Chapter 8:
Contemplation
Having just been given a thorough tour of
the arena where the Backstreet Boys were scheduled to play in a few days,
Xavier sat in the middle seats of the coliseum with the other bodyguards.
Watching the antics of the boys on stage, Xavier grimaced, then turned to
question another bodyguard sitting next to him.
"Are they like this all the
time?"
Eric Anderson, one of the original
bodyguards of the group, smiled. "Nah. You’ll find that they are pretty
professional on the whole. But they’re young, under a lot of pressure. It’s
tough on them and sometimes they need to let off a little steam."
Xavier nodding, looked down at the
paperwork at hand, then sneaked a peak at Eric’s. He frowned inwardly.
"Exactly whom do I guard?" he questioned Eric, trying to act
unconcerned.
Eric leaned over to study Xavier’s paper,
then pointed out the Backstreet Boy on the far left. "Him. Technically, we
guard them all during the concerts and such, but if we’re needed to guard
individually, we are assigned one on one."
Xavier gave an exaggerated sigh and Eric
looked at him inquiringly.
"What?"
"Well, I know this sounds stupid, but
would you mind switching guys with me?"
"Switch?"
"Yeah." Xavier gave an
embarrassed laugh and leaned over to whisper. "Ah... it’s my 10-year-old
niece. She has this major crush and I kinda promised…"
Eric grinned. "Sure, no problem. Got
a few nieces myself. Besides, I wouldn’t mind guarding the other anyway. He can
sure attract the type of broads I like." Eric nudged Xavier knowingly and
gave him a leering grin.
Xavier nodded and thanked Eric, relieved
that it was so easy to manipulate him. He turned his attention back to the
stage, watching intently. Nick and AJ had returned to the stage and the stage
manager, Sam, had decided to kill two birds with one stone. He made the guys practice
their singing as the mopped up. Headsets on and hands full of towels, they got
down on their knees, singing and wiping the floor. AJ tried to cheat by
standing up and moving his towel half-heartedly with his foot, until the rest
threatened to stop and make him do it all.
"Slave labor," he grumbled,
getting back down on his knees.
Fascinated, Xavier listened closely for
the first time to the harmonizing of the group, noticing the special bond they
had with one another. Xavier watched, making sure to give each one special
attention. As they began to sing individually Xavier tensed, looking closely at
the Backstreet Boy who was singing just now. He didn’t look much different than
his publicity shots. His mind went blank, taking in the wonderful voice. Xavier
felt disorientated, confused by the strange feeling he had when he looked at
him. He clenched his hands tightly, angered over the surprising reaction this
man evoked from him. Xavier pushed these thoughts and feelings away, not
wanting to dwell upon them. He knew what he was suppose to do, he had planned
for it, and nothing was going to stop him from getting what he wanted. Xavier
gazed at the singer before him. Yes, this was the one.
***
