Chapter 60 – "Bring It On"
Dunphy-Pritchett-Tucker Family Home
Grant arrived at Claire and Phil's house in the early evening. The sun was already setting, and the cool Los Angeles breeze cut through the air. He parked his motorcycle in the driveway, took off his helmet, and took a deep breath.
He already knew what was coming.
Opening the door, he was immediately greeted by Claire, arms crossed, with that worried mother look on her face.
"Finally!"
"Hi to you too, Claire," Grant said, closing the door behind him.
Before he could take another step, Hailey practically threw herself at him in a tight hug.
"Oh my God, Grant! You almost gave us all a heart attack!"
Alex, who was sitting on the couch, shook her head sarcastically.
"Let's be honest, he's probably given a lot of people heart attacks before today."
Luke, as always, was more excited than worried.
"Dude, you're like... viral! Like, a real-life superhero! Have you seen the memes?"
Grant rolled his eyes, but couldn't help but smile a little.
"Seriously? They've made memes with that?"
Luke pulled out his phone and showed one. It was a video with the caption:
"If John Wick were real," and underneath, a clip of Grant neutralizing the robbers.
Grant ran his hand over his face, chuckling softly.
"For God's sake..."
Jay entered the room at that moment, holding a glass of whiskey, his eyes serious.
"Can we cut this nonsense and get down to business?"
Grant nodded, sitting on the couch.
"Okay. Ask whatever you want."
Claire went first.
"How are you taking this? I mean… You're on TV, online, everywhere! Doesn't that worry you at all?"
Grant shrugged calmly.
"Honestly? I didn't want anyone to know more about me, but now that it's gone… screw it."
Everyone stared at him for a moment. The casual answer took the family by surprise.
Cam blinked a few times before asking:
"So… you're not scared?"
Grant smirked, resting his arms on the back of the couch.
"Scared? Cam, I've spent years hunting down the worst people in the world. If anyone wants to try their luck with me, come on. You'll be in trouble."
Jay chuckled, raising his glass.
"That's the right answer."
Mitchell, on the other hand, didn't look convinced.
"Okay, but what if… I don't know… really dangerous people want to come after you?"
Grant stared at him.
"Mitchell… I'm the 'dangerous one.'"
Silence.
"And besides, I still have friends. Lots of friends."
Phil cleared his throat, trying to ease the tension.
"So… like… if someone comes after you… they better bring a lot of them?"
Grant smiled, taking the glass of whiskey Jay offered.
"Exactly."
Luke made an explosive sound with his mouth, gesturing as if Grant's answer were something epic.
Hailey still looked skeptical.
"But what about the government? Are they going to let you run wild, knowing everything you know?"
Grant shook his head.
"No. And that's exactly why I'm calm."
Everyone stared at him, waiting for him to continue.
"I'm a former Tier One operator. I know secrets that can't fall into the wrong hands. If someone tried to capture me, do you think the US government would just let them?"
Jay nodded, understanding his point.
"Good luck to anyone who tries."
Grant continued:
"Exactly. And besides, I'm not just a name in history. I still have contacts, both in the government and in the special forces. So anyone who thinks they can hunt me down… is screwed."
Gloria, who had been listening silently until now, finally spoke up:
"So you really think you're safe?"
Grant looked directly at her.
"Absolutely."
"What about us? Your family?"
Grant was silent for a moment. That was a different matter.
"If, and I mean if, anyone tried anything… they'd be dead before they even got near you."
This time, even Claire, who wasn't normally a fan of Grant's lifestyle, seemed more at ease.
"Well… at least you have a plan."
"I always do."
A New Path
After a few more hours of talking and calming the family, Grant finally left Claire and Phil's house, feeling a weight lifted from his shoulders.
He knew he could no longer be just an anonymous face in the crowd.
But that didn't bother him anymore.
If the world now knew who he was…
Chapter 61 – "VIP Security"
Sentinel Security Headquarters – Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
Grant sat in the Sentinel conference room, wearing a fitted black shirt and tactical pants. His eyes scanned the mission details on a tablet. He was relaxed, but deep down, he knew this would be an interesting change in his job.
Across from him, Mercer—Sentinel's CEO and also a former Delta operator—was reviewing contracts. He had a slight smile on his face.
"It seems your fame is worth its weight in gold, Tucker."
Grant arched an eyebrow.
"And what exactly does that mean?"
Mercer pushed a contract toward him.
"It means your daily rate has gone up to something like… $5,000. Not counting extras. And the first client who wants to hire you? None other than Beyoncé herself."
Grant blinked in surprise.
"Beyoncé?"
"That's right. Jay-Z contacted us personally. He wants you to lead her security on her new tour. 24/7 security."
Grant whistled softly.
"Well, I knew this job could be interesting… but this is a whole other level."
"And that's exactly why you're here." Mercer crossed his arms. "Do you want it or not?"
Grant took the contract and quickly reviewed the terms. It was a high-level personal protection job. He'd done it before in the military for political figures in war zones, but protecting a global superstar was a completely different scenario.
But… $5,000 a day? That meant about $150,000 a month, not counting bonuses and expenses.
Grant didn't have to think long.
"Deal."
Mercer smiled and shook his hand.
— "Great. You're flying to New York tomorrow. She has a show at Madison Square Garden and wants you to handle security from there."
Grant just nodded.
New York, Beyoncé, VIP security…
This definitely wasn't what he expected for his post-military life.
But somehow… he liked the idea.
Arrival in New York – First Team Meeting
Grant arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel, where Beyoncé and her team were staying. The lobby was packed with fans and paparazzi, but he went unnoticed, wearing a black jacket and sunglasses.
Upon arriving at the presidential suite, he was greeted by Julius, the singer's longtime head of security. Julius didn't seem impressed at first, but he was curious to meet the former Delta Force who would now be protecting Beyoncé.
— "So you're the guy?" Julius asked, crossing his arms.
"Am I the guy? Well, that depends. Do you want someone who just stands there holding a flashlight… or someone who can predict and eliminate threats before they even happen?"
Julius raised an eyebrow.
"Huh. I like your attitude."
"It's not attitude. It's experience."
At that moment, the suite door opened, and Beyoncé entered the room.
She was wearing a casual outfit, but her presence dominated the room. She studied Grant for a second and smiled slightly.
"You must be Grant."
"Yes, ma'am. Grant Tucker-Pritchett." He extended his hand, which she shook.
"Well, I've heard impressive things about you. I hope you're up for the job."
"I always am."
She smiled again and looked at Julius.
"If he's as good as they say, I want him to lead the personal security team. You handle the general logistics, Julius, but Grant stays with me."
Julius nodded, not arguing.
Grant realized he'd just been promoted without even officially starting.
"Okay, then, Grant. What do we need to do now?" Beyoncé asked.
He pulled out his tablet and began explaining.
"First, I'll assess your current security standards and make some adjustments. Then, I'll conduct a sweep of upcoming concert and event venues. I also need to understand your routine, your habits, and any potential vulnerabilities."
Beyoncé crossed her arms and nodded.
"Right. I like someone who's one step ahead."
Grant smiled slightly.
"That's literally my job."
First Night on the Job
Grant's first challenge came that night.
Beyoncé had a private dinner at an exclusive New York restaurant, but the location was leaked to the press.
That meant fans, paparazzi, and possibly stalkers.
Grant took command of the security team and changed the plan immediately.
"New plan: we'll enter through the underground parking garage, take the service elevator up, and make sure the restaurant has a completely sealed-off private area."
Julius questioned.
"That wasn't in the original plan."
Grant looked directly at him.
"And that's why I'm here."
The new plan worked perfectly. They got in and out without a hitch, while the crowd waited on the wrong side of the building.
As they climbed into the armored SUV back to the hotel, Beyoncé glanced at Grant in the rearview mirror.
"I have to admit… you're good."
Grant smiled.
"This is just the beginning."
Conclusion
Over the next few days, Grant refined Beyoncé's security to levels no one had ever seen before.
He implemented military tactics in a civilian environment, eliminating loopholes and minimizing risks.
The result?
Beyoncé had never felt so safe.
And Grant?
Well, he was just beginning his new life.
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