Protective Bodyguard

Chapter 1: How It All Started

Nick was on the phone with Mark and Theresa Jones. He was being hired to protect their daughter from a crazed stalker. He took the case since Mark sounded just like his father. Nick was going on vacation when they called but decided that this case would be a quick one. Boy was he wrong.

Tara was busy getting ready for the day. She splashed water on her face because she had been frightened this past week receiving creepy letters and dead roses. Tara said out loud, "It has to be a sick joke or your ex trying to scare you." She put up her black hair into a pony tail while she was deciding on what to wear to the theatre for auditions of the play, A Midsummer Night's Dream.  It was their last play for her graduate class.  She would finally finish grad school and move on to pursue her dream to be a full time theater actress. Tara does get parts, but she isn't on the main stage.  She put on her blue dress and black leggings since it was cold outside.  Tara was surprised because San Marcos is usually hot and humid in May. She was running late for the first time. Tara grabbed her purse and rushed out of the house.

Nick was on his way to her house when she collided with him. She said, "I am so sorry for running into you.  Oh no!  I have to go." Nick spoke, "Hi Tara, I am Nick Townsend. Your parents hired me to protect you from the stalker that has been bothering you." Tara was shocked by the news and said, "I am tough girl and can take care of myself against some creepy admirer or an ex boyfriend that is just trying to scare me."

Nick gave her a charming smile and chuckled. He thought as he looked into her deep brown eyes, "I am in trouble. This girl is going to be a challenge." Nick replied swiftly, "At least let me accompany you wherever you are headed. Your parents want you safe. I know if I had a daughter, I would do the same thing for her." Tara gave him a genuine smile and said, "Okay, mister protective bodyguard, try and keep up.  I understand why my parents are worried but you will see it is no big deal." 

As soon as she said this, a car sped by and tried to run her down. The person threw a package with a note attached at them.  Nick yelled, "Get down!"  He covered her just in case the package was a bomb.  While Nick was on top of her, Tara was blushing as she looked up at his blue eyes.  Nick's brown hair was a mess and his arms held her close.  His breathing hitched as his lips were close to hers.  They both never would have suspected what would happen next. 

Nick kissed her.  Tara felt his lips on hers and kissed back.  Neither Nick or Tara had ever done something as reckless as this before but they both enjoyed it.  Nick helped her up and said, "I need to get you to class, Miss Jones.  Forget this happened, it's not professional.  It's not like me to kiss random girls."  Tara thought, "Ouch, I am far more than just some random girl." 

Nick went to pick up the package and opened it to find more dead roses and found something more interesting.  The letter read, "To my dear Tara, we will be together soon.  The other women treated me like trash so I disposed them as such.  You are perfect. We are meant to be.  A starlet will be born and your loving admirer will reveal himself in due time.  I am the red dagger not some ex of yours."  Nick's brown eyes were full of rage when reading the last part.  He said, "It looks like The Red Dagger serial killer is obsessed with you.  We can rule out your ex since the letter mentioned he was offended by being compared to your ex boyfriend." 

Tara didn't say a word at first.  She was trembling since she saw a documentary on The Red Dagger just recently.  He has killed over 25 women.  Tara finally asked, "Why me?  What you said earlier about me being a random girl was terrible, Nick."  Nick looked at her with remorse and gave her a hug.  He whispered, "I can't get close to anyone because of my past.  Truth be told, I said that to you because I am afraid to get close.  Don't worry, I will protect you from that serial killer.  He doesn't stand a chance.  You have me, Tara."  Tara cried on his white tee shirt.  He held her until she said, "Thank you, Nick.  I believe you will be able to protect me."