“Working as Cassie’s bodyguard will give you a chance to get better acquainted.”
Hone grunted.
“You play guitar. Rehearse with her. You might need the additional cover, especially if the venue organizers have hired security already. If you can help with her act that gives you a legitimate excuse to be near her onstage.”
Hone saw the sense in his father’s suggestion. “I’ll ask her.”
“Your mother will be pleased.”
“Dad, I repeat. I’ve known her for two days.”
“I knew your mother for one.”
“You were childhood friends.”
“But I didn’t meet her again until we were in our early twenties,” George countered.
Hone grimaced, having heard the story hundreds of times. “Please don’t tell her anything.”
“Too late,” George said. “June has told Irene about Cassie. She was gloating about the wonderful woman Manu had found. Your mother will want to do some rejoicing of her own.”
“Auntie June will lose her temper,” Hone predicted. “It won’t end well.”
“You’re right,” his father said. “We’ll wait. Besides we have the confidentiality agreement now. I won’t say anything until this is over.”
Hone rolled his shoulders and stood. “I hope we’re overreacting.”
“You don’t think so.”
“I don’t know, but I’ll feel better when Cassie has finished her concerts. I could ask Manu to do a flyover of her property once he is sure his cloaking device is officially working. He said he wanted to do more tests.”
“We’re lucky to have Manu,” his father said. “The boy has talent and strong leadership skills. He’ll be a worthy successor once June decides to pass the mantle.”
“Our people underrate him,” Hone said. “I flew with him the other night. There were no alarms or alerts from pilots or bystanders. His invention works. It’s almost ready for market.”
His father tapped his pen. “Manu rang me. We discussed marketing and checking backgrounds on those who wish to buy units. He wants to check his device in different weather conditions. He said your flight was clear, but he wants to run tests in rain and fog.”
“I didn’t think of that. I guess I’d better get moving.”
“Have Janice swap around your jobs. I’ll tell her not to schedule you for anything for the next few weeks.”
A tap sounded on the door, and when Hone opened it, Cassie stood there. “I forgot to ask for a quote. I mightn’t be able to afford your services.”
“We’ll give you the family rate since you’re Emma’s friend.” His father named a ridiculously cheap rate. “I also expect a signed CD of your latest album. You still have CDs or is your music only available online?”
“I’ll have some sent to you,” Cassie promised. “Thank you.”
“Nice to meet you, Cassie. Hone, text me Cassie’s number. I want you to check in with me morning and night. Call if you need support. I can send Emma or Jack to give you a break.”
“Will do. Where to first?” he asked Cassie.
“I’ll check out of the motel. There is no way I can stay there now without having nightmares. Will June be okay about it?”
“I’ll ring her,” his father volunteered. “She’ll want to beef up her security anyway.”
“Thanks, Dad. I’ll talk to you tonight.” He ushered Cassie from the office. “Do you need more paint?”
“If you’re helping me—yes. I’ll need more brushes and another paint roller as well.”
