Her Hero Found

[zydrate]

(closed for BeachBum25)

Aubrey Daniels
Age: 18


It had been a little over 4 years ago when it had all happened. At the age of 14, Aubrey Daniels was kidnapped after a simple trip to a local carnival. The woman, her assigned caretaker at school, had been killed. Shot right between the eyes as Aubrey watched. But the other guy with them, James Reilly, Aubrey's personal bodyguard had been taken down but not killed...there was no time for that. They had gotten Aubrey and that was all they needed.

Although she had many other guards before James, Aubrey seemed to have opened up to James, both treating each other siblings rather than guard/assignment.

When Aubrey was taken, James had done everything he could to get Aubrey back and he succeeded. Yet, how was he repaid? By Aubrey's father telling him that his services were no longer needed and firing him the same day Aubrey was rescued...

Now, 4 years later, Aubrey was waiting in a hotel bar for James. Aubrey was 18 and grown up, ready to start college this coming fall but even after all this time, she never did get James out of her mind... He had made quite an impression on her and now that she found him, she wondered... would James be happy to see Aubrey?

 

[BeachBum25]

James Reilly
27

When Aubrey had been kidnapped he was only 22, but had spent 5 years in the military, the last two in special forces. Through a connection he made in the military, he was able to get a job as a bodyguard. It turned out that the job became very personal to him. Aubrey, ws a sweet kid, and she was easy to talk to. They became friends... actually closer than friends.

As he walked with Aubrey at the carnival, he saw her caretaker go down as the shot rang out. The fact that he turned to look for Aubrey probably saved his life. The shot intended for him hit him in the shoulder. It took him down, but didn't kill him. Unfortunately, He could not get up to save Aubrey. Not at that moment anyway. He committed himself to finding her, and he did... on his own.

When he brought Aubrey back to her father, he was told by her father to get out and not to return. He looked at Aubrey. They hugged, and then he was gone.

Now he went to the hotel bar. He was not sure why he was going there. Aubrey had made contact with him. He wasn't sure what her motive was. It had taken a long time to get her out of his mind. Now.....

 

[zydrate]

Aubrey's nervousness about meeting James had passed. Thanks to two glasses of wine. How she got the wine...well, flirting a bit with the bartender helped a lot...

Before she could think about it anymore, Aubrey saw him enter. That air of confidence still apparent in his stride. Although they were both a little older, he seemed to show it more, in a good way of course.

Aubrey stood to get his attention. She smiled when he turned her way. Oh how she wanted to run into his arms.

She was sure she was different of course, the last time he saw her, she was a teenager, almost an ugly duckling if you will... her glasses were gone, as were her braces, her long red hair fell in soft waves half way down her back and dress, a simple dark green cocktail dress with heels made her seem so much grown up...she could see the look in James' eyes when he saw her...

 

[BeachBum25]

James walked into the bar. It had been four years since he had seen Aubrey and in addition to not knowing what she wanted, he had no idea what she looked like. Damn, she was 18 now. He was certain she was enrolled at one of the best colleges or universities.

As soon as he laid eyes on her, he knew it was Aubrey. That face.... it had to be here, but damn had she grown up. She was beutiful, and the way she was dressed showed off her body...... get that thought out of your mind. This is the girl who you wer like a brother to.

He walked across the room to her. Walking up to her he said, "My someone certainly has grown up."

 

[zydrate]

Aubrey couldn't help but blush. She took James' hands into hers as she nodded, "Yeah, well, time happens to have that affect on people..." she told him shyly.

She couldn't stand it anymore and so she threw herself into James' arms, wrapping her own around his neck. Aubrey promised herself she wouldn't cry but right now, a few tears didn't hurt.

Pushing away, but not by much, she quickly wiped away her tears, laughing at the same time, "I'm sorry, it's just...I thought that night was the last time I'd ever see you again.."

 

[BeachBum25]

When Aubrey threw herself into his arms, he wrapped them around her and gave her a kiss on the cheek. It had taken him a long time to get over the fact that he couldn't see her anymore, and just when he thought he was over that, here she was.

When she backed up and wiped away a tear and told him she thought he would never see him again he smiled at her. "I didn't think we would see one another again kiddo. You look great."

They sat down at the bar, and he looked at her. "You have no idea how long it took me to get over not being able to see you. I have missed you Brey. So, tell me, what is new with you. Catch me up."

 

[zydrate]

Brey, she had to smile at that. No one else was ever allowed to call her that except him. Hell, her father didn't even call her that. "Catch you up? Well..." she nodded, trying to think where to start, "Well...I graduated high school last year...thanks to being home schooled, I didn't have a graduation, what else? I started college last fall and just finished up my freshman year so that means I'll be starting again soon, of course, all much to my father's displeasure but hey, I'm an adult now, another thing he hates since he can't control my life anymore, except make sure I stay safe."

"As you can see, I'm not alone..." With a look of her eyes, she guided James to her two new guards that her father had insisted she take with her...

"You are one hard person to find, I will give you that much..." she leaned her elbow on the bar top and rested her head in her hand, "What about you James, how's life treating you?"

 

[BeachBum25]

"Yea, I saw them when I walked in... not very subtle are they? Big college girl now, huh. Aren't you special?" he smiled at her. "You look great, Brey."

"Well, what is new with me? Not too much. Getting a good job in security has been difficult since your father took it upon himself to brand me as a loser. I have been bouncing around, taking odd jobs... doing things here and there." He didn't want to tell her that he had basically been working as a mercenary; a gun for hire throughout the world.

"So, tell me.... why is it that you have been looking for me? I can't believe daddy even let you meet with me. I would have figured he would have used the muscle over there to keep this meeting from ever happening."

 

[zydrate]

"Oh lord, don't mention my father...he's been so...on me since he found out about this. I wouldn't be surprised if these two would try to get me away from you earlier than I'd like..."

She got shy again and blushed when he said she looked great. "Thank you... and why did I look for you?" Aubrey bit her bottom lip, an old habit she had when she was caught red handed, "I guess because after all this time, I could never get you off my mind... I missed you James..I guess I always thought our departure was not complete.." she told him quietly.

Quickly, she changed the subject..."Hey, want to get some dinner?"

 

[BeachBum25]

"Some things never change. You still change the subject when it doesn't meet your agenda. Yea, why don't we get some dinner. It will give us some time to catch up."

James stood up and waited for Aubrey to walk in front of him. He placed his hand on the small of her back as she went by. Then he turned and winked at the bodyguards before following Aubrey out of the bar and toward the restaurant.

"So, daddy couldn't get you bodyguards that could be more conspicuous? Or is that the way he wants it?.... two big goons to scare everyone away from you"

 

[zydrate]

"So, daddy couldn't get you bodyguards that could be more conspicuous? Or is that the way he wants it?.... two big goons to scare everyone away from you"

"Not just everyone, mind you, any one... but it's come to a point, I just think of them as big dogs. They don't talk to me. They don't even speak english from what I gather. But, they are good at pushing me around a lot."

They were lead into the restaurant part of the hotel and given a seat right away. Thankfully, the two guards stayed way behind, but still in sight.

"There's not been anyone like you since...that time..." Aubrey was given a menu and when she asked what she wanted to drink, she told the waiter, "Another glass of white wine please." She told him with a smile and she noticed the look of distaste on James' face... he knew she wasn't old enough to drink but still, she could get what she wanted.

 

[BeachBum25]

"Brey, I never got a chance to tell you how sorry I was for what happened that day. Believe me, I wish I had been able to protect you better... and the caretaker...."

"I never blamed your father for what he did. I failed. I was just happy that I was able to get you back. That was all that ever mattered to me. As long as you were safe, I was happy. Obviously, using the goons has worked better than using me."

"I see you still get whatever you want.... still the spoiled little brat that you used to be." He smiled at her. It felt good to see that she was doing so well, although, now it would be hard to get her out of his mind again.

 

[zydrate]

Shaking her head, Aubrey reached over and put her hand on James', "No, James, don't...what happen, happened..." she swallowed hard, Aubrey hated to re-live that time when she was kidnapped. Not only because of what happened during but what happened afterward...

"I still don't know why it all went down but I am sorry you were fired...my father..." she shook her head, "Daddy's business is just really risky and as for these two guarding me better than you..no, Daddy makes sure they are changed out every two weeks...and he makes sure they don't speak english also.."

"If it weren't for you James, I wouldn't be alive today." Aubrey pointed out, her hand was still resting on his...

 

[BeachBum25]

He looked over the menu. All the while thinking about how hard it had been to get over her. Why did she do this? What was she up to? At one point he knew Aubrey better than anyone, and she never did anything just for the hell of it; she always had a plan. He was sure that hadn't changed.

After the waitress returned with Aubrey's wine and his iced tea they ordered their meals; his was a cobb salad with balsamic viniagrette dressing. People always made fun of him that he ate like a girl, but he was always concerned about eating right so that he could stay on top of his game.

"Brey, you need to tell me what this is about. I know you, or, at least, I knew you, and I know that something is up. You just don't make contact with me, just to say hi."

 

[zydrate]

Aubrey had dug into her penne shrimp dish, she loved pasta and never had a problem with keeping her weight in check so most time, she ate what ever she wanted...

As it had and was still having, the wine loosened up Aubrey a lot more and gave her the courage she needed to do this...

"Well, no use in beating a dead horse with a stick right?" She said with a nervous giggle, using an expression James had used a lot with her, "I...well, James..." she sat back in her chair and took a deep breath, "I was wondering if you would marry me."

 

[BeachBum25]

James sat there picking at his salad as he he watched Aubrey chowing down on her dinner. He wasn't happy that she was drinking, but that was none of his business.

When she asked her question he choked on his food. He was speechless, then he just laughed. After all, this had to be a joke. He was tempted to look around for the cameras... wondering if he was on Candid Camera.

"Real funny Bre. Once a jokester, always a jokester. Now, tell me why you really got in touch with me and wanted to meet me."

 

[zydrate]

She saw that he didn't take her seriously. With a frown, almost a pout, Aubrey made a face, "I am serious James..." Flipping her hair to one side, she steepled her hands in front of her, "OK, well...I should explain right?"

"My father has it in his head that he's going to marry me off to some airhead senator when I finish college. Now, I don't want that but as per usual, Daddy doesn't pay attention to me..." This time, she took a drink of her water, "I don't trust anyone but, I trust you James...please? I'm being completely serious here. If daddy finds that I'm already married, he'll leave me alone..."

Again, she pouted, hoping it worked on him as it did in the past, "Please?...I'll compensate you.."

 

[BeachBum25]

He saw her pouty face and wasn't sure if it was a ploy or if she was really upset. Then he listened to her explanation, and he new the pout was real, but he still couldn't speak.

"Oh, I will be compensated. Do I get to name my price? How am I supposed to support you? Thanks to your father it is impossible for me to get legitimate work. If I am married I can't continue to do what I am doing."

"There is one other thing you haven't thought of.... if we were to get married daddy would cut you off. Everything you have become accustomed to would be gone. Come on, you can find some college guy to marry you that won't result in daddy cutting his ties with you."

 

[zydrate]

"Well, you're wrong there. I have thought about it. Yes Daddy would cut me off but that's all right because I have my own money. It's only 10 million but it's something right? I will give you 8 million of that. Doesn't that sound fair?"

Aubrey continued, "Come on James, you told me never to plan anything without thinking it through. And I thought this through completely. As for marrying some college jerk, well, come, really? I figured I had more class than that... Please James?"

She noticed her guards talking and then coming toward her. "Please?" Aubrey grabbed her purse, knowing she'd have no choice to go, "I'm at the Bristol Hotel for a couple of more days...shit.." She stood, knowing she'd have no choice but to go. "Please James...losing everything I'm accustomed to is something I'm willing to let go.."

 

[BeachBum25]

James scribbled his latest cell phone number onto a napkin and handed it to her before her bodyguards led her away. "Call me tonight." He was not going to create a scene and take out the bodyguards... not yet anyway. That would happen if he needed to get Aubrey away from them.

James couldn't believe what was happening... it was surreal. Here was what had been his best friend, and a sister-like figure to him, asking him to marry her, and for that she would give him millions of dollars. What was going on here. It was more than wanting to get away from her father. he needed to figure out what.

He paid the check and walked out of the restaurant into the hotel lobby. Then he walked out onto the street and strolled around town for a little. He needed the fresh air to try to clear his head. He anxiously awaited Aubrey's call. he wanted some stright answers.

 

[zydrate]

It wasn't until around 2:30 AM that Aubrey finally called James...she had changed into a pair of jeans and a simple t-shirt, all high priced still, but it made her blend in with the crowd.

The crowd was some club downtown. Full of college kids partying like it was their last night on Earth... Aubrey was in the restroom where the music wasn't so loud but you could still feel the thumping of the bass through the walls.

She let it ring, which it did only once. That caught her off guard which made her studder a bit when he answered, "James? Can you come pick me up? I'm at some club called the Lotus. I had to get away from the guards, I can't give you directions becau-" Then...her phone was cut off.

Shit. Her father was aware of her leaving the hotel.

 

[BeachBum25]

James walked out of his hotel room and rode down the elevator. He walked to the parking garage where he had parked the rented SUV. He punched the name of the club into the GPS and follwed the directions.

He pulled up in front of the club and was approached by the valet. He told the guy that he was only going to be a second and told him to just leave the vehicle where it was. He tipped the valet and then headed for the bouncer. James asked the bouncer if 2 big goons had gone in. The bouncer told him they had just gone in. They had asked him about a girl.

James tipped the bouncer and headed into the club. He focused on his mission and put the thumping of the music out of his mind. He say Aubrey with the 2 guards on either side heading toward the front door. He assessed the situation and decided to execute a plan inside the club where there would be more confusion.

He approached the one guard from the side and delivered a forceful kick to the knee..... he could feel the ligments tearing as the guard crumbled to the ground. When the second one turned to him, James said to Aubrey, "There is an SUV parked right outside, get in it and I will be right there." Aubrey took off before the guard could grab her. James delivered a foot to the balls of guard number 2. When the guard buckled over, James' knee landed on his nose.

james took off toward the door. This wasn't what he had expected of his night, but, then again, nothing had ever been boring when it came to Aubrey. He jumped into the driver's seat and off they went. He wouldn't be able to use the SUV that long because he was certain that her daddy would lay out some money to get the tag number. They would have to ditch it somewhere and get find another way back to his hotel.

 

[zydrate]

Aubrey ran to the SUV as she was directed. She trusted James so she didn't question him... She ran past the bouncer, yelling at him as she ran by, "There's like a big ol' fight going on!"

Hopping into the passenger seat, Aubrey locked her door and turned in her seat, watching out for James or any thing else that seemed dangerous...

Then, just as she almost started to really worry, she saw James leaving the club at a fast jog.

She didn't say anything to him as he took off, but she knew he was going to question her about all this. She couldn't lie to him, he'd know...

"Oh my God, James, thank you so much...I-"

That's when he yelled at her. James yelled at Aubrey!

 

[BeachBum25]

"WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON AUBREY? WHAT KIND OF GAME ARE YOU PLYING HERE?" he yelled at her as he drove from the club. "I don't know what the hell is going on, but you better be straight with me or I am sending you back to daddy."

He pulled up to a corner about two blocks from his hotel. He got out of the SUV but left the keys in it and left it running. He walked around, opened her door, took Aubrey's hand, and led her down the street. When they got to the hotel, he walked up to the counter and spoke with the clerk on duty, asking her to call his room if anyone strange entered the hotel.

They rode up on the elevator. Jmes' jaw was stern. He had never before been mad at Aubrey. He certainly was now. When they entered the room, he closed the door behind them. "Ok, Bre, spill it. All of it."

 

[zydrate]

Aubrey still couldn't believe James yelled at her. She was in complete shock when he yanked her out of the SUV..but after that was all a blur...suddenly she realized they were in a hotel room.

She could only look at him and start crying. It wasn't a gesture to get sympathy but a time she realized that her world was crashing down on her.

"OK... just know one thing James, you cannot send me back to daddy." She told him tearfully.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Aubrey told him everything...how her father wasn't really her father and when he had found that out, he had made an agreement with those that had taken her that they could have her when she came of age and well...now she was.

Her father was going to sell use Aubrey as a payoff to the debt he owed.

"Which is why I thought it would be a good idea if we married that way he couldn't have any merit to giving me to them... I found out about all this just 3 weeks ago...on my birthday James! Who the hell gives their daughter up for paying off a debt?!" With that, she put her face in her hands and started to cry again.