Chapter 3: Applying to Be a Bodyguard

Police Senior Commissioner Roni stared into Brandon’s cold face. As an active detective in the criminal investigation division, he instantly picked up on the burning vengeance flickering in the young man's eyes—a deep resentment toward his former commanding officer, who had set him up during a drug bust operation, using him as a scapegoat to get him dishonorably discharged.

After taking a sip of his drink and letting out a slow breath, Commissioner Roni asked what brought Brandon to see him.

“I need a job, Commander!” Brandon replied flatly, skipping any pleasantries.

“What kind of work are you looking for?”

“Anything. I’ll even take a hitman gig if that’s what it takes!”

Commissioner Roni recoiled slightly in surprise, then chuckled softly. He pulled out a cigarette and offered one to Brandon, who took it without hesitation.

“Would you be interested in working as a bodyguard?” Commissioner Roni offered. Brandon nodded immediately, no questions asked.

“Hmm… alright, give me a moment.” Commissioner Roni dialed a number on his phone.

“Hey, Jack Black! He’s one of my most capable former men. You might have an opening for him!” Commissioner Roni spoke into the receiver, addressing a man he called Jack Black.

After exchanging banter for about ten minutes, Commissioner Roni wrapped up the call and turned his attention back to Brandon.

“Go meet Jack Black. He’s ex-military and runs a private security detail agency. Take down his address!”

“Yes, Commander!” Brandon promptly noted the address Commissioner Roni recited into his smartphone.

After a bit more small talk, Brandon excused himself, and the two men went their separate ways.

Commissioner Roni watched Brandon’s broad, athletic shoulders disappear into the distance.

“What a shame… He had such a bright future ahead of him. Senior Commissioner Irana went way too far, sacrificing this handsome young officer just to secure his own promotion to Brigadier General. I just hope Brandon doesn't do anything reckless in pursuit of revenge,” Commissioner Roni thought solemnly, his eyes following Brandon until he stepped out of the café.

Feeling unsettled, Brandon had no desire to wander around aimlessly. He rode his sports motorcycle straight back to his rented room. His place was situated in a narrow, densely populated alley lined with similar rental units. The single-room unit felt like a modest row house, and he had already paid six months' rent in advance.

After peeling off his leather jacket and placing his helmet on the table inside his single room—which shared space with a tiny kitchenette—Brandon noticed his smartphone vibrating. The caller ID displayed Tantri, his girlfriend.

Tantri was a beautiful police officer holding the rank of First Police Brigadier, stationed at the Jakarta Metropolitan Regional Police Headquarters. She and Brandon had been in a committed relationship for nearly two years.

“Brandon, where are you?” Tantri’s voice sounded soft and tentative.

“I’m at my rented room, Tantri. I moved out of the police barracks a week ago,” Brandon replied, reciting his new address.

A heavy sigh came through the line, as if she were carrying a crushing weight she struggled to vocalize.

“What’s wrong, Tantri?” Brandon asked, a knot tightening in his stomach at the sound of her breath.

“Brandon… my parents want us to call off the wedding… They said… now that you’ve been discharged, your future is completely ruined!”

A long, suffocating silence fell over Brandon.

His stunning police officer girlfriend was truly breathtaking—she frequently appeared on national television representing specialized police broadcasts, carrying herself like a celebrity.

Many had envied their relationship, though no one could ever fault them for being together. Tantri was undeniably gorgeous, and Brandon was equally striking; within law enforcement circles, they were widely regarded as a match made in heaven. Furthermore, Brandon had held an officer rank as a First Lieutenant.

Brandon and Tantri had first fallen in love while stationed together in Bandung. Having been together for so long, their relationship had grown deeply intimate—they shared moments as husband and wife in all but name, and had planned to walk down the aisle in six months.

Tantri’s parents had initially given their blessing, but following his discharge from the force, the news he had just received felt like a sledgehammer crushing the deepest corners of his heart.

Without realizing it, the smartphone slipped from Brandon’s grip and tumbled onto the floor. Tantri tried calling back several times, but Brandon let the phone ring endlessly, refusing to answer.

Brandon’s face hardened, the visage of his former commanding officer, Senior Commissioner Irana, burning brightly in his mind’s eye. Unconsciously, his fist slammed into the armrest of his chair as he recalled the commander’s testimony before the ethics committee and in court—falsely claiming that Brandon had acted outside of orders, pinning the entire blame of insubordination on him.

Brandon felt utterly spiraling, yet a thread of sanity kept him grounded. He fought back the agonizing pain searing through his chest—the agony of losing his badge, the heartbreak of his canceled marriage, and the bitter sting of knowing he wasn't Bahar’s biological son, left with no clue who his real father was.

TO BE CONTINUED