THR33 DIFFERENT WOMEN. Part 26.

It took more persuasion to get Tanni to come out of her bolt hole. The first breakthrough came when she opened the hatch. Jay took out the rest of his family photos. There was one of Liz that was perfect. Taken without her knowledge she looked fantastic. The two of them passed the pictures back and forth through the small opening. Eventually she hesitantly came out to get a better look. The two of them sitting with their backs against the wall as they chatted. He still didn't have a plan. It seemed to be working. He had an old one of Dale, taken back when they'd been studying together. Before Jay had dropped out of college to become an international jet setter for a few months.

"Your friend? Did he have an accident?"
"No. He was born with a spinal condition that meant he couldn't walk."
Tianni looked up at him. Even up this close those eyes were dark. Near black. She passed the photograph back, rubbing at her nose with the heel of her palm. It was pretty dusty in her hideout.
"Why didn't you say anything?"
Her question had him floundering. What did she mean? Maybe it was the fact the wheelchair was the first thing most people would mention.
"I say he's in a wheelchair. It means nothing really. It doesn't tell you who he was. It doesn't let you know the man was an absolute genius. That he was one of the best friends I ever had. Not that I knew it at the time. You've got two arms and lovely dark brown eyes. I expect there are thousands of little girls around here who have them. They might not be as pretty, but it doesn't mean a lot."
"My mummy was beautiful."
"Do you have any pictures of her?"
It was the way the conversation was flowing. As the words came out of him, Jay held his breath at what might be another stupid mistake. One that could trigger an even worse reaction.
"Yes, but they're locked away. All the ones in the family rooms are covered. Some were removed. I don't think grandpa can handle it. He's not been the same since mum and grandma died."
This little mite had been in that car when it was torn apart by the IED. Only her and the driver survived. He'd had life changing injuries.
"You shouldn't feel guilty about it you know Tianni. None of this is your fault."
Two large tears slid, unnoticed, from those glistening eyes.
"We used to talk all the time. Now nobody does. Grandpa just sits in his rooms staring into space. He only ever smiles at me, even that hurts him. Leilani, my auntie, she left Tuvah last year. I don't think she's ever coming back. Grandpa misses her so much. So do I. She was my best friend. Now I don't even recognize her."
That was either sweet or tragic. Possibly both at the same time. It suggested this visit to the States was some kind of rapprochement between the niece and aunt.
"These pictures, do you know where the key is? I'd like to put faces to these names. Or is that too much to ask?"
Tianni regarded him suspiciously, taking a swift peep at her hidden lair.
"Are you trying to get me away from here so I can't hide again?"
"I could pick you up and carry you wherever I want, and there's nothing you could do to stop me." He responded in an attempt to illustrate he had no ulterior motive
"I could get Miles to kill you. All I have to do is ask."
"I don't think you'd even have to ask. He doesn't like me. What happened to my predecessors by the way?"
Tianni giggled. Jay wasn't entirely sure why, or even comfortable with this. If she was happy, he'd let it be for now. Best not to act unless she showed signs of becoming a sociopath.
"They don't tell me these things Mr Livingston. All I did was make life impossible for them, then they disappeared. I'll go with you, but you mustn't tell Miss Boyle about my den."
It was a risk. He was here to protect her from harm, not become Tianni's best buddy. That didn't mean they couldn't be friends.
"She already knows about it."
The young girl frowned at him as they rose to their feet.
"There are other places she doesn't know about. I'll use them now this one's been compromised."
He reached out to hold her hand. She clasped it. This was good. Unexpected, but good.
"Compromised? Have you been spending too much time with Miles? Sounds like something he might say."
"He and Shania are the only ones who really talk to me. All the others just tiptoe around. He was in the SAS. Do you know about them?"
"Enough to try very hard not to upset him." Leading him by the hand, Tianni set off, at the precise moment Miles and Miss Boyle appeared. The governess' pace increasing greatly. "Oh shit. Have you got any hiding places I can get into?"
"You'll be fine. Miles won't do anything while there are witnesses."
"Surprisingly I don't find that the least bit comforting. What about Miss Boyle, please don't tell her I swore."
She squeezed his hand with a chuckle.
"Thank you Mr Livingston."
"No need to thank me Tianni. You could call me Jay though. That's what Jacob does."
The youngster looked up at him as the governess drew closer at speed.
"He doesn't call you uncle?"
"Only when his mom's around."
The lady was upon them. With about twenty different emotions passing over her face in quick succession.
"Is everything alright?" She asked the child ignoring Jay.
"Yes thank you Miss Boyle. I'm taking Jay to see some pictures of my parents and grandma."
Her professional eyes skewered him.
"I don't think that would be advisable. It might bring back bad memories."
Captain Rogers had arrived, he coughed. The governess looked at him, Miles nodded. She still didn't look fully persuaded.
"It might bring back good memories." Jay suggested.
Another quick look at the head of security.
"Alright. I'd like to speak with you at the first opportunity Mr Livingston. In fact I'd like a quick word now if I may. Tiani could you give us a minute in private."
The princess looked up at Jay questioningly.
"Sixty seconds is all we can give you."
Miles escorted Tianni a discrete distance away, out of hearing. Tianni imitating his military bearing.
"This is only the first step Mr Livingston. There's a long way to go. There are no instant cures for the psychological harm she's suffered"
"I promise I'll take care of her as if she was my own flesh and blood."
"I know. That's why they hired you."

The vital first hurdle had been cleared. Over time they'd encounter many more hurdles and a few seemingly insurmountable mountains. They'd get over all of them. Eventually. Things like this couldn't be hurried. The two disparate persons had bonded, that was what actually mattered. They spent the rest of the day together. Looking over those pictures they'd locked away from view. Jay feeling ashamed he'd judged this little lady, based purely on preconceived prejudices and opinions. They certainly were a good looking bunch. Tianni's mother was breathtaking, her sister suffering by comparison, though she would have stood out in most crowds. The portraits, or posed photos, were okay. It was those taken more casually which showed the family in its true light. The love shining out at him.

Miss Boyle took Tianni off for her bath before bedtime. The housekeeper, a man, showed Jay to his rooms. They were quite impressive. He had his own quarters with bedroom, bathroom and living area. There was also a small office. The bed was comfortable. After a mentally tiring day he found no difficulty sleeping. Waking at six, as usual. Jay sat up and nearly had a heart attack. Miles was sitting there watching him. His face expressionless.

"That's funny, I could have sworn I locked the door."
"You did. As head of security I have a master key. I've got keys for everything."
Oh, right. This was intended to be a warning of some sort.
"Assuming you aren't here for conjugal purposes, I doubt I'm your type. To what do I owe this undoubted honor?"
He tossed Jay a holstered pistol.
"Glock G19. 15 round magazine. When you are away from the official residence you will wear it at all times. Within the residence you will keep it somewhere easily accessible to you and no one else. In a little over a week we will be leaving for Washington DC. In those states which allow and require a concealed carry permit, one will be obtained for you."
"What about the states that don't allow concealed carry?"
"Conceal it. I don't give a fuck about any laws that get between me and my job. I don't give a fuck about you either. My first, second and third priorities are the safety of the family. You did alright yesterday. You might be up to the job. I need to make one thing clear. Should any harm befall Tianni, while she is in your care, I will ensure the last few days of your worthless life are as excruciatingly painful as I can make them. Do you understand?"
Unless he was very much mistaken the warning had been delivered.
"Yes Captain Rogers, I understand." Miles stood up abruptly, heading out the bedroom door. "Thanks, but aren't you going to kiss me good bye?"
The grin didn't look as happy as he'd hoped it would.
"No, but if Tianni so much as scratches her knee or breaks a nail, I promise you can kiss your ass goodbye with my blessing."