"Well, it's my job right now that you don't face the dangers alone, with or without the curse."
"Thank you."
"Unnecessary. I'm doing my job."
Ashley shook her head. "No, really, Chevy. Nobody else other than you has shared in my troubles yet." She felt her eyes moisten.
"I don't understand why you did not ask Jake about his tiff with the Zetelica," Guiscard asked, changing the subject.
"It's complicated."
Guiscard sighed. "Understood."
They had almost reached Macintosh Square.
Ashley went over the day's plan, the most significant of which was Guiscard's plan to catch the masked men. He had an intricate scheme in which she was supposed to be bait. She had been uncomfortable at first, but later agreed to it.
It would be set into motion when she would go shopping in the evening with Tessa. The latter had been going cranky, anyway.
The best way to soothe a billionaire heiress' nerves is to take her shopping and have her spend lavishly. Of course, Tessa would make sure her brother never knew who she was hanging out with.
The duo turned a corner, and Macintosh Square came into view.
Harry Doyle leaned on the bonnet of his old Toyota Prius, smoking a cigarette. He was a middle-aged man with greying hair and a beer belly. Dressed in a characteristic shabby suit and a worn-out hat, Doyle stubbed out the bud as he saw the duo approach.
"How are ya, doll?" he asked in his raspy, annoying voice. His stare creeped Ashley out. A shiver ran up her spine—deja vu.
"You're prettier than in the photo," he added, expecting a response.
Guiscard narrowed his eyes, approached him, and patted him down.
"Whoa whoa, touchy-feely on the first date, mister?" Doyle exclaimed. "First, take me out to dinner."
Guiscard produced a swiss mini-gun from the old man's coat.
"Hey, that's for self-defense and regretfully unloaded at the moment. I have more people after my life than you can imagine."
"It's okay, Harry," Ashley said with amusement. "He means no harm."
"I understand, doll. I'd rather have you check me, if you know what I mean."
Ashley sighed and asked, "Who is after you? Creditors?"
"Umm, yeah. Among other people."
"Chevy, I think he is harmless. Could you give us a moment?"
"I agree he is harmless," Guiscard said passively. "I'll be around, out of sight."
"Thanks." Ashley watched her bodyguard walk away and mingle in the crowds.
"Who is this tall, dark, handsome drink? Looks foreign."
"He's Chevalier de Guiscard. My bodyguard."
"Bodyguard, eh? The world's not as safe as it used to be in the old days."
Ashley handed over a file to Doyle.
"Scarlet Palmer and Mary Palmer. My stepmother and step Sister."
"I know who they are, doll. What do you want from me?"
"I want you to dig up dirt on them. And quickly."
Doyle whistled as he rifled through the file. "These are whales. And I am a small fisherman. You do know your family is the 2nd richest in Norwich, right, doll? If I snoop around them, I will end up killed or incarcerated."
Ashley crossed her arms. "Are you saying you won't do it?"
"I'm saying there's a tremendous risk involved. And where there is a risk of this proportion, I charge double.".
"How much?"
"Ten grand."
"Done. How soon can you get me dirt on them?"
"Err... Let's say a month."
"I'll give you twenty grand if you get me something tangible by the end of next week."
Doyle whistled again and tapped his ring on the bonnet of his car regarding Ashley.
"I will do it. But no backsies, doll. Twenty grand is the price."
"We have a deal."
Doyle gave Ashley a mock salute and turned to go.
"By the way, Harry?"
"Yes, doll?"
“Leah Uhtceare Evegaca. Does that mean anything to you?"
"Sounds like old folksy English."
"Do you know what it means?"
"Sorry, doll, I don't. I heard of this Professor at Norwich University who teaches old American English. Maybe he can help?"
"Thanks. I'll contact him. Sounds like a lead."
She handed him an envelope. "Here's five grand. An advance."
"Ah, my creditors will be happy," Doyle said, grinning with browned stained teeth. His eyes sparkled when he counted the money. "I'll get in touch as soon as I get your dirt, doll." He tipped his hat and slipped into a passing crowd.
Ashley turned around to see Guiscard walking towards her, his eyes scanning the area every few seconds. She looked at him, and a sense of warmth spread around her. 'If only he'd take me in his arms and-"
Ding! Ashley's message tone chirped. She retrieved the phone from her bag and unlocked it.
ELIJAH WOOD ATTORNEY ~ Miss Palmer, I will be pleased to represent you in your fight against your family. Let's meet for lunch.
Ashley sent a short reply and smiled to herself. "We need to take a detour, Chevy," she told her bodyguard.
Things were finally going her way.