The Prize

[Little_Lottie]

Sasha Hart was the next big thing. Since the age of 12, she had been an overnight sensation. Her first public appearance was a local talent show where she had won first place. And from there, it just seemed to skyrocket her fame.

Now, at the age of 18, she was going to be heading out on her first big tour where she would be head-lining it. The thing was, her tour would take her through Germany, the UK, China and then finally down to Austrailia with an over night detour in Cairo before heading back to the United States.

The tour was no trouble at all. The opening acts were booked as was the road crew. The only thing the record company had trouble with was the security. Sure, there was the rent-a-cops along the way but they could only do so much and really, they were not willing to risk their lives for anything.

And that was probably fine for some other act. But not for Sasha Hart. Her talent was true. She didn't sync any of her music, she didn't fake it, her music was real. It was a different than anything out there. Her voice was suited for just about anything, from Jazz to Blues to matching even some of the best 'pop' stars are there today.

That was why only the best was to be hired to take care of her, make sure she was well protected.

Of course rumor superceeded anything that wasn't remotely true. Some said that Sasha was a diva. Well, she wasn't. If anything, she was down to Earth, simple but because of those managing her career, they made sure the best was hired so she could sell....sell music and sell the label.

She was their star. She needed protection. Plain and simple.


((closed to Magistar26))

 

[Magister26]

Name: Benjamin Adams
Age: 30 years old
Height: 6'3
Hair: Short dark blonde hair
Eyes: Blue
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Benjamin Adams was a professional. He had been in the military and, at the end of his service, joined an agency specialized in the protection of important people. Ben was one of the best, always vigilant and calm, even in the hottest moment. The bodyguard had been affected to the security detachment of ministers, diplomats and businessmen, always receiving the best evaluation at the end of his contract. He had saved the life of three of his clients and was sent to the hospital twice for taking a bullet for them.

When he was called in his superior office that day, Benjamin knew he was about to receive another contract. He was curious to know who it would be this time? A southern American drug baron? An arabian prince? Ben did not care, it was a job and he would do it, whoever the client would be. He sat in front of his boss and after some small talk, the man, Byron, told him who the client was: Sasha Hart.

His first reaction was: "Who the fuck that is?" Then he realized it was some singer...a young girl supposedly gifted with immense talent. How come would she need protection? Crazy fans? An addiction that needed to be controlled? He grimaced, his stern face clearly showing his opposition to the idea.

"I am not a babysitter. How come they need us? Who would really try to hurt a singer who just became an adult? I mean I understand she's cute but seriously...."

Byron rubbed his hands and explained his decision. He seemed to be convinced that Ben was the good guy for the job. "Listen Ben, the girl's producers are paying us a HUGE amount of money for this....She'll travel for the first time outside of the US...and will move into hostile countries....They want the best guy for the job and a patient one....You are my best guy....Geez...you are a team on your own! I'll double your salary for this one...but think about it....The name of the agency will be everywhere!"

Benjamin understood he had no choice. The producers had found Byron's Achilles's heel: fame. He wanted his agency to be known and reputed. An association with one of the most famous star would certainly help that. When he left the office, Benjamin had negotiated an even larger salary and a new car.

The next day, he drove to the address indicated on his contract, ready to meet his new charge and her entourage. His patience was about to be tested...a lot.

 

[Little_Lottie]

"I told you that I don't need protection!" Sasha told Marty, her manager, the one who took care of her all this time, in the sense that he had been with her since the beginning of her career.

"Sasha, I told you, it's not a choice. The label wants you protected and they are paying good money for youru protection. We are going through very hostile territory and--"

"I know what you said but you know that doesn't mean I have to like it!!" In a small fit of defiance, Sasha crossed her arms under her breasts and tried to pout. Usually she was easy going and didn't pull these sort of 'acts'. But today, she felt she needed to.

It seemed there were a lot more restrictions on her since she turned 18--or perhaps they were more noticable because she was old enough to decide for herself for once. What ever the case may be, she still felt out of the loop about her career. 'They' were still making decisions for her, telling her what to do, how to dress, what to sing.

If they wanted a brat well, they would get a brat. Perhaps with that sort of attitude, the 'security' she was getting would get tired of her and just quit.

That was one way to do things. Get them to quit.

Yeah, she could do it.

Just then the doorbell rang, an announcement was made that someone was here for Marty. He looked at Sasha and gave her a look. "Please, be nice."

Sasha had dressed casually that morning, wearing a purple lacey top, almost see-through but it was designed in a way that it hid what needed to be hidden, and a pair of jeans that fit like second skin. She smirked at Marty, her arms still crossed, "Fine. We'll see."

 

[Magister26]

Ben walked in halfheartedly, knowing that his new charge would be a pain in the ass. He had read about her on the web to know her more. A good bodyguard always knew his charge, her likes, her dislikes...He would have to learn to anticipate her every moves...That would be tough considering that Sasha was until recently a teenager....unpredictable....even more since she was a star.

He shook the girl's manager's hand firmly and presenting his card. "Hello, I am Benjamin Adams from BPA, its a pleasure meeting you."

Rapidly, Ben had scanned the perimeter, analyzing the building and the possible danger it represented. The place was filled with dark corners and the windows were too large as well as probably not secured enough. He mentally took note of presenting a security plan to Marty as soon as he had a chance. He would also have to make inquiries about the staff. He had a few contacts in the police that could make searches for him.

Then, he set his eyes on his new charge. His first reaction was too think it was Sasha Hart's elder sister. All the pictures he had seen had depicted her as a teenager and obviously, the girl had grown up and transformed into a woman...and a beautiful one at that. Sasha clearly looked annoyed. It was obvious she were not interested in a babysitter either.

"Miss Hart, I'M Benjamin, your new security adviser. I will do my best to never interfere in your daily business but we will have to talk about establishing some routines for your own good. I am sure we will get along perfectly and don't worry, I am not here to tell you what to do...."

Ben wanted to make it clear that he resented the assignment as much as her but that if the would collaborate, maybe it would be easier...

 

[Little_Lottie]

"You're not here to tell me what to do yet you want to establish a routine for me?" She scoffed and shot Marty a look that said 'I told you so.'

"I already have a routine Mr. Adams and that is having no routine. My managers, especially Marty will give you a basic run down of my schedule on a daily basis because it changes so much and nothing is ever set in stone--"

"Uh, what she means is that I would be happy to go over everything for you," Marty piped in, trying not to let this get out of hand since he knew Sasha well enough. "Sasha, please?"

With a huff, Sasha turned on her heel, and stalked out of the room, not before shooting a look of disdain toward Benjamin. She didn't really hate him nor not like him since she just met him but he represented the reason he was here and it was because of the label.