Protecting the Boss

[zydrate]

(closed)


Karli Santini wasn't in the mood to hear any more business today. All morning it had been nothing but complaints and threats from other families. Of course, some things never changed. There would always be complaints... arguments and disagreements but today... something was off...

She had spent lunch by herself, as usual. And that gave her time to think about it all. How was she going to keep doing this day in and day out? Of course, she never voiced her concerns to anyone... how could she? It would show as a weakness...she had to be strong for the family's sake.

Her thoughts drifted back to 2 days prior. She had been out, invited by an associate... dinner was served but no sooner had they gotten done with prayers, they were attacked by someone. It all happened so fast... she had lost 2 men in the fight, the police were called in, Karli had managed to escape with her life...and a graze of a bullet on her left arm.

Karli's brothers had decided it was time to have someone watch her 24 hours a day. As much as she wanted to protest, she knew it was something that needed to be done. But not just anyone could do. She had to have someone she could trust. Someone who wouldn't be afraid to put their life on the line for her...the boss.

Of course her brothers couldn't do it. They were targets too. Karli wanted to have some say in it all but she knew thatwith her brothers in charge, that wasn't going to happen. They had said they were going to find someone for their little sister to protect her and make sure the face of the business would be kept safe. It hadn't taken long because they had called this morning and said someone they trusted was coming around later that afternoon and she could talk with him and decide from there but it would be in her strong interest to let this guy in because he had quite a reputation out there for being tough and smart.

A knock on the door dragged her out of her own thoughts and she looked up from her desk. She set her coffee cup down and stood up. Today she wore a cream colored dress. The skirt had a slit on one side that reached up high on her hip. Her jewelry consisted of a gold Rolex watch and a thin gold necklace with matching earrings. Her makeup was minimal but still, she didn't need it. Her complexion was flawless. She wore her long black hair hanging down her back in waves.

"Come in." she said, keeping her voice steady but she dared not let that show, she was the boss and she was in charge.

 

[silvertongue217]

“Out of the pot and into the trying pan” Jack murmured straightening his tie and smoothing out some imaginary creases. He felt the elevator moving upwards and closed his eyes willing his heart to stop racing. Here he was two weeks out of the police academy and thrown into the lion’s den.

Or more accurately the Loiness’s den

The target was Karli Santini the newest mob boss to the New York families along with her brothers. Her brothers handled the grunt work but she did the business which of course made her a much bigger fish in the eyes of the NYPD. His bosses were eager to use the new power exchange in hopes of a weakness but with the mob infiltrating the police department they were forced to use a rookie.

A rookie like him

To be fair he was top of his class and relatively a loner two qualities that made him ideal for this work. Sure he wouldn’t get a badge and uniform but if he played his cards right and brought this new girl down then he would be on the fast track to detective like his dad. Plus he would get his revenge, revenge on the mob for killing his dad. A lot of people said that one of the brothers themselves pulled the trigger that ended veteran police chief Jimmy Ortega’s life, his father was a goo man one who just wanted to make the city a safer plus.

And those bastards killed him like a common thug

He felt his anger boiling and used his forcing it into his system and washing the fear and nervousness out of his body. After months of performing petty jobs and working his way up the food chain he was in a position to have his eyes and nose on the main operation. The brothers wanted their sister to be protected and since he was one of the few they trusted he was able to secure the job. He would be a second shadow to this girl and would make sure she got what she deserved.

The elevator dinged and opened up revealing the office

He walked in running a hand over his short black hair and straightening his tie one more time. The suit the brothers bought for him showed off his physique which he was guessing helped intimidate potential enemies.

“I’m here to see Karli Santini” He said looking at the receptionist and trying to find the woman who he would be taking down.

 

[zydrate]

"Of course," the secretary said as she stood and beckoned the new guy to follow her. Earlier, Karli had informed Ms. Lawson, the secretary to escort the new guy in, which she was doing at the moment. Ms. Lawson knocked on the door to Karli's office and opened it after hearing the OK to enter. Standing at the entrance, Ms. Lawson announced to her boss, "Karli, Mister Ortega is here."

As she stood from her desk, Karli nodded at Ms. Lawson her OK to show the man in. Karli walked around to the front of her desk and toward the middle of the office as Jack was shown in. Karli had to look up at the man before her as she assessed him before reaching out to shake his hand. "So, you're the one my brothers sent to protect me?" She asked with a little humor in her voice and small smile on her face.

"We'll see about that..." she said to him as she waved to the set of chairs in front of her desk and she returned behind her desk. Karli's office was plushly decorated. The chairs matched, the white leather couch in the middle of the office completed the look, along with her glass top desk. "So, Mr. Ortega, my brothers may think you're right for the job, but I want to hear what makes you think you're OK with all this?"

 

[silvertongue217]

“I think its more up to you then it is me” He said before realizing he probably sounded snarky “What I mean to say is when it comes to protecting some one the main question is does that person feel safe? Now I can go on and on about my skills and what I know but whether or not that will make you feel safe with me I cant tell you give me a chance to prove to you that I can keep you safe is all I ask for”

He watched her wondering what her reaction would be. He knew enough from talks with her brothers to know she could be quite the spit-fire. She certainly didn’t like any one telling he what to do which meant she probably didn’t like her brothers assigning her a protector.

“Consider me on trail basis” Jack said reaching out to take her hand “I heard you’re a good boxers and I know when push comes to shove you can defend your self so I’m backup more or less” He said keeping quite about his other assignment.

She would find out soon enough

 

[zydrate]

Karli nodded after thinking about what he said. "OK, fine." Was all she said before taking a deep breath and then regarded him, "OK, we'll start tomorrow. I have a few meetings to attend and then after that, a dinner with a client...again," she said, not looking forward to it but it had to be done.

"All I can say is prepare for a long day. Did you have any questions Mr. Ortega?"

She looked at him and studied him. She knew he would be here if it wasn't for her brothers but for some reason, she still felt put off by it all.

 

[silvertongue217]

Tomorrow?

He supposed another day couldn’t hurt but he was eager to get started plus if he went back to her brothers and said he was starting tomorrow they would rib him for letting her set the actual time he started. Yet he knew the best way to gaining her trust would be to follow her wishes.

“With respect” He finally said choosing his words carefully “If I go back home your brothers will rib me a new one for not taking the job seriously how about we take some time and get to know each other tonight? I could even help you spar I have heard you fight pretty well I would be interesting in seeing how I stack up against you”

It might not have been the best plan but he had to gain her trust and what better way than proving his skills. He was a decent boxer and heard she was a good fighter maybe she would let some thing slip in their time together some thing he could bring to his bosses.

 

[zydrate]

Was he kidding?

She could practically kick her brothers if they were here right now. They seemed to talk a lot about her when she wasn't around. Either they were bragging or making fun of her...and she could only guess it was the latter.

Karli just looked at the man before and studied him. He seemed sincere enough and wanting to start. Probably a part on her brothers that he needed to get to work right away. Standing up, Karli walked over to the window and sighed before looking back at Jack and crossed her arms, "OK, fine. You seem to know where I go, so I'll see you again at six."

 

[silvertongue217]

“Great” He said getting up “I’ll meet you at the gym at Six thank you for giving me a chance” He said politely before he excused himself and left the building. It would give him enough time to leave a dead drop saying he made contact for the higher ups which would keep his ass out of the frying pan for his boss. He walked over to his vintage black mustang and climbed in kicking the engine and driving off.

An hour later

Jack stepped into the gym having changed into a pair of workout shorts that showed off his tan muscular legs and a simple white beater. He ignored the other members of the family working out and stowed his bag in his own locker. The gym was privately owned and catered to the gang and the gang alone. Every one was expected to keep up on their skills and to be ready for any thing. It was also a popular hang out spot for her brothers (thought they weren’t here now).


Jack stepped out and waiting looking around for the boss to show and planning his next move. He had to show her his skill and also respect which meant he couldn’t treat her like a woman even if he got his ass kicked he would have to give it his all.

 

[zydrate]

Karli had arrived and after changing into her gym clothes, she walked out into the main part of the gym and climb up the steps of the ring as she spoke up, "Wow, you showed...glad you didn't chicken out on me."

She stepped into the ring and tied her long hair back as she did so. She was dressed in her workout clothes, what she usually wore of course, as she looked at him, "OK, Ortega... I usually don't like to waste time with the small talk, so I hope you're ready," she said as she finished up with her gloves.

 

[silvertongue217]

“Sounds good to me” He said trying not to stare at her. The workout clothes she had on left little to the imagination and even though she was a target he couldn’t help but admire just how attractive of a target she was. Her legs and the spandex shorts she was wearing showed off her body in a way that made him almost visibly gulp.

“I wont go easy on you and I expect the same” He said getting onto the ring and putting his own gloves on “sound good boss?” He said stepping forward and moving into a fighters stance drawing on his dad’s old training and his minute boxing career he was actually good and his skills had only gotten better in the police academy.

 

[zydrate]

"Not a problem." She said as she took her own stance. It was true, Karli loved to fight. It might have been because of growing up with her brothers and having to fight for everything. But it also had to do with the fact that she actually loved the sport.

Sure, she could have someone else fight her when it was time to work out but they wouldn't be a real opponent because they would let her win or 'go easy' on her. So this would be interesting to see where it went. She didn't intent to hold back either. She never did.

Eying him, Karli watched for his shoulder movement to at least determine what arm he was going to move first. They both moved together until she threw the first punch and he blocked it.

Good, he wasn't holding back. This would definitely interesting.

 

[silvertongue217]

Her first fist came hard and fast forcing him back slightly. He gritted his teeth admiring the skill and the form. Her skills were just as impressive as every one said they were which meant this was going to be a very interesting fight to say the very least.

“Okay” He thought “you got the first punch let’s see how you do with my second”

He stepped forward quickly clearly the space between the two of them in seconds. He moved quickly utilizing the speed he was famous for. He started with some easy combo’s the kind of combinations that every one learned in the beginning he came at her fast though his fist a flurry of speed as he tried to press the advantage and maintain his endurance.

 

[zydrate]

After his series of hits, Karli could only smile, "...Nice..." she said under her breath as they moved around the ring, hands up...a few shots taken every now and then, she quickly calculated in her mind as what move or hit would be most effective next.

Everyone had their own distinctive way of fighting. And if one studied one's style, then they could predict what move was coming next. But with a new opponent, there was no way to get a good read on other person.

Karli saw her next shot and took it, getting him in the jaw...knocking it the left and then to the right...

 

[silvertongue217]

She was good

After exchanging a few blows back and forth she finally got him managing to knock him around with a quick flurry of attacks. He felt his mind spin a little and forced himself to remain upright gritting his teeth. He had to end this quickly because if it went on much longer she would be able to best him. He some how knew that if they weren’t meting for the first time she would have been a much tougher if not insurmountable opponent

Lucky for him he still had the element of surprise

He stepped forward feinting to the left then the right before charging straight down the middle his hands up to block any of her blows. He hit her with a quick to step combination before stepping forward and slamming his fist into her face with enough force to send her down to the matt.

He huffed and pulled off his glove extending out his hand “I haven’t fought nay body that good in a while” He remarked.

 

[zydrate]

Fuck... thought Karli as she lay on the mat, breathing hard.

She had lost.

But, in retrospect, it was a good loss because it was a fair loss and not because the other guy let her win. It was refreshing to say the least. And she had to say she held her own, which was the main thing she was going for.

It would have been unsportsmanlike not to accept his hand for help up from him and if one thing Karli considered herself was fair. It was a fair fight with a fair win. She took his hand and he yanked her up back to her feet where she also removed her gloves and gave him a nod, "Thanks, same here..." She told him after removing her mouth guard and placing her hands on her knees and taking a couple of deep breaths.

After catching her breath, Karli regarded the man before and sighed, "OK, so, are you hungry?" She asked as she got out of the ring between the ropes, "I hope you are, because you're buying. I'll be ready in 20 minutes." She told him as she made her way to the locker room to change.

 

[silvertongue217]

“How about a cold beer” Jack said laughing and shaking his head “ and yes I will buy that as well I know a good bar with some good food as well” He said pulling his own mouth guard out and putting his stuff away. He admired her form trying no to stare to much as she recovered from her match. He was pleased to see she wasn’t a sore loser nothing at all like the spoiled princess her brothers made her out to be. He admired that even if it made her a little bit more human in his eyes. He knew the cops liked to make her out to be some big monster but so far he saw nothing to support that fact. Even though she was technically a criminal.

He stashed his gear in the locker and walked out surprising her by slipping his arm in between hers. He guided her out and to his car a nice black mustang.

“So who taught you to fight?” He asked opening the door for her “You really do move well I was impressed I haven’t had such a good fight in forever it seems” He said laughing and closing the door before climbing in himself. He started the car and pulled out looking at her and giving her a uninentional sexy smile as he maneuvered out of the parking lot.

 

[zydrate]

"Thanks." Karli said as she came out, showered and dressed. Her hair was up in a damp and messy pony tail.

Putting on some lip gloss, Karli told him, "My brothers. They said that they couldn't be there all the time if I were being picked on. That and our father used to love boxing and just to be part of the family, I got into it too."

When they pulled up to a rough looking bar, Karli hesitated as she got out of the car after he opened the door for her, "Are you sure this place is OK?"

 

[silvertongue217]

“It may look a little rough but that is just part of it’s charm” Jack replied trying his best not to stare at her. He was once again forced to deal with the fact that the woman h was supposed to be building a case against was attractive….. actually beautiful was a much more apt description of her. She was the kind of girl rougher men would hoot and holler at and more gentlemanly ones would admire and check out from afar. He knew this wasn’t a movie that she of course would be some moustache twirling bald headed evil genius.

But it would have helped

“The bar keep’s an old friend” Jack said opening the door and lading her into an even rougher looking place. It was mostly empty since it wasn’t late enough for the regular drunks to have migrated in just yet. The ones who were there raised their glasses at him admiring the woman before turning back to their drinks and food.

“And he used to be a cook at a high end restaurant” He said leading her to a small booth “so what you get is a seedy bar with four star food”

“I take offense to that!” A man said dressed in a bikers outfit but sporting a chef’s hate “my food is at least five stars boyo!”

“Karli meet Elliot” Jack said nodding “I’ll take a Angry Orchard Elliot”

 

[zydrate]

Karli couldn't help but smile as Elliot spoke about the food. She instantly liked the man. He spoke his mind. She admired that.

"Hello Elliot." She said, smiling, "I'll have the same."

It was nice that bar wasn't too crowded. The jukebox in the corner was playing some rock tune and it was nice. Yeah, this was definitely not a place like Karli would ever hang out at by herself. In fact, her brothers would probably frown upon the fact that she was at a place like this.

"So, Jack.." she said after Elliot left, "Why do my brothers trust you?" She ask, deciding not to beat around the bush about this.

 

[silvertongue217]

“I don’t know if trust is the best word to use” Jack said shaking his head slightly and watching as his angry orchard was plopped onto the table. He took a swig and leaned back pretending to mull the question over “I have done a few sensitive jobs for them I think they mostly trust me because I am very dedicated to getting the job done I told them when they asked me if I minded protecting you I wouldn’t let any thing happen to you and I meant it”

Meant it because he had every intention of arresting her when the time came but he hadn’t let them in on that. Instead they bought his dedication it also helped that he was a better fighter than them (though they wouldn’t admit it).

“What do you think so far?” Jack asked raising an eyebrow and sipping his ale “am I still in the running so to speak” He said teasingly.

 

[zydrate]

"Still in the running?" Karli raised a brow and shrugged, "We'll see."

It wasn't like she had a choice anyway. This was just her way of delaying the inevitable with her brothers. There couldn't be internal conflict within the family because if that happened, it would show the others families that there was a weak spot and they might take advantage of it.

 

[silvertongue217]

“You know you don’t have to hire me” Jack said as if reading her thoughts “I mean your brothers might pitch a fit but you could blame it on me so to speak though I will warn you that even if you don’t hire me I will still be your body guard you just wont see me” He said ordering his usual food.

“Just some food for thought” He said finishing his beer and requesting another one with a wave of his hand.

 

[zydrate]

"So, you would intentionally stalk me?" Karli said, trying to make a joke.

"Seriously though," she said after she ordered the same thing. "I can't say I don't have a choice because I really do. I guess I just don't like the idea of someone putting their own life in front of mine because of my family. It's not all like the media makes it all seem. I know there were a few shady dealings in the past but I really am trying to change things."

But God, it was tough... she thought as she took another sip of her beer.

 

[silvertongue217]

“What do you mean change things” Jack said confused. He hadn’t heard this from the brothers they said it was all business as usual. There was no talk in their world about them getting out of the criminal enterprise as a matter of fact they wanted to expand! Which meant either she was talking about some thing else entirely or there was going to be a big family falling out.

“I heard from your brothers it was business as usual” Jack said leaning forward appraising her with new eyes. Did this girl really mean to get out of the family business? If so was she an asset instead of a collar?

 

[zydrate]

"Oh yeah?" Karli sighed and waved it off. She had said too much already. What the hell was wrong with her?! They had many rules with family business and one of them was not to let outsiders know too much!

Hell, she would pay for it if word got back to her brothers that she wanted to change things. She was personally tired of all this shit with her family but she needed time. And unfortunately, with the way things were going, time was one thing she didn't have!

"It's just talk, that's all." Luckily, she was saved when the food arrived.