Quick Glance

From WritersBuild

Three, two, one HAPPY NEW YEAR! With the band playing, balloons dropping, couples dancing and screaming with joy it was almost impossible to hear yourself think. After my third unsuccessful attempt at signaling to my partner, Mitch, I decided to belly my way through the dance floor over to his vantage point. What the hell was he looking at? I thought as I made my way to the bird nest. That is what we call our lookout points. Tonight it's bird nest 1, by the big glass window portion of the dance floor; bird nest 2, just off stage left to the bandstand; and my primary location, bird nest 3, by the kitchen entrance. Bird nest 3 gives me the only unobstructed view of the entire room.

approaching Mitch Hey Mitch what's going on?

Mitch waves Chuck over without a word Take a look over there just behind the pool. What do you see?

At 5'6", Mitch is not an intimidating creature but he has an ability to notice even the smallest detail out of place anywhere we're at.

looking at the pool through one of the big windows at bird nest 1 Looks like the boss talking to one of the guests.

Look again, that's no guest.

What am I looking for.

Think about it. Why is the boss outside by the pool at midnight missing the party and talking to someone dressed in jeans and a t-shirt?. That is no guest.

I see what you mean. You stay here, Mitch, and keep your eye on the boss. I am going to give him the "Your wanted on the phone" speech so I can get a closer look at this guy.

Chuck works his way outside and approaches Mr. Kincade on the far side of the pool Hey boss there is someone for you on the phone. scratches head with left hand

Before the boss answered, I realized that I had seen this character before. It was just six days ago at the airport. As the boss was checking in some bags, I noticed this guy looking at his daughter, Kate, a stunning 19 year old redhead, the spitting image of her mother who died one year ago today. Before I could get to him, he disappeared in a crowd of people.

Now there is something you must know about me. I am a nice guy even though my towering 7'2" stature does worry a lot of people. I quietly perform my duties as a bodyguard and rearly do I get red in the face. If you want me to go postal, disrespect Kate. I was with Kate's mother, Alexandria, when her private jet crashed moments after taking off in bad weather from Santa Monica Airport near Los Angeles. I still have a scar on my left hand from her fingernails digging into me as we hit the water. Last thing I remember was a brief glance from Mrs. Kincade who whispered,"Take care of Katie". I was in the hospital for nine weeks and was the only survivor. With all that behind me, I'll be damned if anyone even looks wrong at that girl.

rubbing his hands together as I approached Tell whom ever it is on the phone that I will call them back tomorrow.

OK boss, I'll do that right away. turns and walks back inside quickly flashing a subtle hand signal to Mitch Now for a little explanation. When I scratched my head, it was a signal to the boss to find out if everything was OK. In turn, he had 2 possible signals back. If everything was fine, he would adjust his belt. You get the picture.

both working their way through the dance floor crowd Mitch, don't look so obvious.

exiting through a side door Which was Chuck?

You move out to the driveway and I am going back to the pool down this walkway.

both move out quickly