Bears really did like their honey.
* * * *
Leon kept a careful watch on his surroundings as he pulled up in front of the address he'd been given for George Carver. It wasn't the worst neighborhood he'd ever been, but it wasn't the best either.
Still, he made sure he took everything with him when he climbed out of his rental car. Most everything he'd need was on his body in some manner. He just had a few changes of clothes in his duffel bag. If this assignment took more than a few days, he might have to send for more stuff.
Leon locked the door then headed inside the three-story grey brick building. He could feel eyes on him with each step he took. He just wasn't sure if it was someone watching George, or simply a curious neighbor.
It didn't matter one way or the other. It wouldn't change how Leon did things. Until he knew better, he was in hyper-awareness mode. Anything and everything could be a threat, including people.
Leon took the stairs up instead of the elevator. He didn't like enclosed places like that. It hampered his ability to fight when he needed to. He preferred not to fight if he didn't have to, but he would when called upon to defend either himself or his client.
When he reached the third floor, Leon walked down the narrow corridor to apartment 3B. He cocked his head and listened for a moment. The low murmur of voices coming from inside told him George was not alone.
Leon smirked. Well, this should be interesting. He raised his hand and knocked. The voices stopped instantly. Despite reading the file on George, when the door opened, he was momentarily stunned by the sheer size of the man in front of him.
The massive man frowned as he looked down at Leon. "Can I—"
Crap!
"Hi, babe," Leon said quickly, and loudly. If anyone was listening, he wanted them to hear him. "Sorry I'm late. I got caught up at work."
George's dark brown eyes rounded. "Uh…"
"George." Leon dramatically rolled his eyes. "Are you going to let me in or not?"
"Do I know you?"
"Of course you know me."
George's eyes narrowed. "We've met?"
"George."
"I'm sorry. I just don't remember." A soft flush filled George's cheeks. "I tend to forget things sometimes."
Leon gave George his best seductive look. "Well, I obviously haven't been doing things right if you can forget me."
"Uh…"
"Are you going to let me in, or do I have to stand out here in the hallway all night long?"
"Oh, um…" George glanced over his shoulder.
A moment later, another man pushed George out of the way and stepped right up to Leon, which, considering how big George was, had to be no easy feat. "Who are you?"
Leon sighed heavily. "Seriously, Ford?"
He saw surprise flash in the man's eyes for a moment before they narrowed. "Look, dude, I don't know you. George doesn't know you. You need to leave."
"Of course you know me, Ford. We were introduced by your father, who is an old army buddy of my boss."
Ford's eyes widened, and then he stepped back. "Oh yeah, I remember you now."
"I should hope so." Leon pushed past Ford and stepped into the apartment. He took a moment to quickly scan the interior, looking for every possible hiding spot and escape route. There weren't a lot. It just wasn't that big of an apartment.
When the door closed behind him, Leon turned. He quickly held up his hand when Ford started to open his mouth. He knew the man had questions, but it was more important that Leon made sure George was safe. He could answer any questions after that.
"Is there a back door on this place or a fire escape?"
Still frowning, Ford pointed toward the kitchen. "There's a fire escape off the kitchen window."
Leon dropped his duffle bag on the floor then made his way into the kitchen. He was impressed with how clean the space was. Hell, the entire apartment. It wasn't OCD clean, but it was close.
He checked the window that led out to the fire escape. He wasn't thrilled with the placement, but a better lock might help. The one there looked rusted as all hell. Leon would be thrilled if George would allow him to put bars on the window, but he doubted that would happen. Not many people were comfortable living in a place that resembled a prison.
George and Ford were standing right behind him when Leon turned around. He smiled and held out his hand to George. "Hi, I'm Leon de Oro, your new boyfriend."
