"And a lot means?" He wanted to know what he was working with here. Just how much protection did this guy need?
"One point six billion dollars."
Leon's jaw dropped. "Did you say billion, with a B?"
He had to be sure.
Gareth nodded. "Now you see why he needs protection."
This guy didn't need protection. He needed a whole fucking army, and he could afford one with that amount of money.
"Why give me the assignment?"
"I was asked for my best, and that's you."
"No, I mean, why isn't this guy getting an entire team of guys? Why not send everyone? Why just me?"
"Because we need this to be low key. The less people who know who you are and why you are there, the better."
Leon got a funny feeling in his gut. "And that means what?"
Gareth looked him straight in the eyes and said, "You're going in as this guy's boyfriend."
Fucker.
Gareth knew he was gay, but he'd never used it before. Why now? "Is he even gay?"
"He is now." Gareth handed over a large manila folder. "This is everything you need to know about the client. Memorize it then bring the file back to me so I can put it in the safe."
Leon glanced toward the large double doors on the far wall. They were made of ten inches of hardened steel and a biometrics security lock. Gareth kept all his important information in there, locked behind those large double doors.
Leon had never understood why Gareth didn't use a computer for that. Gareth usually went off about security and hacking and other crap. Leon tended to zone out after a while. He'd rather play with Gareth's gadgets.
Leon took the file then stood. "How soon do I need to report?"
He needed to know if he had time to run home and take a shower, and maybe get in a nap.
"Yesterday would be good."
Well, damn.
"I want a sit-rep every twelve hours. Understood?"
Leon frowned at the unexpected order. They didn't usually have to check in more than every few days depending on the assignment. "Yes, sir."
"This mission is very important, de Oro. I expect your best on it."
"Of course, sir."
Leon was a little put out that Gareth thought he might not give his best on any assignment he was sent on. He always did. Besides the fact that it paid well and he enjoyed the hell out of what he did, he owed Gareth. He would never let the man down by not giving every assignment his very best.
"I'll call just as soon as I arrive and assess the situation."
Gareth nodded. "I'll be waiting for your phone call."
Leon took the file and walked out of Gareth's office. He'd been headed home when Gareth called out to him. As much as he wanted to continue heading home, he knew he needed to read over the file the boss man had given him then give it back.
That meant coffee, and lots of it.
