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Bound to Protect You

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A Favor

Alfonso

After returning to Seattle from my visit to my son and my angel, I stopped by the company.

"Mr. Alfonso, good to see you," Diego said.

"Diego, my boy. I was looking for you."

"What can I do for you?"

"My little angel is coming to the company to help you."

"Really? I thought Franco would be the one coming back."

"No. He'll be with me during the process -- the seminar I mentioned."

He nodded.

"I see. I'm glad Anya accepted the offer."

"I have every confidence she can handle the company, but I want you to support her, along with Laura, your wife."

"Absolutely. Count on us, Mr. Alfonso."

"Thank you, son. Now I'm going to tell Sandra about her new position."

"You'll have to wait, sir. Your granddaughter went out."

I frowned.

"Was there an off-site meeting?"

"No. She went out for breakfast, but that was over two hours ago."

"That girl doesn't learn. Have Rogelio from Human Resources come to my office."

"Right away, sir."

I walked to the executive office. When I stepped inside, it was a disaster. The center table was covered in scattered papers and folders, and there was nail polish on the desk.

"This is unbelievable."

I picked up the office phone and dialed Laura.

"Vice President's office," Laura answered.

"Laura, please come to this office."

"Right away, sir."

I took a deep breath and sat down. A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

"What can I do for you, Mr. Alfonso?"

"I need your help organizing this office. Move everything to an empty office in the advertising department. I've already ordered new furniture for this one."

"Of course, Mr. Alfonso. But don't you think your granddaughter will explode?"

"She will. Especially since, starting now, this is no longer her office."

"What do you mean?"

"Exactly what you heard, Laura."

I smiled.

"My little angel is coming to work here."

"Anya agreed to come?"

"She did. I want this office ready for her. If you need help, ask for it. Don't worry about pending tasks -- Mario will help Diego."

"Understood, Mr. Alfonso."

"I'll help you with the papers on that table."

"Don't worry. I'll take care of it."

"Thank you, Laura. In that case, I'll head out. I need to pay a visit to an old friend."

"Go right ahead."

I started walking, then stopped.

"Laura, if you finish before I get back, lock the door."

"I will."

I left the company to visit Maximiliano Lombardi. He's the son of an old friend, and someone I hold in the highest regard. I arrived at his apartment, and before I could knock, the door opened.

"Mr. Alfonso," Maximiliano said.

"Good to see you, son."

I embraced him.

"To what do I owe the honor?"

"I've come to ask you a favor."

"Me? What could I possibly do for you?"

"More than you can imagine, son."

"I'm listening. Can I get you something to drink?"

"No, I'm fine. Thank you."

"All right."

"I want to ask you to be my granddaughter's bodyguard."

"What? Oh, no, no. Mr. Alfonso, not that."

"Hear me out, son."

"No. That girl is a spoiled, arrogant, greedy little brat who's way too full of herself. You know very well what happened between us."

I knew. Years ago, Maximiliano had gone to the company and met Sandra. She latched onto him so hard that she tried to drug him, but Maximiliano was sharp -- he caught on in time and slipped the drink to some other guy, who ended up sleeping with her instead. And there was something else few people knew: Maximiliano was the son and heir of the most feared mob boss in Italy and the United States.

"I'm not talking about Sandra."

"Then who?"

"My little angel. Anya."

"You have another granddaughter?"

"My son Franco -- you know he separated and went to live in Portland with Paola. Anya was born from that relationship. She's the one I want you to protect."

"You're bringing her into this nest of vipers? Pardon the expression."

I smiled.

"No need to apologize. I know that's exactly what it is. Yes, she's coming to work at the company while I'm out of the country."

"Why me?"

"Because I know you wouldn't sell out if someone offered you money to leave her unprotected. Or am I wrong?"

"No, you're not wrong. But I don't know anything about this granddaughter, and I'm not interested in babysitting another spoiled princess."

"My Anya isn't like that, I promise you. Get to know her first. I know you'll help me."

"Where is she?"

"She'll arrive tomorrow. Could you come with me?"

"No. Just tell me what time her jet lands and I'll be there. But I'll watch from a distance, and then I'll make my decision."

"Fair enough. But she won't be on the jet. She's coming on a commercial flight arriving at four in the afternoon."

I saw surprise flash in his eyes, followed by doubt.