Chapter 72 – Protecting Rihanna and Her Children
Grant's phone vibrated on his desk at Sentinel headquarters. He glanced at the screen and saw Mercer's name flashing. He answered immediately.
"Mercer, what do we have?"
"Grant, we have a new high-profile client for you."
Grant grabbed a notepad and pen, ready to jot down the details.
"Who?"
"Rihanna."
Grant raised an eyebrow.
"The singer?"
"Exactly. She'll be in Los Angeles for a few days with her children and wants personal security for her stay. Nothing out of the ordinary: ensuring safety during travel, private events, and any outings she decides to take. But she wants someone highly qualified. And guess who was recommended?"
Grant smiled slightly. Since he began providing security for celebrities and billionaires, his name had become synonymous with elite protection.
"When do I start?" "Tomorrow morning. Her jet lands at Van Nuys private airport. You will be in charge of receiving her and ensuring everything goes smoothly during her stay."
Grant nodded.
"Understood. I'll review the protocols and prepare the support team."
"Great. See you tomorrow. Good luck."
Grant hung up the phone, already focused on his next job.
It was a sunny day when Grant arrived at the private airport. He wore a discreet suit, sunglasses, and an earpiece connected to Sentinel's security team. His concealed holster carried his company pistol, and he maintained his professional posture, carefully observing his surroundings.
A few minutes later, Rihanna's imposing Gulfstream jet touched down, taxiing smoothly to the restricted area of the terminal. As soon as the stairs were positioned, the door opened and one of the singer's assistants descended first, followed by two personal security guards traveling with her.
Then, Rihanna appeared at the top of the stairs, wearing stylish sunglasses and holding one of her children in her lap. The other child followed closely behind, holding a nanny's hand. She descended calmly, and Grant approached, keeping a watchful eye on his surroundings.
Rihanna smiled slightly upon seeing him.
"So, you're Grant. Mercer spoke very highly of you."
"Yes, ma'am. I'll be in charge of your security during your stay in Los Angeles."
She gave a small smile.
"No 'ma'am,' please. Just Rihanna is fine."
"Understood, Rihanna."
He gave a slight nod and then gestured to the team.
"The cars are ready. We can proceed whenever you're ready."
Rihanna adjusted her son in her arms and walked with him to the armored SUV. Grant opened the door for her, ensuring she entered safely before taking his own seat in the front car.
As soon as the vehicles began to move, Grant observed the city through the tinted glass, always alert to any possible threat.
The team arrived at the luxurious hotel where Rihanna would be staying. Sentinel had already sent agents to inspect the location before her arrival, ensuring there were no risks.
Grant got out of the car first, checking the surroundings before opening the door for Rihanna and her children. Paparazzi were nearby, but kept their distance due to the strong security presence.
"We're safe to go in," Grant informed them.
Rihanna got out of the car with her children and walked to the hotel entrance. The lobby was reserved just for her at that moment, and Grant watched her every step attentively.
In the elevator, as they ascended to the presidential suite, Rihanna looked at Grant and smiled slightly.
"You always seem so serious. You never relax?"
Grant replied in a professional tone.
"My priority is your safety. Relaxation comes later."
She laughed softly. "Well, it's good to know I'm in good hands."
Over the next few days, Grant accompanied Rihanna and her children on all their outings. He ensured their safety during discreet outings in Los Angeles, such as a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art and a trip to a playground so the children could play.
At each stop, he maintained an impeccable posture, always assessing risks, observing his surroundings, and discreetly coordinating with the other members of the security team.
At a private dinner in a luxury restaurant, Rihanna looked at Grant as he kept watch.
"You've worked with a lot of celebrities, right?"
Grant nodded.
"Yes. Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Mark Zuckerberg, among others."
Rihanna smiled.
"So you've seen it all in this business."
"Quite a lot. But each client has different needs. My job is to ensure you can do whatever you want with complete safety." She nodded, satisfied.
"I appreciate that."
On the penultimate day of their stay, while as they discreetly left a private event, Grant noticed that a group of paparazzi had discovered Rihanna's location. They were across the street, trying to get closer with huge cameras.
"We have a problem," Grant warned over the radio. "Paparazzi detected at the exit. Contingency plan active."
The security team immediately changed plans. Instead of heading for the main exit, Grant guided Rihanna and her children to a less busy side exit.
But the paparazzi noticed and rushed to intercept them.
Grant positioned himself in front of Rihanna, protecting her as she got into the car with the children.
"Get in and stay down. We're getting out of here."
As soon as the door closed, the vehicles sped away from the area before the situation became more chaotic.
Rihanna, in the back seat, looked at Grant.
"You're really good at this."
He simply nodded.
— "That's what I was hired for."
On the day of departure, Grant escorted Rihanna and her children back to the private airport. He ensured everything was safe before allowing her to board.
Before climbing the jet's steps, Rihanna looked at Grant and smiled.
— "Thank you for everything, Grant. I felt extremely safe with you."
He nodded.
— "It was a pleasure protecting you. If you need me in the future, you know where to find me."
She smiled and climbed the steps with her children. The jet closed its doors, and a few minutes later, it took off towards its next destination.
Grant watched until the aircraft disappeared over the horizon, then picked up his phone and called Mercer.
— "Mission accomplished. Client safe and on her way home."
— "Great job, Grant. Get back to base when you can."
He hung up the phone and let out a soft sigh. Another job successfully completed. And, apparently, his reputation continued to grow.
Chapter 73 – Heading to Gaza: Protecting Gigi and Bella Hadid
Grant's apartment was silent as he packed his suitcase. His mind was already on his next job, one of the most challenging he would face since starting his career in private security. Gaza was no ordinary place for celebrity security work. It was a conflict zone, a territory where the presence of Hamas made every move a risk.
His phone rang. It was Mercer.
"Grant, I know you've already received the mission details, but I need to reinforce this: this will not be a common operation."
"I know. That's why I'm preparing my equipment with even more care."
"Gigi and Bella Hadid will be visiting a refugee camp to provide humanitarian aid. They want to keep a low profile, but because they are public figures and because of their connections to Palestine, this could attract the wrong attention."
Grant zipped up his suitcase and sat on the edge of the bed, listening intently.
"Is the support team already there?"
"Yes. We have contacts on-site to facilitate entry and exit. But your presence is crucial to ensure nothing goes wrong. You will be directly responsible for their security."
"Understood. When do I leave?"
"Tomorrow night. Your flight is booked."
Grant nodded. He had done security in high-risk environments before, but this job would require more than just physical protection. It would require strategy, diplomacy, and above all, total discretion.
"I'll let my family know and be ready to leave."
At his parents' house, Mitchell and Cam were in the kitchen preparing a special dinner. Claire and Gloria were also there, along with Hailey, Alex, and Lily. Everyone was chatting animatedly when Grant arrived.
"Look who's here!" Cam said excitedly, hugging his son.
"Son, come in! Let's have dinner together!" Mitchell called.
Grant approached and looked at everyone, realizing this would be a delicate conversation.
"I have a new job." Claire raised an eyebrow.
"This is nothing new, Grant. Who's the client this time? Another celebrity?"
"Gigi and Bella Hadid."
Hailey and Alex exchanged excited glances.
"Wow, they're amazing!" Hailey exclaimed.
"And where will this be?" Mitchell asked casually.
Grant took a deep breath before answering.
"Gaza."
Silence filled the room. Claire was the first to react.
"Gaza? What do you mean Gaza? Grant, do you know what happens there?"
"Yes, Aunt Claire. I know exactly what happens there. That's why I'm going. To make sure nothing happens to them."
Mitchell placed his hand on his chest, visibly worried.
"But, son, this is dangerous! We're talking about a war zone!"
Cam held his husband's hand and looked at Grant.
"Are you sure you want to do this?"
Grant nodded firmly.
"Gigi and Bella are going to help people of their descent. They have Palestinian blood, and they want to support refugees. I respect that, and someone needs to make sure they stay safe."
Gloria sighed.
"I understand what you mean, Grant, but it scares me."
Lily, her younger sister, tugged at his shirt.
"You'll come back, right?"
Grant knelt and smiled at her.
"I always come back, Lily. You don't need to worry."
She hugged him, and everyone realized that, however much they wanted to stop him, nothing would change his decision.
Claire crossed her arms.
"At least promise you'll let us know whenever you can."
"I promise."
Mitchell sighed, resigned.
"Then, if this is your path, all we can do is support you." Grant smiled slightly.
"Thank you. I love you both."
The conversation was difficult, but necessary. Now, he needed to prepare to leave.
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