Free Bodyguard: Ransom (Book 2) by Chris Bradford

his mum only received a report card for the standard subjects. His appraisals in the other topics, ranging from world affairs to unarmed combat to anti-ambush training, went direct to Colonel Black.
    ‘It’s difficult to explain,’ he admitted.
    ‘Oh …’ she said, a knowing tone entering her voice. ‘You mean, a girl?’
    Connor shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other and felt a flush fire his cheeks at his mum’s line of questioning. ‘No, nothing like that,’ he protested.
    ‘Listen, you can’t let girls distract you from your work,’ said his mum, ignoring his protest and thinking she knew better. ‘They’ll cause you enough trouble when you’re older.’
    Connor could think of two girls – Emily and Chloe – who
might
cause him trouble a lot sooner than that.
    ‘Can we talk about something else?’ he urged. ‘Like you. How are you doing, Mum?’
    ‘Oh, really well, thanks,’ she replied cheerily. ‘Improving day by day with Sally’s help.’
    Connor listened as his mum told him how her live-in carer had encouraged her to take vitamin D and do some light yoga exercises. This, along with a recent course of acupuncture, had really helped to ease her symptoms. However, all the while his mum talked, Connor could tell from the strain in her voice that she was putting on a brave front. As a sufferer of multiple sclerosis, his mum had difficulty with coordination and balance, was easily fatigued, and was often struck with numbness or grinding pain.
    Her condition, along with his ageing gran’s needs, had been the primary reason for Connor agreeing to join Buddyguard. In return for his service, Colonel Black had offered a complete care package for his mum and gran. Such health support was way beyond the financial reach of an unemployed army widow like his mother. And, at the time of the offer, his family was already struggling with basic day-to-day living costs. The colonel’s deal was a virtual godsend. But as part of the deal Connor couldn’t reveal to her his true role. The highly secretive Buddyguardorganization relied on the fact that few people knew of its existence, allowing teenagers like Connor to act as invisible defence shields for vulnerable and high-profile targets. Besides, his mother would probably be furious if she discovered he was following in his father’s footsteps – a path that might easily lead him to an early grave too. He didn’t like deceiving her about it one bit, but he
did
like seeing her cared for properly. It was a trade-off and one worth making.
    ‘I’m really glad to hear things are improving,’ said Connor, despite his deeper concerns for her. ‘Listen, I’m calling to let you know that I’ll be away on a sailing trip next month, so I might be out of contact for a bit.’
    During term time, Connor religiously rang home every week to check on his mum and gran, and he knew they both eagerly awaited his calls.
    ‘A
sailing
trip! You certainly lead an exciting life at this new school of yours,’ remarked his mum. Connor heard her relay the news to his gran and Sally before returning to the phone. ‘One thing, son, please take extra care. I don’t want you injuring yourself like last time.’
    ‘I will,’ said Connor, hoping the same himself. His mum had been led to believe that he’d hurt his leg falling off a mountain bike, the pretence necessary to keep his involvement in Buddyguard confidential.
    ‘Hold on, love, Sally’s calling me, but your gran wants a word. Speak again when you get back.’
    There was a clatter as the phone changed hands. ‘How’s my big man?’
    ‘Fine, Gran. And you?’
    ‘As fit as a fiddle and as right as rain,’ she replied brightly.
    Connor laughed; that was what she always said.
    His gran lowered her voice. ‘I know she won’t have told you, but your mum may have to go into a wheelchair soon.’
    ‘What?’ said Connor, stunned. ‘She said she was getting better.’
    ‘In some respects she is, and she