Seals and Bounty: The Protector

Katie

Katie stepped out of her in the parking lot of Sonny’s Café’ and walked into the door with authority. She had no idea what this Bryan looked like, but he should know what she looked like, so she scanned the room to see someone motion for her to come over. That’s when this guy caught her eye. Lord, that man is fine. But it was his face that looked somewhat familiar. About that time, he motioned for her. As she got closer, her stomach hit the floor. It was Bryan Shaw from high school. She almost turned around and left, but instead decided that she should make this difficult for him.

“Katie,” Bryan said as he got up to pull out her seat for her and shake her hand.

She sat down, but didn’t shake his hand.

“Bryan. Well isn’t this a surprise. I had a feeling last night wondering if it could be you, but I never thought you would come back here. I would say it is good to see you, but I would be lying,” she said in an angry tone.

“Look Katie, let’s clear the air before we do anything else. I was a jerk in high school. I had a huge ego and I am very sorry. I am not the same boy that I was then. I have grown and matured into a very compassionate man,” he said.

“That remains to be seen, but you were an egotistical giant jackass. You ruined my self-esteem. It took me until sophomore year in college before I ever approached another guy. You could say that you had a lot to do with my party lifestyle that I lead for years. Luckily, even I have changed. Once I realized that I am worth more. I do accept your apology, but I really don’t see me being able to trust you with my life,” she replied with a little sarcasm.

“Look I get it, I do. And I understand if you don’t trust me, but at least let me tell you about me, my background and the company that me and my fellow seals built when we retired,” he said in an apologetic tone.

“Sure, I will sit through your spill, but lunch is on you,” she replied with anger still in her voice, or annoyance.

“Yes, that’s not a problem since I was going to buy anyway. Can we just put the past behind us and start again? Let’s get to know each other in the present. You can start. Ask me anything,” he stated as the waitress came over to take their orders.

“Okay, Bryan. I will honestly give this a try. I know you went in the military and you said you retired. What branch?” she asked.

“Navy. My buddies and I were Seals. We all retired right around the same time and moved here and started Seals and Bounty. It’s a private security firm. We do some bounty work on the side, but most of that side is now done by our employees and not us directly,” he answered.

“The Seals ugh. That’s impressive. Wife, kids?” she asked.

“Neither. The guys and I were all on the same page when it came to this subject while we were serving. Due to the time we spent away, the last minute get calls to leave, and not wanting the other to have to go tell any of our families that we weren’t coming home this time, none of us got married and had kids. We were all in Seal School together and the same Seal unit,” he answered. “I would ask if you were ever married, but per the tabloids I would assume you never did. But what have you been up too? Not what the is in the local media, the real you.”

“The real me, huh. You never gave the real me a chance. But no, I have never been married, and I don’t have any kids. I graduated with my PhD in business about a year ago and I have been designing clothes for a boutique in LA, but I am ready to start my own business,” she answered.

The waitress brought out their food and they chatted about what they had been doing the last twenty years and discussed the company and the level of protection that the firm gives and himself personally. He discussed his expectations of his clients with her.

Once they had finished eating, they wrapped up their conversation.

“Bryan I have to say that I feel better about you now than I did when I walked through that door. But I honestly don’t see why I need a bodyguard. I am not the party girl I once was. I may go out to dinner, movies, and shopping like normal people, but I mostly stay home or at my office. I am too focused on building my brand and my company,” she said to him as the waitress started clearing their plates.

“I understand Katie, I do. But it is those times when you are not aware of any threats that ‘they’ have the advantage to get to you. But I will let you talk it over with your father. And I am glad that we were able to have this talk and clear the air, but even I am not sure we can work together. You still don’t trust me and that will take time. Time that I don’t want to come between me being able to save you if it comes to it because you are going to have to trust my judgement in order for me to protect you,” he told her.

“I agree. If my father won’t budge, maybe there is someone else in your firm who can be assigned to me,” she said as they both got up from the table. He walked her to her car and told her that maybe they would run into each other again sometime.