I stared at the huge picture on the wall, splayed by the light from the projector on the ceiling. It was a guy, wearing an aviator and a black leather jacket, holding a pinstriped guitar up, making silly expression using his mouth. He looked – silly. But hot at the same time. Wait what? Don’t tell me that this is my first task?

“This man, in the picture front of you – to whoever that don’t recognize him –goes by the name of Synyster Gates. He is a guitarist from a rock metal band who called themselves as Avenged Sevenfold, based from Huntington Beach California.”

I leaned over to Andy who sat next to me, listening to every word Chief Jonah had to say.

“Where did he find that picture? Google images?” I whispered and Andy couldn’t help but chuckle. Later on he put up his index finger on his mouth.

“Addison, pay attention.”

I rolled my eyes as Chief Jonah continued to blabber on about this unrecognizable rock star using his fancy laser pointer that I’m sure he’d like to use it just to screw with people.

“His real name is Brian Elwin Haner Jr, and is a son to Brian Elwin Haner Sr,” he switched to another picture which indicated a rather old but handsome looking guy. I know that guy! My dad used to laugh watching him on TV. What was it? Jeff Dunham show, I guess?

“Nobody really knows that Brian Haner Sr refused a throne from Cericia, yes I know you may have not heard of this country but believe me, it exists. Cericia is basically a small-sized kingdom which exports oil more than we ever know.”

“Wow, I’m surprised why aren’t we at war with them yet.”

A senior agent, whom I didn’t really get friendly with, barged in the middle of Chief’s presentation. Chief glared at him, then continued on.

“The current king desperately looking for an heir to the throne, and since Brian Sr had refused it long time ago, he had his eyes on Brian Jr.”

“What, that rock star asshole?” that agent interrupted again.

“Yes. The very same Synyster Gates.”

“So, what are we supposed to be doing? I don’t see any task for this rock loser dude.”

Chief looked really annoyed. That agent sure is stuck up. I couldn’t control myself anymore.

“Just shut the fuck up and listen to what Chief has to say, will you? Ass!”

I slumped my back on the chair and folded my arms across my chest. Few seconds after a full cricket’s chirping awkward silence, I realized that the whole room was staring at me. Andy raised his eyebrows, and I caught a glimpse of a ghost smile on his lips.

“Sorry, chief.” I clasped my mouth with my hand and hide behind Andy. That was so embarrassing! Me, a rookie swearing to a senior in front of all these superiors! Oh my God, I should really jump down from the building now.

“As a matter of fact, this task belongs to Addison Wayne.”

I looked up, and saw them gradually clapping their hands for me. Andy too, finally showed his perfect teeth in a perfect smile.

“Congratulations on your first task, Addison.”

Chief walked to me and shook my hand. I can’t believe that I’m finally in their circle! Well, I used to be a lab agent and working around machines and techs and stuff like that but now, I’m a field agent! With my first task! Wohoo!! Oh, but wait.

“What’s my task again, chief?”

Chief Jonah smiled at me. His mustache expanded following how wide his grin was.

“You have to protect this crowned prince until the current king sends out his man to deliver the news to him. Never reveal yourself, keep this information secure from him and NEVER EVER be in a close relationship with the subject.”

Subject? Wow. That was harsh. He’s a person, not a software programming. And close relationship? Pfft. Never in a million years would I go for a rock star image like that. Besides I already have Andy dwelled in my heart. Eventhough he didn’t know it for a fact.

“But I thought his father, the Sr, already know about this, Chief?”

“Yes he did. He was the one who hired us to protect his son.”

I exchange glances with Andy next to me. He just pursed his lips, making serious expression that made him look even more gorgeous.

“What’s there to protect, chief?”

Chief Jonah swung his arm over my shoulder. Although he was a bit short, but we pretty much have the same height.

“I’ll arrange a meeting with Brian Sr for you. He can tell you everything from there onwards. In the meantime, pack your bags, leave no contacts, and get yourself a concert ticket.”

Excuse me?

_____________________________________________________________________________

Brian killed the engine of his black BMW and went out of the car. His usually spiky hair now slicked back and wet as if he just gotten out of shower. Well, he was actually. Without even bother to knock or open the front door, he paced his footsteps towards the backyard and found his teenager little sister in bright pink hair, playing Frisbee with his Maltese dog. He smiled at the sight.

“Brian! You’re back!”

His dearest sister, McKenna threw herself into his arms and he hugged her tightly.

“I missed you Mac.” He murmured into her hair.

“I missed you most! How long will you be off this time?”

Brian parted from the hug and patted his own thigh repeatedly which made his Maltese dog, Pinkly, ran crazily towards him and jumped.

“A couple of weeks. Good girl,” he picked Pinkly up and the dog panted, letting her tongue stuck out.

“Wait let me tell mom you’re here.”

“Where’s dad?”

“He’s out. Business matter, as he claimed.”

Brian stifled a laugh when McKenna rolled her eyes. They always had this inside jokes about their father, that when he went out for ‘business purposes’ he was actually going to a strip club without his wife knowing.

McKenna went into the house leaving Brian alone with Pinkly in the backyard. He played with Pinkly for a while, but as soon as he decided to get into the house, Suzy, his stepmom went out and greeted him.

“Brian! So good to finally see you! Oh honey you look so thin! Didn’t they serve you food on the road?”

He grinned widely while hugging her. “They did but I ate some other kind of feast instead.”

“BRIAN!” Both Suzy and McKenna gasped and slapped his shoulder in turns. He laughed hard, flinched a bit when both palms landed on him simultaneously.

“Your sister is sixteen Brian!”

“Sixteen and nine months!”

“Whatever, there’s no need to point out that tiny detail to her! It’s gross!"

“I agree with mom on that one.”

Brian just continued laughing while watching them babbled on, and he secretly admitted that the tiny detail was actually true. Not long after he settled his laughter, Suzy spoke;

“You’re staying for dinner?”

“I’d love to, but I’m just here to pick up Pinkly. Thanks again for taking care of her, Suzy.”

“Darling, it’s my pleasure. You know I treat her like my own grandchild. God knows when will I be able to have a real one.”

McKenna giggled and Brian glared at her.

“I don’t settle down, Suzy. You know that.”

“Yeah you said that too many times, I might make up a song for it.”

McKenna burst out into laughter and Brian swiftly locked his muscular tatted arm around her neck. She coughed and felt a little bit choked.

“Let me go! Let me-”

“Where’s Brent?” Brian ignored his sister’s wailing and just casually opened a new topic.

“He’s at Bridget’s. Spending two nights there already.”

“Aha, let him marry first then! Spare me, please.”

Suzy chuckled and shook her head watching McKenna still struggling beneath Brian’s strong arm.

“You’re the eldest, and you’re not getting any younger.”

Brian finally let go of McKenna’s head and groaned. “Tell me why I rarely stay here again?”

He bent down and put on a collar for Pinkly and was getting ready to leave.

“You don’t wanna wait till dad gets home?”

Brian turned to them. A moment of hesitation spurred, making him feel guilty if he didn’t see his dad once he got back from tour. It was his routine.

“Nah. Tell the old man to call me. I’m fucking busy. Don’t have time for him.”

“What a shitload of dick!”

McKenna shouted behind him as he walked away laughing to himself. He heard Suzy snapped at her for using such rude language that he was certain, she learned it from him. Putting Pinkly in the passenger’s side next to him, he honked once after the ignition was turned on. Both McKenna and Suzy waved and watched as his BMW disappeared from the sight.

“Where’s dad actually?”

Suzy shrugged at her daughter. “Dunno. Said he’s out meeting a friend.”

“Hmm.”

_____________________________________________________________________________

I’m here, alone. Though Andy said he will check up on me from time to time, but God knows what kind of time he has. He was always with the prettiest chick in the office, and the blonde collection of him, I think he can put them together in a glass cabinet or something. For display purposes.

I came here without even knowing what I should do. Well, I did pass my agent examination but it was all on paper. Fifty-fifty on the physical training part though. Andy said that he will teach me how to shoot properly someday but, pfft. Why would I ever want to shoot anyone in this first task of mine?

The coffee house looked dim, very fitting to my situation right now. It was a set up meeting with Brian Haner Sr, and as Chief Jonah mildly put it - be as discreet as possible. So I didn't wear my usual clothes this time - which was navy blue suit with matching short skirt and high heels. Don't forget the Rayban on my eyes, and my long hair tied back to a high ponytail. One look at me and you'll know I'm an agent. I wore a simple black tank top, ripped jeans and a baseball cap on my head, covering my long girly hair.

"Are you it?"

I flinched at the sudden greet. Glancing up, I saw a rather short and quite plump guy standing next to me, with his black hoodie covered most of his head and only showed a glimpse of his mouth.

"Excuse me?" I baffled at him.

"Are you it?" he repeated. Hey, I'm not deaf! Just what do you mean by 'it'?

"Depends. Are you Haner Sr?"

He went silent for a whole minute. After that he slumped down to the chair next to me and pulled his hoodie down. I finally got to see his face. It was really him.

"Phew. I thought I've got the wrong guy."

He whistled and drummed his fingers on the table.

"Not a guy." I pointed to myself.

He stared at me before proceeding to look at me from top to bottom.

"Didn't notice that." he rolled his eyes and motioned his view to my boobs. How dare him!

"Sir, are you always this-"

"Of all the agents available, they sent you?" he whispered and leaned closer to me.

I was taken aback, speechless at his judgment.

"What?"

"You should have seen your face!" He laughed his ass off at me, leaving me confused and frowned hard.

"I was just kidding, agent. Jeez, loosen up a little."

He shifted his chair so that he will be nearer to me and continued to lean in.

"I shouldn't call you that, should I? I mean I watch a lot of James Bond movies, don't you have some kind of number or something? So you are what - 008? 009?"

I finally gained my composure when I saw his facial expression softened at me.

"No we don't go by numbers. That only applies to federal agents. I'm not. We're not related to any government issue. Just private matter only."

He blinked, trying to digest. "Well that sucks. So you're like a P.I or something?"

"No, sir. We don't investigate. We protect and if necessary, will involve the authority too. Didn't you know about this when you hired me?"

He snorted out a laugh. "I know but I was expecting a James Bond, not a Janet Bond."

I couldn't help but feel a little hurt. What, a woman can't become an agent?

"Well, sorry to disappoint you sir. This is my first assignment too, and I was expecting a real royal crowned prince not a comedian."

He raised his eyebrows hearing my comeback.

"Touché. Well, don't call me sir. I feel old. Just call me Papa Gates, or Brian if you're sure you can differentiate between me and my son later."

I smiled briefly and cleared my throat. "Hello, Brian. I'm Addison. Just call me Addie."

We shook hands and seconds after he brought out an A4 sized envelope from his backpack. I didn't notice he was carrying a bag at all.

"Okay Addie. Here's the deal. As you may already know, I'm not really a US citizen. Uh, I am now, but I wasn't before. I ran away from Cericia when I was eighteen, on my coronation day. My father tried to find me so many times but I managed to hide away."

I listened to his unnecessary story carefully.

"I got carried away with music and showbiz so eventually he found me here. God knows how old he is now."

"94."

He glared at me. "Really? That old?"

"He's your father isn't he?"

He simply shrugged as if he didn't care at all. "So I went back to Cericia when I was 21, and purely declined the throne from him. He took it well, I think. But now he aimed for my son. Why is that?"

"Err..because of his dying wish?"

"He's dying?"

"Jeez, you really didn't know anything about your father don't you?"

He shook his head a chuckled a little. "I hate being there. It's like I'm tied to a rope 24/7."

I pursed my lips and didn't say anything. He continued on.

"Well, I knew he wanted my son from this." he pulled out a piece of paper from the envelope and shoved it to me. It was a letter, almost gold in color, with a red real stamp mark on the bottom. It looked very official.

Dear Prince Haner,

It is always in the law of Cericia that the firstborn son will proceed to inherit the throne and since you had refused it in the year of 1975, the Haner ancestry continues on to another firstborn which is your eldest son, Prince Brian Elwin Jr.

Note that the king will have his men to notify this to your firstborn.

Yours truly,
The Bureau of Secretary, Cericia, Netherlands.

It was short, and intimidating.

"What does it mean, 'his men will notify your son'?"

He rubbed his forehead and shrugged again. "Beats me."

"Don't you want your son to take the throne?"

"Hell no! If you know the guy, you will see that he's not fit to run a kingdom."

I nodded and shoved the letter back to him.

"So then what's my task?"

"Ah, there's another problem. Not just this. This is nothing."

"What else?"

He pulled out his iPhone from his pocket and showed me his picture gallery. I caught a glimpse of a few pictures of him and his wife, probably - in an inappropriate way.

"This guy," he showed me a picture of a bearded man in many angles. Sitting in a car, standing in the crowd, walking by the street etc.

"He's been stalking Brian ever since I got that letter."

"Uh, by the looks of it, seems like you're the one stalking him."

He rolled his eyes. "I needed proof okay!”

“Okay, okay. Calm down senior! What does this guy have to do with anything?”

“Well, that’s the problem. I think he wants the throne too. I’m worried that he will assassinate my son.”

Assasination? Oh God. Shit’s just got real. I wasn’t prepared for this. I thought I’m going to be just a bodyguard. Nobody told me that there’s homicidal intention involved! I need Andy right now!

“Things they do for the throne. I was once being blackmailed for it. But since I turned it down they stopped chasing me. But Brian cannot know about this. His career is climbing high now. I don’t wanna bring him down.”

I shut my eyes, imagining what would field agents do at times like these. What would Andy do? I only work around technical stuff, I didn’t know how to deal with this completely.

“I’ll see what I can do, Brian.”

Notes

A/N: i crave feedbacks like i crave food!! oh fuck now i'm hungry XD