Chapter 69 – "Farewells and Reconnections"
PRIVATE AIRFIELD – LOS ANGELES
The roar of Taylor Swift's private jet engines filled the private airfield as Grant walked alongside her to the aircraft's stairs. The night was still alive with the glow of Los Angeles in the background, but for Taylor, it was time to leave.
She wore a comfortable sweatshirt, quite different from the glittering costumes of the show. Her hair was pulled back in a casual bun, and her blue eyes reflected the tiredness of someone who had just performed for thousands of people.
Grant, ever professional, was in his usual position: slightly ahead, his eyes scanning the surrounding environment. Even there, in a secure location, his instincts wouldn't let him lower his guard.
When they reached the base of the jet's stairs, Taylor turned to him with a sincere smile.
— "Grant, I just want to thank you. I felt completely safe these past few days, and that made all the difference to me."
Grant nodded, maintaining a serious but cordial tone.
— "It was a pleasure working with you, Taylor. You have an incredible team, and it was a smooth job."
She laughed softly.
— "Smooth for you, maybe. But for me, knowing you were around was an immense relief. I've had some unpleasant experiences with obsessive fans and strange threats."
Grant knew that. The reason for his hiring was precisely the fact that a persistent stalker had tried to infiltrate one of her events weeks earlier.
— "It's part of the job to ensure that none of that gets near you."
Taylor looked at the jet for a moment and then turned her eyes back to Grant.
— "I would love to have you again in the future. I know people like you are in high demand, but if I ever need security for tours or events, you'll be my first choice."
Grant gave a small, rare, but genuine smile.
— "I appreciate that. If you need me, I'll be here." Taylor extended her hand, and Grant shook it firmly.
— "Have a good flight, Taylor."
— "Thank you, Grant. And seriously, tell your family I loved having them at the show."
— "I will."
Taylor climbed the stairs, waving one last time before entering the aircraft. Minutes later, the jet began to taxi down the runway, disappearing into the night sky.
Grant sighed, relieved at another successful job. Now, it was time to go home.
Arriving at his aunts' house, Grant discreetly parked his SUV in the driveway and got out of the vehicle, adjusting his jacket. The night was cool, and the lights of the house were all on.
Before he could even knock, the door opened, revealing Haley and Alex, who practically jumped out.
— "GRANT!" — Haley shouted.
— "You're back!" — Alex added.
They ran to hug him, and despite his trained instinct to maintain distance, Grant relaxed and returned his cousins' embrace.
— "Okay, okay, you two sound like fans meeting a celebrity."
— "IT'S NO WONDER!" — Haley exclaimed. "You spent DAYS with Taylor Swift! Do you have any idea what that means?!"
Before he could answer, Claire appeared at the door, smiling.
— "Let the boy breathe, girls. Come in, come in."
Grant entered the house, feeling the familiar warmth of the environment. His father, Mitchell, was sitting on the sofa, holding Lily in his lap, while Cameron was beside him, smiling proudly.
Gloria was in the kitchen, preparing something, but when she saw Grant, she immediately came to him.
— "My favorite soldier is back!"
She hugged him tightly, and Grant smiled.
— "Hi, Gloria. Good to see you too."
Mitchell stood up, still holding Lily.
— "Son, congratulations on the job. We saw everything on TV and at the show. You were impeccable." — "Thanks, Dad."
Cameron clapped his hands excitedly.
— "You helped Taylor Swift get on stage! Grant, that was so cool!"
Grant laughed.
— "Well, it was part of the job."
Lily, who was still small, looked at him with bright eyes.
— "Grant, you're so cool!"
He smiled and ruffled her hair.
— "Thank you, little one."
They went to the living room, where everyone settled down, ready to hear Grant's stories.
— "Okay, now tell us." — Claire said, crossing her arms. "What's Taylor Swift like backstage?"
Haley and Alex leaned forward, clearly curious.
Grant thought for a moment before answering.
— "She's extremely professional and organized. And a really nice person. She cares about the team, treats everyone well, and is much funnier than you'd imagine."
Haley sighed.
— "Oh my God, so she really is perfect."
Alex agreed.
— "That just proves I've always been right to be a fan of hers."
Gloria laughed.
— "She seemed very grateful to have you as her security. That's rare to see in celebrities."
Grant nodded.
— "She was very respectful to me and the whole team. I didn't have any problems, it was a very smooth job."
Claire narrowed her eyes, as if trying to figure something out.
— "And does she really write all her own songs?"
Grant laughed.
— "Claire, I'm not a journalist. I was her security guard, not a spy."
Everyone laughed.
After some time talking and sharing stories, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Gloria brought some drinks, and everyone settled in more comfortably.
Mitchell observed Grant, noticing that, despite all the professionalism, he seemed comfortable there, with the family.
— "And now? What's the next job?"
Grant shrugged.
— "I don't know yet. But, the way things are going, it shouldn't be long before another client shows up."
Haley and Alex exchanged excited glances.
— "I hope it's another celebrity!"
— "Who knows?" Grant said, picking up a glass of water and leaning back on the sofa.
He didn't know exactly what would come next, but for now, he was happy to be home, surrounded by those who truly mattered.
Chapter 70 – Protecting a Billionaire
SENTINEL SECURITY HEADQUARTERS – LOS ANGELES
Sentinel Security's office was located in the heart of Los Angeles, in a modern and discreet building. Grant arrived early that morning, as always, wearing his professional attire: black cargo pants, a fitted t-shirt, and a discreet tactical blazer. His weapon was in a concealed holster at his waist, and a robust watch adorned his wrist.
As soon as he entered the lobby, he went straight to the executive floor, where Mercer was already waiting for him in his office. The CEO of Sentinel was a former Delta Force member, like Grant, and always valued efficiency and discretion.
— "Good morning, Tucker." — Mercer said, looking at Grant with a slight smile.
— "Good morning, boss." — Grant replied, sitting in the chair in front of the desk.
— "We have a new client for you. This time, it's not a pop star or a Hollywood actor."
Grant raised an eyebrow, curious.
— "Who is it?"
Mercer slid a tablet across the desk, showing the familiar face of Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Meta.
— "Zuckerberg?"
— "Exactly. He will be in Los Angeles for a few days for meetings, events, and private engagements. His security team requested reinforcements, and guess who was recommended?"
Grant let out a slight sigh, picking up the tablet and analyzing the job details.
— "I've never worked with him before, but I imagine the security is high-level."
— "Certainly." — Mercer confirmed. "He already has his own team, but they want someone with your experience to handle specific situations. You will be in charge of his personal security during travel and public events."
Grant analyzed the schedule on the tablet.
— "How many days?"
— "Four. He arrives this afternoon and stays until the end of the week."
Grant nodded.
— "Okay. I'll review the security plans and prepare for the first meeting with him."
— "Great." — Mercer said, standing up and shaking Grant's hand. "Do what you do best."
Grant picked up his briefcase and left the room, ready for another job.
Zuckerberg's security team was already positioned at the airfield when Grant arrived. He wore sunglasses and maintained a firm posture, observing every detail of the location. The billionaire's private jet landed smoothly, and as soon as the engines slowed down, the team prepared themselves.
A black armored SUV awaited near the runway. Grant positioned himself next to the vehicle, alongside two members of Zuckerberg's permanent security team.
The jet door opened, and Mark Zuckerberg descended the stairs, accompanied by his wife, Priscilla Chan, and two assistants. He wore a gray sweatshirt and jeans, typical attire for him, appearing casual but always maintaining an air of seriousness.
Grant approached and extended his hand.
— "Mr. Zuckerberg, I'm Grant Tucker-Pritchett, your personal security for the next few days."
Zuckerberg shook his hand quickly, analyzing Grant with a curious look.
— "Nice to meet you, Grant. I'm told you have an impressive background."
— "I do my job to the best of my ability."
Zuckerberg simply nodded and headed to the SUV. As soon as he got in, Grant closed the door and went to the passenger seat, while the convoy prepared to leave.
Zuckerberg's first engagement in Los Angeles was a private dinner with investors and Silicon Valley executives. The event would take place in a sophisticated restaurant, and Grant had already inspected the location hours earlier.
He maintained his position beside the CEO as he walked through the restaurant, attentive to any suspicious behavior around him.
During dinner, Grant remained close, observing every entrance and exit of the room. The night was quiet, without incident, and soon Zuckerberg was ready to return to the hotel.
On the way back, inside the SUV, Zuckerberg broke the silence.
— "Were you in the Army?"
— "Yes."
— "Which unit?"
Grant hesitated for a second. — "Rangers."
Zuckerberg smiled slightly.
— "And then?"
Grant kept his gaze fixed on the road ahead.
— "Then I did other jobs."
Zuckerberg realized he didn't want to go into detail and simply nodded.
— "Well, thank you for your professionalism so far."
— "Just doing my job."
The next day, Grant accompanied Zuckerberg to the Meta building in Los Angeles. The location was highly secure, but Grant remained alert. He positioned himself strategically inside the meeting room, ensuring that no one approached without authorization.
While waiting outside the room, one of the Meta executives approached him.
— "Are you Zuckerberg's security guard?"
— "Yes."
— "I heard you're ex-military."
— "That's right."
— "Is working in private security very different from what you did before?"
Grant smiled slightly.
— "The difference is that now, my client doesn't shoot back."
The executive laughed and patted Grant on the shoulder before returning to the meeting room.
On the third day, Zuckerberg decided to visit an innovation center in Los Angeles. Media attention increased, and Grant knew the risk was higher in open environments.
Upon arrival, journalists and onlookers crowded around, trying to get closer. Grant remained by Zuckerberg's side the entire time, blocking any attempts to invade his personal space.
At one point, a man tried to approach aggressively, holding a cell phone and shouting something.
Grant reacted immediately, positioning himself between the man and Zuckerberg, firmly but non-violently pushing him away.
The security team intervened, quickly removing the individual.
Zuckerberg looked at Grant, impressed.
— "You're quick."
— "It's part of the job."
On the last day, Zuckerberg had a flight scheduled back to Palo Alto. On the way to the airfield, he spoke directly to Grant.
— "You do an impeccable job. Sentinel has good professionals, but you're on another level."
— "Thank you for the recognition."
— "If you need anything in the future, get in touch."
Grant simply nodded, maintaining his professional demeanor.
When they arrived at the airfield, Zuckerberg shook his hand again before boarding.
The jet took off, and Grant let out a slight sigh. Another job successfully completed.
Now, it was time to see what the future held.
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