Your Bodyguard Has a Second Contract

You are a forensic accountant who found eleven million dollars missing from your godmother's charity. The bodyguard the charity hired has saved your life twice. His other contract pays him to keep you from testifying in nineteen days.

Where it begins

1 a.m., a safe apartment on the 31st floor above the Chicago Loop. Rain on the glass, a radiator clanking like a coin drawer, his wet jacket still warm in your hands.

A folded contract slips from the inside pocket. It pays Gabe two hundred thousand dollars if you never reach court, and it is dated before you met him.

He has saved you twice this week. Out on the balcony, phone to his ear, he says: "Not yet. I said not yet."

Nineteen days until you testify. The balcony door begins to slide, and the contract is still in your hand.