As Athena sat a distance away from Yehezkel, she leaned her head against the window glass and watched as tall trees zoomed past.
"We leave at noon for Norway" Yehezkel announced.
"Mm" she agreed.
"Everything we need for camping is ready in Norway" he paused, "Is there anything more you would like?"
"Hm" she thought before turning to him, "For our food, why don't we catch them and get it done during our camping instead of already done meals?"
"Athena love" Yehezkel called, "Do you cook?"
"No, but- "
"Do I cook?"
"No"
The car grew silent for a short minute but before Athena could speak up in another round of defense,
"Wonderful" Yehezkel concluded the discussion "Let's not get ahead of ourselves"
"-But" Athena spoke up softly, "What would be the point of camping, if, everything we needed to do to guarantee a successful camping trip would be done for us while we just walk in and walk out?"
Yehezkel sighed "It's one night to watch stars Athena", "We aren't going there to survive the wild"
"Urgh" she groaned and turned to look out the window, "You don't get me, nor my point"
"I do" he turned to see the reflection of her face against the window and couldn't help but smile at her frustrated pout.
"But" he added, "Realistically -and logically, we can't set up a tent ourselves much less do we know how to catch a fish or what not".
Yehezkel watched as Athena made a thoughtful face, seemingly considering his words and so he continued, "Since its only going to be a night, why not make it a comfortable one for us both, yes?"
She sighed, "We can at least try, right?"
"Of course" he exclaimed warmly, "Let's make effort where effort is due", "When it results fruitless, I will be there to make things available, is that ok?"
Athena finally flashed a small smile,
"Wont you try with me?"
Yehezkel turned to meet her smiling eyes, "No"
Quickly, her smile faded into an annoyed expression before turning away to look out the window once again.
He smiled, but for a second.
The car soon drove into a path that led to Athena's house.
"Well," she unbuckled her seat belt, "This is my stop"
"Mm"
"I'll wrap thing up at work before noon" she spoke as she got off "Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow" Yehezkel gave a small smile and a short wave as he watched Athena shut the car door and walk away.
He glanced about her house for a short minute.
There weren't guards, and although he knew the area was protected and somewhat secluded, he couldn't help but feel anxious. If he was going to go ahead with his plan for her, then she needed some sort of protection, at least before she leaves.
Maybe, this was a situation that needed Cathalina's intervention.
The car drove over to his home.
Before the van with both Cathalina and her assistant could drive off, he quickly called for her presence.
Standing at the front porch, he watched her hop out of the van and over to him,
"Sir?"
"I'll need you to deploy a few of your team for Athena, my sister"
"Sir, our manpower is trained and dedicated for your protection, splitting a few from us will produce a slight inadequacy in our efforts"
"I understand" he began, "But has there been problems as of late?", "This request will be valid for a short while and surely there will be a regrouping"
"Sir" Cathalina called before he could walk away, "What would I happen to say if something happens to you in this short while and I am to give a report back", "Please sir, let me contact our Head to deploy a specific team of bodyguards just for her"
"Is your team so weak and inefficient?" he waited for her answer
"No sir"
"Then do as I say", "If you desire an increase in pay, it will be granted- "
"Sir" she interrupted abruptly, "Please do not speak of us in that manner, we care about our clients and work hard for them irrespective of pay"
Yehezkel scoffed, "Then do as your client suggests" he said last and walked away.
He knew she cared and was only concerned but this was his sister and besides, it wasn't supposed to be a big deal, deploy at least 3 and get a move on to the next thing.
If anything, he already had a lot of bodyguards before they came along but those bodyguards worked for the family and not just for him. From a young age, he had more bodyguards than Athena and he understood the reason behind the special treatment. They both did.
This time, it was Athena's turn to be protected and he promised himself to do his best, at least for her.
…
Cathalina bit back her words and swallowed down her shame.
One thing she despised among all other things was when there was an attempt to trample upon the integrity of the group.
She knew how hard they worked and how much they were hard working. Yes, they had yet been able to show their skills and prowess in the face of danger but irrespective they, didn't wish danger on their client.
Yehezkel didn't know, she didn't blame him.
Just as one of his friends said, they were men of wealth, status and responsibilities and so their cares and concerns were different but, she was the captain of Delta 14 and her priority was her team, then the client.
Anything that threatened to harm them or cause them to be inefficient was a redundancy but now, she was torn between her team and her client.
The answer was inevitable.
Hoping into the van, she sat quietly as the vehicle went into motion.
"Are you alright" Nick spoke as he watched her shifted countenance.
She nodded and said nothing.
"When we get back" he leaned forward, "Just take a nice warm shower and you'll be fine"
She nodded again,
"And before I'm done, prepare everyone, I have an announcement to make"
Nick finally understood. She must have been pushed to make a decision she didn't want, which set her in her current mood.
"Sure" he assured her with a small smile.