students? Looks like she's annoyed too with Jen's non-stop talking about the zoom classes. She's looking somewhere else. That's so rude. "Excuse her behavior. She's my bodyguard." Brie said even though no one asked but said so just to see how they would react. See. They think I'm joking. Jen is laughing. Leo is cracking up.

"Stay here. I'll be back."

What? Didn't she say she wants to go? Why is she going back? Did she lose something?

"Stay…hare. I'll…be barck."

That's Leo, clearly making fun of Hope's rudeness to get everyone laughing by exaggerating her accent and using the famous catchphrase.

New York is known for a lot of things, iconic skyscrapers, Broadway performances, celebrity sightings and now, people know it as the state that has more coronavirus cases than any single country outside the US. As beautiful as this place is, it seems that Blake is not impressed since she has nothing good to say about it. Crimes exist everywhere not just this park. Yes, I heard about the jogger case. Who hasn't? It was horrific. Whoever did it does deserve to die but "Can you not talk about that?" Amy said, expecting Blake to be paying full attention to the surroundings not talk about all the crimes that took place in this place. Her dislike for New York is obvious but this isn't the time.

The videos from the building surveillance cams and Blake's fake cigarette gadget showed nothing out of the ordinary but for some reason, Blake thinks the shooter didn't come from the building across the street since it's too close. There was only one way to find out. Install bullet proof glass on all the windows and the balcony and video cameras pointing to every corner, every building, and every rooftop. See if the shooter will take another shot. It was a crazy idea but it's better than Blake's suggestion to do a background check on the maintenance guy, the security guards, and all the recently hired hotel staffs who work in the hotel that is located three blocks away. Can rifles even shoot that far? Blake thinks so but it didn't work. The shooter didn't try again but that doesn't mean he's not going to try again. Maybe he found out about the bullet proof glass?

"Keep moving" ZJ spoke into the phone.

We are moving but probably not enough. ZJ's concern is understandable but does she really think the shooter is going to try again here? In a park with these people walking, jogging, taking pictures and videos?

"I don't see anyone."

There she goes again, getting worried. That's because she hates the idea but she also doesn't have any other suggestions. Stay inside and wait might be safer but for how long? As crazy as it sounds, maybe the shooter doesn't want to kill me. Blake thinks that's possible and also agreed with the plan. It would be safer to come here at this time instead of night time but there are way too many people here, more than expected in this cool weather.

"Over here." Blake said.

Amy followed while keeping her eyes at everyone she passes by. Couples are standing, looking at the lake. Some are sitting on the benches. A few are taking pictures. Joggers are running along. No one is wearing the stupid red cap, like Blake said. That should ease ZJ's worry. Everyone looks normal here. No one is behaving oddly except us. "He's not here." Amy said just to make sure the wireless earbuds are working and the phone is not disconnected. This has to be it. Lake on the left, boulder on the right, second lamp post, big tree in the back. That's what he said.

"Maybe he's waiting for you to go there" Blake said.

That's possible since he didn't say what he would be wearing. Maybe he needs to assess the situation first. Make sure this isn't a trap. That's logical but he should know why he was contacted. Let's hope he knows who killed Washington. His death might not have anything to do with Max but it's too much of a coincidence. First Washington, now another man, someone he knew.

"Wait" Blake said.

"You see him?" It might not be him. It could be the shooter just waiting to...

"If you do see him, can you ask him if he knows who was involved in that jogger case?"

"What?" Amy asked, confused.

"He might know who did it."

Obviously, Blake misunderstood the question. If my face isn't half-covered, she would know what What meant. Why is she even talking about that now? It seems that she's more interested in that case than Max's. It seems that she has another reason for agreeing with my plan for coming here. Why does she think he would tell me even if he knows?

Hours later

Clubs are closed. Bars are closed. No bowling, no billiards, no places to have fun. Walking around the park isn't fun. Staying inside the apartment, watching tv for hours and hours everyday is not a solution. Coming here might not be a good idea but who cares! Leo doesn't. Jen obviously doesn't since she's the one who suggested it, surprisingly. Carpe diem. She said. Who knows what's going to happen tomorrow? She's right especially now and the past 3 years. Nothing is normal anymore. Cole would know what that's like. What's considered normal to many is not normal to him. His acting is remarkable though. What is he really thinking? Is he grossed out by the numerous bare boobs and butts or fascinated by their flexibility pole stunts or wishing they're males not females?

"Is this legal?" Cole asked.

"If it isn't, we're not going to get in trouble. Okay? We're here to do research for our women studies class."

"and we needed you to protect us in case something happens." Brie added, laughing along with Jen's brilliant excuse. It's true but that's not the only reason for coming. Cole is right though. Why is this place opened? Strip clubs aren't allowed to open. Yet this place is not afraid that cops would find out. The lights are off outside but all it'll take is one unsatisfied customer to call them. "You want to know why? Get a private dance." As good as his acting is, if he hesitates any longer, he should know his secret might be out. What guy wouldn't want a lap dance from a stripper? Leo didn't hesitate. Even Jen wants one. That's what she's here for. To see what a strip club is really like. Having seen it in videos on the internet is just not the same. Having spoken with someone who used to be a stripper is one way to get information but it won't be as helpful as coming here to experience it for herself.

"How about her?" Jen asked, pointing to the pole dancer who just finished dancing.

"I need to go to the restroom."

That's not funny but the way he responded rapidly is. It could be the drink or maybe he's just nervous? Leo obviously isn't. He's very excited, more excited than he should be. As long as Jen doesn't mind. She doesn't seem to be. She seems as excited as he is. That's so odd.

"Hey, we're not the only ones." Jen whispered, turning her head towards to the two women with a man in the rear.

That is even more odd. This place may be dark but it's not hard to see. No one is wearing a mask but they are. Coming here as boyfriend/girlfriend like Leo and Jen is already odd. He came with two women? Whoever he is, he seems as nervous as Cole since he's looking around instead of the pole dancers. "Maybe he came to do research." Brie said jokingly.

"Maybe he's looking for love."

Now that's hilarious.

"I think he's looking at you."

Me? Why me? How can she tell? He could be looking at both of us.

"stand up"

"nno" No one else could hear since the music is loud and Jen is whispering. Does she really think I would just to see if she's right? She must think I'm desperate.

"I think he wants to…"

"shut up" Obviously, Jen is having a lot of fun making fun of me. Just because I don't have a boyfriend doesn't mean I'm looking for one, especially not from here. She might not be wrong about him though. This is a strip club. What else could guys be thinking of other than sex?

"He just took off his mask. Oh, he's pretty good looking. Look."

Nice try but "I don't care." Brie said, keeping her eyes to the front where the pole dancers are.

"no really, he is. He's getting up…go"

"You go." Brie said, lightly pushing Jen away and laughing along with her after getting a confused stare from Leo who excused himself to the restroom which is quite funny. Do all guys need to go before a lap dance?

Cole and Leo didn't take long and Jen's right. Having Cole here made this night even more fun. Cole's reaction with his face looking away, hands by his sides, sitting frozen still while the stripper rubbed her almost bare butt against his lap and other areas was hilarious. No wonder Jen approved. To her, a private lap dance does not mean privately one on one. It means having two strippers dance in front of all of us in one room. Regardless, she and Leo are having a lot of fun. For Cole, not so much, since he had enough after 10 minutes. His excuse to leave the room seemed to be good enough to prevent Jen and Leo from thinking that he's not into women though since they think he went to the restroom for another reason besides the need to pee again. Maybe he didn't find the stripper attractive? Maybe the lap dance did do something to him? Well, whatever his reason is, this experience should…

"We have to leave…C'mon."

Now it's obvious how much Cole disliked the lap dance but why is he whispering.

"We have to leave now."

"What's wrong?" Brie asked, quickly realizing why Cole came in so rudely and acting so strange. Music is on but it's not loud enough to completely drown out the noise that sounds like a gunshot. Screaming immediately followed. Asking questions is no longer important. There's no time to think of what else to do other than do what Cole said to do since everyone outside the room including the strippers are also doing the same thing. People are running towards the main entrance. Some are heading elsewhere. Who's shooting? What happened to the lights? There weren't that many before. Now there's none, at least not in this area. Staying in the open is not a good idea even if this place is dark.

GO GO GO.

People are screaming and pushing from behind. Fuck. That hurts. There's no way to keep holding onto Colt's hand. There's no need to call for him though. Just keep going. Just keep…Why aren't they moving? This isn't a big place. The main entrance should be just around the corner. "OWww!" Who the fuck stepped on my feet? Can't worry about that now. Someone just opened fire again and again. Going back is no longer an option. Hiding is no longer an option. There's nowhere to hide. It's too dark to tell where Jen and Leo are. Screaming for them isn't going to help. Now it's moving. There's the entrance. People are rushing out and there's Cole, standing and waiting unlike everyone else who's running towards the main road. "Where are they?"

"Idon'tknowIdon'tknow."

There is a need to worry but panicking isn't going to help. "c'mon" Going back inside isn't going to help. Now is the time to run the fuck out of here before the shooter comes out and starts shooting again. He might not but who knows. What the hell happened?

"I didn't call the cops."

"Someone probably did. C'mon, let's go over there." Now is not the time to worry about that. Now is the time to text Jen. "c'mon Jen, where are you?" Maybe they went out the back. That's possible. The car is parked in the back but Leo did say it would be safer to hide inside the room. He didn't go back to hide, did he?

"I think I should call the cops. You think I should call the cops?"

"Calm down." Brie said since he looks like he's about to have a panic attack. Why is he blaming himself? Does he really think this happened because he came, because coming here is a sin? Does he really think praying is going to help? "She's texting." That's a good sign but that doesn't mean…"She's out she's out."

"Oh thank god."

"Shut the fuck up." Brie said, regretting afterwards but saw no need to apologize since he's looking at his phone, looking like he didn't hear. That was mean. He doesn't deserve that. That was uncontrollable because every time those two words are mentioned, it's hard not to think of the hypocrites who talk about God, who believe in God but don't practice what they preach. If God exists, there wouldn't be strippers and prostitutes. If God exists, children wouldn't be sexually assaulted by priests. There wouldn't be homeless people, starving and suffering. If God exists, there would be a better person sitting in the white house not a foul-mouthed pathological liar. If God exists, I would not be…

"Cole!...Brie!"

That's Leo's voice. Why is he in a different car? Why is he in the back seat of the suv? Leo looks okay. Jen isn't so lucky. Nothing serious though, just a sprained ankle and some bruises, a result of being trampled on after falling down in the darkness.

"My car's gone."

Oh. That explains it but that doesn't explain this suv and who's driving it. "Your friend?" Brie asked since he didn't continue. What? They're both staring.

"You want to go to the hospital?"

That voice sounds familiar. That tone sounds familiar. Jen wants to go home. That's understandable but why is she apologizing? If she didn't explain, it would've taken a lot longer to find out who that voice belongs to.

"Why are you here!" That came out without thinking it thru but Jen and Leo should now know I have no knowledge of this. Cole is confused. Anyone would be to find that the driver with the beard, the one he's sitting next to, is actually a woman. It's obvious why she's disguised as a man since the strip club doesn't allow any woman in without a man but what doesn't make sense is how she knew. 'Same reason as you guys' is a good reason and sounds convincing but that's obviously a lie.

Waiting for the truth can wait. More questions would only let them know more than they should. They don't need to know why I need a bodyguard. They don't need to know that she is my bodyguard. A little lie should steer them away from that thought especially Jen who thanked her more than once for helping her out of there. Whether they believe this is a coincidence or not, it doesn't matter. What happened at the club doesn't either. What's important is to find out the truth.

"How did you know I was there?" Brie asked again. The first time didn't work. It should now. Everyone has been driven back home safely. No one else is here. An explanation is expected. Oh no you don't. Leaning over from the passenger side to grab hold of her might not have worked but she should know leaving without me isn't going to work either. I don't need to be escorted to my apartment but she needs this suv. I'll just stay here. It might be a stupid idea but she should know all she has to do is answer the question. There's no way she could've stood outside and waited for me to leave the apartment. That would take hours. There's no way she could've followed me since this is New York. Traffic isn't as busy as before but there are still many vehicles on the streets. Did she track my phone? How though? I didn't share my location. Did I? What…the hell…is this? It wasn't visible before but now is with the light from the cell phone. It's not just on the palm. It's on the sleeve and the elbow area. Is this...blood? How... whose...

Brie immediately got off the suv, feeling relieved to find that Hope is still standing until she's not.

"oh no"