1:00 p.m. Ayani pushes his food tray away and sits back on his bed. He checks the time. As if on cue, the knock at the door.
Ayani: “Come in.”
Kelly enters with a man in a business suit. His gray hair belies his age, but he appears very fit. His muscular frame cannot be hidden by the jacket and tie.
The policeman at the door waves; signaling that he has checked the visitors.
Kelly: “Ben, this is George Solidae.”
The man offers his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Ayani shakes his hand. “And you as well. Please pull up a chair.”
Kelly and Solidae pull chairs near the bed.
Kelly: “How are the headaches?”
Ayani: “Not too bad now. My focus has moved to this cut on my shoulder.”
Solidae: “Shrapnel?”
Ayani nods. “The doctor said I have several shrapnel wounds; but only this one hurts.”
Solidae: “Must be near a nerve.”
Ayani nods again. “I’ll be fine. So, let’s get to it. Kelly says that I should have some protection. Um... what do you think?”
Solidae: “Anyone that has been the subject of an assassination attempt needs some kind of protection. My experience tells me that this was not just a warning. Persons unknown want you dead.”
Ayani: “Okay. What do you propose?”
Solidae: “I can start an investigation. I can provide bodyguards. I can work with the police. I can stop these persons unknown from making another attempt on your life.”
Ayani: “That’s pretty positive. How do you know that you can actually stop them?”
Solidae: “I have resources at my disposal. And I am not restricted in my procedures; as the police are.”
Ayani: “What does that mean?”
Solidae: “It means that I can protect you until I can find these persons unknown and eliminate the threat.”
Ayani: “Detective Harrison said that he could protect me while he is working on the case.”
Solidae: “Harrison?”
Ayani: “He is the one that is working on this for Gallup.”
Solidae: “Good. The police do good work here in Gallup. They have a reputation for being scrupulously honest.”
Ayani: “That sounds like a ‘but’ is coming.”
Solidae nods. “But… they are subject to a mountain of regulations and restrictions that do not apply to resident citizens. We can do better.”
Ayani: “Hm. Will this protection in any way prevent me from doing what I need to do?”
Solidae shifts in his seat. “What do you need to do?”
Ayani: “I need to talk with the Director of Blue Party operations here in Gallup. I need to have meetings with a whole lot of people as I explore the possibility of running for office.”
Solidae nods. “Of course, it would be much better if you would stand still so I could put a wall around you. However, my men are exceptionally good at what they do. We can make allowances for your movements.”
Ayani turns to Kelly. “What about the fee?”
Kelly: “I spoke with Joe Moomaw this morning. He is in favor. He’ll submit it to the council. They’ll approve it.”
Ayani: “Okay. Well, then; welcome aboard.” The men shake hands.
Solidae: “Good. I’ll begin immediately.” He stands.
Ayani: “Um... I do have a couple more questions.”
Solidae reseats himself. He nods.
Ayani: “How do you... I mean... what experience do you have that gives you this kind of knowledge?”
Solidae: “Mostly, I was a street cop. Secondly, I was a homicide detective. Thirdly, I was an officer in charge of security at three different embassies when I was in the Marine Corps as well as being a security officer at the White House. I have experience in cyber research, and I am an expert in terrorist tactics and weapons.”
Ayani: “Wow. Have you... you know; ever killed anyone?”
Solidae: “Of course.”
Ayani: “In the line of duty, or... since... or...”
Solidae: “About that, I can only tell you this: I will kill only when absolutely necessary. I will not hesitate, and neither will my men. You will be safe.”
Ayani looks in the man’s eyes. His eyes are not cold; rather, he seems to be concerned. Interesting.
Ayani: “I see that you are in pretty good shape. How old are you?”
Solidae: “I’m fifty-seven years old.”
Ayani: “And you keep yourself fit for this job?”
Solidae: “I keep myself fit for my own health. I train my body in combat skills for this job.”
Ayani: “I see. Ah... but you are a Red person?”
Solidae: “Yes.”
Ayani: “I don’t mean to pry; but doesn’t that kind of... create a conflict of interest?”
Solidae: “No.”
Ayani: “But we’re... I mean... I’m... Blue and I don’t believe in some of the things...”
Solidae: “You want to know if I’m onboard with your political philosophy.”
Ayani: “I guess I do.”
Solidae: “I’m Red because I work. I’m also Red because I can help people. That’s what I do. When the police can’t help, people can come to us. We always come down on the side of right. And right knows no color.”
Ayani: “And get paid a lot of money?”
Solidae: “Not always. I must admit, we prefer to take cases from people that can afford to pay us because we have a high overhead and payroll to meet. However, if we come across a situation that is unreasonable and unfair, we have been known to take the case with no compensation.”
Ayani: “Hm. Why would you do that?”
Solidae: “Because we know what’s right. Not unlike you.”
Ayani nods. “Okay. I can accept that. What’s next?”
Solidae: “I’ll have a man here in two minutes to assist with your protection detail.”
Ayani raises his eyebrows. “Two minutes?”
Solidae: “I had a team follow me. It’s S.O.P.”
Ayani: “Okay. Good. Then, we must be all set. Do you have a contract for me to sign?”
Solidae: “No. Ms Ala can act as solicitor, but I must have someone from the council sign, since they are going to pay my fee. The way this works is that I am technically working for them. It is actually better for security’s sake if your name is not listed anywhere in our contract or any other documents. We will give you a code name and refer to you only as that.”
Ayani: “What’s my code name?”
Solidae: “You are “The Driver.”
Ayani gives a half smile. “You know what? I just got a feeling of confidence from you.”
Solidae stands. “Good. I’ll go see the council with The Barrister and we’ll finish up the formalities.”
Ayani: “The what?”
Solidae: “Ms Ala must have a code name as well. She is “The Barrister.”
Ayani smiles. “She is.”
