Being a Star (Isn't Easy)
Chapter One
Author's Notes: Famous is a new (as far as I know)
universe that I created. It will be open, when this story is finished.
This story is dedicated to all of the readers that have provided me with
feedback on my other stories, especially Malantha. Thank you for all of your
help, on this story, girl!
*****
Ezra Standish sat in his apartment, listening to his two good friends try to
sell him on the good points of hiring four new bodyguards. His manager, Josiah
Sanchez, was like a father to him and he respected his opinion. But new
bodyguards? He already had three, how many did the man think he needed? And,
John Daniel "J.D." Dunne, his personal assistant was like a younger brother to
him. Sometimes an annoying younger brother, he would admit, but he loved them
both. And, he was trying to be patient as he heard them out.
"Come on, Ez. Why won't you give it a chance?!" asked an exasperated J.D.
"I already have three bodyguards," replied an equally exasperated Ezra as he
held up three fingers on his right hand. "Seriously guys, how many do I need?"
"I've heard great things about these guys, Son. Nothing but glowing
recommendations. You have a concert in a week, and to tell you the truth, I'm
worried about it. About you."
"Why?"
"Oh, maybe because you were mobbed by a couple hundred fans at your new CD
signing a couple days ago. You're lucky you weren't hurt any worse than you
were," Josiah replied as he looked at the bruises that still adorned Ezra's
face. "Where were your bodyguards, hmm?"
Before Ezra could answer, J.D. butted in, "Not watching your ass is where! If
they had been doing their job, those bruises on your face never would've
happened."
"And I think something else is going on," Josiah said.
"Like what?" Ezra wanted to know.
"Like, I think that you getting mobbed was too much of a coincidence. Especially
considering those letters you have received."
Ezra shook his head, trying not to show how much he was shook up, just talking
about the letters. "Those are no big deal. All stars get letters."
"Maybe, but they make me uncomfortable. And, I know they make you more uneasy
than you let on. You don't have to put on an act in front of us."
Josiah paused for a moment. "Look, why not just give your regular bodyguards
some indefinite time off? Just until we get things cleared up and find out why
they weren't watching out for you the other day. Try these guys out, Son. What
could it hurt?"
Ezra sighed, "Fine. I'll give them a try."
J.D. and Josiah smiled and Josiah said, "Good. I'll make the call."
"Great," mumbled Ezra.
*****
"Hey, Chris, what's up?" Buck Wilmington asked.
Chris Larabee, owner and founder of Stealth Bodyguards, looked at his long-time
friend. He saw Vin Tanner entering behind Buck and said, "I just got off the
phone with a potential client." Chris never decided to take on new clients
without the input of his other three partners.
"Oh yeah? Who?" asked Vin as he took a seat at the conference table.
"Josiah Sanchez. He's the manager of Ezra Standish. That's who we would be
working for."
"Wait a minute. Ezra Standish, the Ezra Standish?" asked Buck.
Chris nodded as Nathan Jackson piped up, "You mean that arrogant bastard that
thinks he can act and sing?"
The other three men looked at Nathan Jackson in surprise when they heard the
disgust in his voice.
"He probably thinks he can act and sing because he can. Man, I've seen all of
his movies and have several of his CDs!" exclaimed Buck.
"Yeah, he is pretty good," chimed in Vin.
"What's the problem, Nathan? You two have some history we don't know about?"
demanded Chris.
Nathan shook his head, "Never met the man."
"Then, why such dislike?" Chris wondered.
Nathan shrugged, "Ever since I first saw him on television, he's rubbed me the
wrong way."
"Will you have a problem taking this case? Because, if you do, I'll turn it
down."
Nathan looked at Chris and knew he'd do just that. But, Nathan couldn't let him
do that, he didn't want to be the cause of them losing the biggest client they'd
ever had a chance with. Nathan knew that if they accepted the case and it worked
out, their reputation would grow, and they would receive more clients.
Nathan sighed and shook his head, "No, Chris. It won't be a problem."
"You're sure?" Chris confirmed.
Nathan nodded, but remained silent.
"So, what's the deal?" asked Vin.
"Mister Sanchez informed me that Mister Standish has received threatening
letters. The police haven't been able to find out who has been sending them.
And, a couple of days ago, he was at the signing of his new CD and was mobbed by
a couple hundred fans. Luckily, all he ended up with were a few bruises on his
face, arms, and chest. The bodyguards, according to Mister Sanchez, weren't
doing their job. They weren't watching out for him.
"Mister Sanchez said that he had heard that we were good at our job and they
want to hire us. Mister Standish has a concert in a week. So, gentlemen, what do
I tell him?"
"I say we take the job," said Buck.
"How much are they payin'?" questioned Vin.
"If we take this job, we'll be signing on indefinitely. We'll stay until the job
is completed. Mister Sanchez has agreed to four-thousand dollars a week. That's
a thousand, a week, for each of us."
Vin whistled, "I'm in."
"Nathan?" questioned Chris.
Nathan nodded, "Me too."
"Alright, then, I'll give him a call and let him know that we accept."