“Before you start arguing your side, can I please finish?”
Crossing her arms, she said, “Go ahead.”
Mentally, steeling himself, he dropped the bomb. “This year we are changing the guards early.”
Gasping horrified. “Why?”
“I have my reasons,” he said in a firm unrelenting tone.
“May I know why?”
“No!” he snapped. “The new guards will arrive tomorrow.”
Trapped! Darn it! New arrivals mean, I would have to study them from scratch. “So soon, is it necessary?”
“Yes.” Watching different emotions play on her face. She didn’t seem pleased, but still he hoped. “Can you please give them a break?” He practically pleaded, knowing she had made life very difficult in the past. “I have employed more guards this year,” he said matter-of-fact. “It’s for your own good.”
“Oh, come on! This is ridiculous! One hijacking and a kidnapping isn’t worth all the fuss!”
His insides knotted. If only you knew, he thought guilt ridden; these incidents were staged to keep you home, safe. I can never reveal the real reason. Lives will be jeopardized.
“Alexandra,” he began stern, “I expect you to follow the three most important rules to the letter. One, sneaking out is forbidden. Two, no giving the new guards a run for their money. Last, but not least, take an extra guard. It is vital.”