Body Guard

(( Could I borrow control of Jules for a post? It'll be a small thing! But I should be able to finish my post with him getting injured. ))

((yes, by all means, go right ahead!))

I sucked in a breath as I heard her voice. I really heard her voice. "CODY! CODY BEHIND THE-" It was such a short blurb. And yet it told me so much. First that she was alive, second a location. And as I snapped my gaze towards the food stands I sprinted over, vaulting over a counter and out the back of the tent. I did a double take towards the van and the men scrambling to get inside.

Everything seemed to freeze in that moment. The van was about 50 yards. I could cover that distance in less than six seconds. That was a lot of time in the moment. They could get inside the van. It was already running. And what would I do if I got there? They had the advantage of being inside by then. My other option was to pull my gun. But if I pulled my weapon I'd never make the run before they could get off. 50 yards was the limit of accurate range of my weapon. Jules was probably in the van. If I missed I could hit her.

The choice was made in an instant. I planted my feet and drew my weapon. Letting out a breath I took aim and made a mental tally of the rounds I had left. 10...

Two rounds slammed one of the men into the van, clutching at his shoulder.

8...

One of them stopped and started to turn towards me, hands starting to pull out a weapon himself. A trio of rounds dropped him and shattered the passenger window beside him.

5...

I started to walk towards the van with my weapon drawn. A figure climbed into the drivers seat, someone I could see through the open window.

3...

His brains were splattered across the driver side door. And by now I had covered half the distance just by walking. Another step and I stopped as a voice yelled out. "Stop! Put down your gun or the girl gets it!" The door to the van was thrown open revealing a man clutching Jules with a gun pressed to her head. "Down! Now!"

I kept my gun trained on them for a moment before lowering it slightly. "Jules look at me okay." I spoke only to her, even as the man yelled and threatened to shoot her. "It's going to be okay." MY lips quirked into a smile. "I promise you. Just close your eyes and it will all be alright."

The fear in her wide eyes broke my heart, but my voice had the desired effect. She calmed a little. And she closed her eyes. To her credit she didn't do more then whimper as a pair of shots rang out and the mans blood and brain splattered against her.

I hadn't been quick enough and as her eyes opened she gasped in horror as I had dropped to my knees, clutching at my chest. "CODY!" She rushed over as I groaned and coughed.

"I'm alright." MY voice was raspy and I pulled my hand away to reveal the bullet lodged within my vest. I barely had a chance to drag in a breath even through the pain when I felt her all but tackle me with her arms thrown around my neck.

I blinked as the breath was knocked from my lungs. "Careful...ple-" I cut off my words and sucked in a breath. The first man I'd shot was picking up the gun the second man had dropped. I forced Jules around, putting myself between her and him with my back towards the man. I still had my gun in my hand and awkwardly fired twice but not before the man's weapon coughed out a wild spray of bullets.

"One..." I murmured out loud as I let my pistol fall from my fingers. Pulling back from Jules I looked her over and for all the blood on her, and what might have been minor cuts or bruises she looked fine.

"I'm glad...you are alright..." I murmured as I gently touched the side of her face. A ripple of a spasm traveled up my body and I coughed. I blinked a couple of times as her image wavered slightly. The screams of people beyond the stands was growing quieter, replaced by a slow pounding. It wasn't until I slumped over from the bullets that had ripped through the back of my vest that I realized the pounding was my own heartbeat.

Julie:
I watched in a sort of horrified silence as Cody's eyes became unfocused. I was frozen in my spot until he started swaying and then slumped over. I caught him around the waist, but he was too heavy for me to hold up and we both fell to our knees.

"Cody!" I heard myself yell as I tried to sit him up. I held him up with my body and used my hands to sup his face so I could look at him. "Hey! Come on! Keep your eyes open!' I yelled. I watched his eyes roll back a little before they shut and I let a sob escape.

"Someone call 911!" I heard someone shout.

When I stopped being able to hold him, I laid him down carefully on the group and used shaking, blood covered hands to wipe the hair off his forehead. I was aware on some level that I was in full hysteric at this point, but it was like I had no control over it. I didn't know what to do. It felt like he was slipping away from me and I had no way to stop it

Minutes or hours later I felt someone touch my shoulder. "Ma'am you need to let him go. Step back." A voice said. I didn't listen, didn't even react like I had heard the mans voice and after another moment, I felt arms wrap around my waist to gently pull me away. "No! Let me go! Cody!" I screamed and thrashes, much like I had when I was being put in the van, except this time, the hands released me and turned me around to face them. It was Duncan.

"Listen sweet-pea, you have to let them help. They're only trying to help, okay? Calm down, its all gonna be alright..." He kept whispering calming thing until I looked over and saw a group of paramedics working furiously over Codys body. They started loading him onto a stretcher and when I saw the pool of blood left behind of the concrete, I started sobbing again.

Duncan wrapped his arms around me in a hug, crushing me to his chest and I thought maybe he was also doing it so I couldn't look anymore. Couldnt see how Codys bloody hair stuck to the back on his neck, or see his lifeless hand flop off the side of the stretcher.

I was vaugely aware of Duncan talking to someone over my head. "Get Ben to the safe house, and get me someone from Codys team. NOW." I felt his large hands gently stroking my hair. I took a second to feel grateful that Ben was alive and with his security team. He was fine.

I heard commotion around me, police radios and sirens. Duncan started talking again but I tuned it out until I felt him shake me gently.

"Sweet-pea, this is Greg. You might have seen him around, hes from Codys team. We're gonna take you to the hospital and check you out, okay?" He said everything very gently, like I might fall apart. To his credit, I felt like I might.

I was already shaking me head. "No no no, I cant-" I hiccuped around my tears. "I can't leave him." I finished.

"Well where do you think they're taking him?" He said, walking me gently away from the ambulance that was loading Cody up. "I'm sure if you get done with your check up quickly, we could get an update that much faster." He kept walking as he was talking and I knew he was placating me. It was working.

Greg followed behind us, but he never interrupted. As far as I could tell, Greg was going to be my guard from our security team and Duncan was tagging along because he clearly felt bad for me. I must look like a mess

He got me into a police car without any protest. As far as I could tell, we were going to where Cody was and I wouldnt complain about that.

I sat silently until he pulled the car up to the doors of the hospital and I only got out when he opened my door and helped me. It was like I was on autopilot. I couldn't even fathom the idea that Cody was gone, so I didn't even let myself think it. He had to be okay. He was always okay.

I didn't say a word throughout my examination. I let a nurse clean the blood off my hands but as soon as I was given a clear, I was out of my seat and on a hunt for the front desk.

"Hey, hey, no running off. You're not gonna find him like that. You stay close to me, or we bring you right back home. As it is, Codys gonna kick my ass when he wakes up that I dont have you under lock and key already." Duncan caught up to my quickly and gave me a stern look. I wasn't one to bite the hand of whoever was feeding me so I didnt put up a fight and after a moment, he put his phone to his ear.

When he hung up again, after not saying more than "She's still okay." and "Right here" and "Okay...yeah", he glanced back at Greg and told him a letter, followed by three numbers. It was a room number, I was sure of it.

Duncan put an arm around my back and led me to a chair to sit down. He kneeled in front of me. "Now, listen Sweet-pea. Cody is still in surgery, and even when he gets out, its gonna be a long while before he can have any visitors." I didnt wait for him to finish.

"I'm staying."

Duncan nodded and looked up at Greg who also nodded. Greg walked a few steps away and pulled out his phone. Duncan stood up and then took the seat next to me. "Well get settled in, we're gonna be here a while."

Mr Hale:

In all my years of this job I'd seen good men die and get hurt. Innocent people too. I was trained for that, better than most, and I had the added benefit of not showing what I was thinking or feeling even in the worst of situations. And even in the company of a woman I respected almost more than anyone in the world my composure broke for just a moment when I got the call. I'd been in the middle of taking a sip of coffee when the mug slipped from my fingers.

My long time friend and boss was in the next room in the middle of a meeting with some of his staunchest allies to talk about the campaign preparations. Talk I cared little for, and that I knew he hated to have interrupted. But when I shoved open the door even he took pause.

"Meeting is over."

"Jackson, what's going o-"

"Michael." I cut him off and his brows shot up. Even in the middle of a crisis when he was being stubborn as a mule and I was trying to save his life I still called him sir. The number of times I used his first name could be counted on both hands in the many years we'd been together. "We need to go."

To his credit he nodded, excusing himself from the crowd and joining me as I turned to leave. "What happened Jack? Is my daughter okay?"

"She's alright. Perhaps a bit bruised and traumatized. She's at the hospital now."

"An attack?"

"An attempted kidnapping. I don't have all the parameters yet." In truth I hadn't asked. Another sign I wasn't in my right frame of mind. "We are going to the hospital." My voice caught on the final word and he grabbed my arm to search my face.

I could see the realization dawning on him. "Cody?" He asked softly to which I could only shake my head.

When I found my voice we were in the car, "He was shot. In surgery right now."

The drive wasn't a long one and I regained my composure by the time we arrived. A brief call and I led the way to where Julie, Greg, and Duncan were waiting.

Julie:
I spent what felt like forever in the waiting room chairs when Greg cleared his throat from his spot, standing a couple feet from me seat. He was an older man, probably in his early forties. He had a mustache that was greying and he looked like he meant business. When I looked up at him, he nodded towards the door and stood up as soon as I saw my father, rushing in with Cody's dad right behind him.

I ran towards him and he opened his arms as soon as I was close enough to jump into them. I started crying again and I felt him rub my back. The nurse had cleaned up whatever blood she could while she was bandaging me up but I knew I still had dirt in my hair and bruised face. My skirt was torn and my sleeve was ripped. I knew I couldn't look that good.

I took a step back from my father and turned to face Mr. Hale. He was harder to look at. An overwhelming sense of guilty washed over me and I put a hand up to cover my mouth to stop another sob. "I'm...so sorry!" I told him, trying to keep my voice down.

Mr Hale:

I searched her face a moment then nodded. Gesturing towards the chairs I went over and sat down. "It's not your fault Julie. I know it's not." There was nothing we could do anymore but wait. I pulled out my phone and took care of business, like dismissing Duncan to return to Ben who had made it back to the manor safely. He paused beside me and set a hand on my shoulder. "For what it's worth sir. I saw the aftermath of what he did. You should be proud of him."

I nodded up at him then went back to waiting. It was several hours before a doctor came in. I stood immediately and introduced myself as his father. Pulling the man aside I listened to the diagnosis before turning to the group. "He made it out of surgery. They have him sleeping on the forth floor. Room 41. We can check in on him, but they aren't expecting him to wake up until tomorrow. Jules if you want to head up I need to have a word with your father."

Julie:
I had never stood up more quickly in my life. If I had walked any faster towards the elevator, I would have been running. Greg pushed away from the wall to follow me and I heard his heavy footsteps behind me as I repeatedly smashed the button for the elevator. "Miss, you know that doesn't make it go any faster..." I heard Gregs grumbled voice but I ignored him.

When we finally got on, I hit the button for the fourth floor and anxiously tapped my foot until the doors opened again. I was back to a near sprint and then I stopped abruptly outside of room 41. I hesitated with my hand on the door knob, afraid of what I was going to see when I went inside.

"I'll be right out here Miss." Greg said, gently. I looked over at him and nodded before stepping inside by myself.

My eyes fell on his still form and I took very careful steps, like I was afraid I was gonna wake him up. I fell into the chair by his bed and took one of his hands in mine. "Hey. I think that was the longest I've gone without seeing you," I whispered to him, hoping that maybe on some level he might be able to hear me. I took my free hand and gently brushed his hair away from his face. It was getting floppy. "You need a haircut." I told him, feeling myself getting choked up again. I sighed and let myself feel the first bits of relief that I had felt in hours.

Michael:
I watched my daughter practically run to the elevator without asking questions and I nodded at Greg to follow her before I turned to my friend.

"What is it Jack?" I asked. What could possibly be more important than getting to his son?

Mr Hale:

"You need to call your lawyers." I had my gaze on the door Julie had just all but fled through. Letting out a slow sigh I turned to look at him. "Cody can no longer fulfill his contract. You and I both know what this means...he has to be fired and deal with all the repercussions."

Turning towards one of the chairs I dropped down heavily onto it and rubbed my face with both hands. "His spine was hit. There is a chance my son will never be able to walk again." I hung my head a moment then looked up at him.

Michael had always been more of the stickler on these rules of ours. Or at least he had been back when we were young. Cody wasn't going to be able to serve Jules anymore. It was never a fair contract both myself and my son had signed. But Cody was too young still. I had my late wife's life insurance as my fallout. A termination of contract left nothing for us. Sometimes the protection of the Devin family was revoked too. Crimes came to light, hit men had been hired before, they were left with nothing and broken down.

I didn't think Michael would go that far, but we still had some rules we couldn't break.

Julie:
I spent a long time just looking at his chest go up and down, thankful more than anything that he was still breathing. I realized that it had been a while since I had come up here and Mr. Hale hadn't come yet. I decided not to worry about it until there was something to worry about.

I kept one of his hands in mine the whole time and the other one ran through his hair, softly stroking the only part of him that I felt confident wouldn't cause pain.

I wanted to tell him how lucky I am that he was there today...or really hot lucky I was that he was in my life at all but I wanted him to be awake to hear it.

"I'm really sorry that we've been weird these last few days. I should made more of an effort to talk to you about what happened. I've decided your contract excuse is pretty dumb, just so you know." I rambled on, almost glad he couldnt actually hear me.

"If I had fixed things with you sooner, you wouldnt be laying here..."


Michael:
I sighed and mulled over what he had just said for a few moments before I turned to the man that had never let me down before. "Jack... don't worry yourself over the contract right now. Go worry about your son." I told him. I would have to call my lawyers, but the young man who saved my daughters life would have to come first for now.

Jack:

I stood then. "Alright." Swallowing I looked towards the elevator. It took me a moment to get my feet moving. And I paused in the doorway of his room when I arrived. "He's still sleeping?" I asked Jules before going over to the bed. "Lazy bones ain't he? But I suppose we both can let him get away with it this once."

I sat down on the edge of the bed and sighed. "Can I ask a favor of you Jules?"

Julie:
When the door opened, I sat up a little and let my fingers fall away from his hair as I looked up. Mr. Hale came in and sat on the bed. I kept Cody's hand in mine and looked back down at him with a small smile when his father started poking fun at him for being lazy.

When he asked for a favor, I looked back at him, confused. "Of course, Mr. Hale." I said. "Anything you need." Whatever it was, it was the least I could do for getting his son hurt.

Mr Hale:

I smiled gently, "Make sure you take care of yourself alright? Let's both not give him anymore to worry about." I decided against mentioning just what he had to worry about. I chatted with her a little bit after that, but Cody didn't show any signs of stirring.

Cody:

I woke with a gasp, eyes wide as I gazed around the room.I coughed as the pain started to hit me. Dull aches running up my spine. Slightly sharper pain from every breath. The room at first seemed empty, but as I took a look around my eyes settled on a woman sitting beside the bed idly flipping through a magazine.

"About time you woke up Cody." The woman's voice was accented, exotic even, about as timeless as her face. It took me several moments to place her face as she leaned forward. "You've put quite a few people in all sorts of fits. But that's what I liked about you."

"Madam Yu." I rasped out only to have a finger pressed over my lips.

Leaning back she set aside the magazine. "Save your energy for healing. I suspect your friend will be here soon. But first there is a rather bullheaded lawyer outside that needs to speak to you."

"How long have I been out?"

"A full day. They suspected two. But you were always too strong willed to know what's good for you. Still, from what I've seen even though you've failed what I've taught you...she is a lovely girl and probably worth it." Sighing the woman stood and brushed a few locks of hair from my face. "I am proud of you Cody. You did your job above and beyond. I saw the crime scene yesterday, followed your brass, even watched a tape of it. You were amazing. My favorite student."

"Jule-"

"She's fine. You did well. More worried about you than anything else. I watched them all but drag her out of here late last night. Had to bribe her away with a hot shower and the promise of bringing her back bright and early. It was cute."

Stepping towards the door she paused and looked back at me. "When you recover, come find me again. I'll have to start from the beginning, but you can learn so much more."

After she left a man I recognized as Mr Devin's lawyer marched in but my eyes remained locked on the door.

Madam Yu:

I hummed softly as I stood in the hallway, taking a moment to pull my ponytail around where I could play with the end. A solitary ding turned my gaze towards the elevator. Brushing a hand down my skirt to smooth it out I smiled faintly at the young woman who stepped out.

"You must be Julie. I've been wanting to meet you."

Julie:
Last night, when my father came up to tell me it was time to go home, I almost threw a fit. "I'm staying until he wakes up." I said, setting my mouth in a hard line that I hoped meant business.

He sighed and shook his head. "Julie, honey, you've been here for hours. You need to sleep and have something to eat. Those bandages have to be changed and you could use a nice warm shower," he was being gentle with me, probably seeing that I was on the verge of yet another complete meltdown at the thought of leaving.

I looked over at Mr. Hale and decided that he deserved some time alone with Cody and that I was being selfish, monopolizing the only chair in the room. I sniffled but reluctantly nodded as I got up. I leaned up, not really caring that I had an audience and softly kissed Cody on the cheek. "See you tomorrow." I whispered.

When I got back home, I didn't eat, but i did shower and change the bandages that were on my arms and legs. My eye was bruised, but there as nothing I could do about that. When it came time for bed, I went to the guest room and slept in Codys bed.

The next morning, earlier than I had ever gotten up, I got dressed in a pair of jeans and sweatshirt, preparing for a day sitting at the hospital, waiting for Cody to wake up. They estimated it would probably be at least another full day, but I could be patient if it meant he was okay.

Greg was with me again today and I tried to smile at him as he helped me from my room to hte car and then to the hospital. He wasn't much of a talker, but this morning, I appreciated it. I was anxious to get upstairs when we arrived at the hospital and I wasn't paying attention to the women standing outside his door until she said my name.

"You must be Julie. I've been wanting to meet you."

I paused and couldnt place her face. I immediately took a step back and locked eyes with Greg. He understood without me having to communicate it. I didn't know who this women was.

"I'm sorry. Who are you?" I asked, hesitantly.

Madam Yu:

"Oh you do have some instincts in you." I gave the man a once over then dismissed him with a glance. "But there is no need for you to hide behind your bodyguard. I only wish to speak."

Even as I spoke the man moved closer, placing himself partially before Julie. "Be careful. I do bite. But not this one." When he didn't back off I sighed and looked to the girl again. "I am the one who made Cody what he is. His father too. Let's play nice."

Julie:
I looked at her through narrowed eyes and crossed my arms over my chest. Just the fact that she was standing outside Codys door had be intrigued.

"Alright. What can I do for you, mysterious lady?" I asked. I didnt tell Greg to back off, but I did put a hand on his arm so I could stand next to him instead of behind him. "I dont want to be rude, but I'm kinda of in a hurry," I told her. I looked behind her to the door, wishing I could see a glimpse of Cody.

Madam Yu:

"He's in the middle of something dear. Legal things. I hate lawyers. But I suppose they have uses sometimes." Clasping my hands before me I smiled. "He is awake though. Let your father's toad finish up and he's yours."

I glanced towards the half closed door then back to her. "I was hoping to spend more time talking with you. Get to know the girl who broke my favorite pupil. But I dont think you will wait long enough for us to have this chat."

"So instead I'll give you some advice because you so desperately need it. Take the time to actually learn about him. With the head on his shoulders and the instincts to follow through...he could have done so much more. You've cost him such chances. Make sure that he has a future still will you?" I stepped aside then still with the small smile on my lips. "Oh. Before I forget. Thank Jackson for his hospitality for me. And tell him to not be such a busy body all the time. Least he can do is write to his teacher too."

Julie:
My heart jumped into my throat when she said that Cody was awake. I immediately took a step forward to run into his room but then her other words caught up. "Lawyers?" I mumbled. She kept talking.

Her words did nothing except confuse me even more. I'll admit, it hit a little hard when she said I broke Cody, but I couldnt break down again. Not if he was awake. What opportunities was she talking about? Whatever they were, as soon as Cody was feeling better, he could do them. I would make sure of it.

When she ended her little speech, it was like a lightbulb went off in my head. "Teacher? You're Madam Yu?" I asked, but it came out like more of a statement. I remembered Cody talking about her when we were younger. I shook my head looked back at the door. "I wish I had more time to talk, but....I really just cant right now." I told her. I stepped around her and turned once more. "It was nice to meet you!" I said, clearly in a hurry, not wanting to forget my manners. Then I burst into Codys room

There was a man there in a suit, clearly the lawyer. I ignored him and looked for Cody. His eyes were open, a sight I hadn't realized I needed so badly. I was torn between running and giving him the biggest hug I could and walking back out to let him finish whatever meeting was so important it had to be the second he woke up. I pressed my lips together in an impatient line. "I'm sorry...for interrupting. I just...they said you were awake and..Uh...actually I'm not really that sorry..." I rambled.

Cody:

I stared at the papers in front of me. Set on a tray. I'd dreamed before about getting out of this life. Being just a normal person instead of shouldering some family obligation over the past several centuries. And yet as the way out lay right before me I found myself hesitating.

"M-miss Devin! This is a private legal matter please step out!"

"It's fine." It took Jule's voice to push me into sign the papers. And after I did so I shoved the tray away from myself and closed my eyes.

"Then I shall file these. They take affect now however." Turning the rather hefty man looked to Jules, "You shouldn't be here anymore Miss Devin. I wont force you to leave, but I shall certainly have a word with your father over the matter."

After he was gone I sighed.

Julie:
I wanted to ask what he signed. I wanted to ask why I wasn't supposed to be here. I wanted to run over and hug him. I wanted to kiss him.

I stayed planted in my spot by the door.

"H-how are you feeling?' I asked, feeling stupid. I suddenly didn't know how to act. I wasn't sure if he was upset with me for getting him hurt, for not telling him where I was going, for going to an amusement park, of all places...the list went on. "Are you in pain? Do you want me to get a nurse? The nurse that has been taking care of you if kinda old and grumpy, but she brought you extra pillows..." I realized I was rambling again, which I tended to do when I was nervous.

"I'm not comfortable...definitely feel like I've been shot...trying to come to terms with my situation while ignoring it." I laughed weakly. "And you sound as nervous as a deer." I shook my head. "I haven't seen a doctor yet at all. Don't know if they know I'm awake or not."

Shifting on the bed I grimaced and sucked in a breath. "Shit."

Turning my head I took a good long look at her for the first time. "Well. You've looked better."

Julie:
I walked further into the room and sat down on the chair next to his bed. "You really know how to make a girl feel good, Cody," I said, sarcastically. I reached my hand down under the sheet on the right side of his bed and pulled out a remote.

"If you need help, hit the big red button. Someone will come." I told him, setting it back down where he could reach it.

I sighed and looked at him. He looked tired. And in pain.

I bit my lip and looked up a his monitor. I didnt know what anything meant, but I could hear the steady beeping of his heart and it was comforting. "So...how mad are you?" I asked.

"I try. Remarkably it's easy to be sarcastic when breathing hurts." I frowned for a moment gazing down at the remote she'd pulled out. I picked it up and ran my thumb over the button for a moment before pushing it. I wasn't going to let pride get in the way of refusing help.

I kept my eyes on the button as she asked her question. "Extremely. Mad that you'd do something so stupid. Mad that you scared me. Mad that I was dumb enough to get hurt. Mad that I got fired." I huffed a soft bitter laugh. "Frankly the list is extensive."

Julie:
I winced as he began his list of reasons why he was mad. Each one was more valid than the next and I hung my head in shame that it was all my fault.

"Cody, I didn't know that you weren't with-" I stopped and snapped my head up to meet his eyes. "What did you just say?" I asked, sliding to the edge of my seat. "What do you mean you got fired?" I asked, not believing my ears.

"I got fired." I swallowed and closed my eyes. "I'm not all that surprised...if...if I think I'm right...I'd fire me too. I won't be able to protect you anymore." I couldn't help the tears of frustration that started welling up. A sense of wrongness had prevaded since I woke up and it was all coming together just now. "I cant...I can't feel my legs very well Jules..."