Daphne stepped into the house, her face pale and drawn. She proceeded directly toward the surveillance room knowing that Ben was still on duty and would be diligently monitoring the security cameras. She moved briskly forward, more than relieved to find Ben alone. Sitting in the empty chair next to Justin's head of security, she nodded tersely to Ben, feeling a sense of despair settling upon her. "Where are the others?

"I sent them off to lunch," Ben answered. His brow furrowed in concern, he asked, "What happened at the police station?"

"I should have brought Justin back immediately, and handled this alone."

Ben sighed, followed by an understanding nod. "What did Justin do?"

"You know our boy too well. He won't take anything seriously - not even a death threat! I just don't know what to do, Ben. I'm really worried about this..." Daphne answered, with tears swimming in her eyes.

Grasping her hand, he squeezed it tightly. "We're doing all we can to keep him safe. That being said, until Justin begins to take this seriously - we are hitting our heads against a brick wall. He's very difficult to protect like this."

"Don't I know it! The police did take the note and dust it for prints, despite Justin's uncaring attitude."

"And the results?" Ben asked, having a feeling of foreboding settling upon him, as he viewed the further concern on Daphne's face.

"The note was clean. Not a smudge to be detected. In my opinion - this lays to rest Justin's assertion that it's just a fan with a sick crush. If they bothered to eliminate any incriminating evidence, it is not the work of someone who is merely trying to acquire Justin's attention," Daphne answered, feeling a chill run down her spine again; the same one she experienced when she had first read the note.

Ben nodded in complete agreement, realizing Justin's childish behavior could have the same effect as one flying blind. "We've got to reel Justin in, Daph. I have a bad feeling about this."

"As do I," she shuddered, all sorts of morbid thoughts permeating her mind. "I gave Justin a tongue lashing on the way back. I reminded him that a threat to him could also extend to the one he loved the most."

"Well played. It may or may not, but if Justin thinks his son could be at risk, he might start to cooperate and act a bit more responsibly."

"That was my express intention. Justin often forgets I know him better than he does himself," she smiled tightly. "Now, how do we heighten his security, in fact, for both of them?"

Ben pinched the bridge of his nose between his fingers, as he thought about Daphne's question. One that he knew needed to be answered in the quickest manner possible. All of a sudden, his head jerked up, as a light bulb of inspiration sparked in his brain. He smiled, as he rushed to reply, "I've got the answer, Daphne. Damn, why didn't I think of this when this all started?"

"Well, what is it, Ben?" she asked impatiently.

"A bodyguard."

"That's your solution? He already has a great security team, most particularly - you. How will a bodyguard make him more secure?" Daphne asked, thinking this wouldn't protect Justin any more than he already was under Ben's watchful eye.

"I can't be with him 24/7. My skills are based in security. Monitoring the system and assuring that no breeches are made. What we need is a man with an expert eye - one that can see danger approaching before it arrives, and act upon it accordingly. And I know just the man that fits the bill..."

"What are you waiting for, then? Call him now," Daphne stated imploringly.

Ben looked at the clock, shaking his head in a negative response. "No, this will be a tough sell. I need to speak with him, face to face. In the meantime, I need something from you..."

"What's that?" she asked warily.

"Convince Justin how important this step is - and get him to cooperate. I don't care if you have to use his love for his son to do so, just make certain he doesn't fight it. If he gets off to the wrong start - what could be his salvation, will turn around and walk away," Ben clipped out, confident he knew exactly what he was talking about regarding who he hoped to be the answer to their dilemma.

Daphne looked at him shrewdly, before observing, "You have a great deal of respect for this man, and that tells me all I need to know. I will make certain Justin behaves, and welcomes the bodyguard into his home and our lives."

Ben stood, preparing to make his journey, snorting indelicately at Daphne's words. "That's a tall order, Daph. I don't expect Justin to go along with him easily. Brian will undoubtedly make changes - and Justin won't like them, but I am convinced with the two of us working together, we can keep Justin safe until the authorities can apprehend the ‘would be' killer."

"I'll deal with our spoiled rock star. You forget that I know exactly how to handle him," she snickered. "Now, go get this bodyguard."

"Will do. We both have an arduous task ahead of us. Good luck, Daphne. I'll see you soon," Ben said with a slight shudder, thinking about what both he and Daphne had to face in their upcoming tasks.

As he was about out the door, she asked, "What's his name, Ben?"

"Brian Kinney. The best damn bodyguard in the business, along with an attitude to match. We could have momentous fireworks enveloping us very soon..." Ben said with a chuckle, as he escaped out the door and off toward his mission.

Daphne shrugged thinking nobody could be as ‘high maintenance' as Justin, but realized she would handle it as long as this man was as good as Ben believed him to be. Watching the monitors, waiting for the rest of the security team to return from lunch, she hoped this would spark the beginning of the end of Justin's problems - and not the beginning of more to come.

"Hey, Mikey. Grab me a beer out of the fridge, would ya?" Brian shouted across his patio, toweling his hair off as he climbed up the ladder and out of his pool after a brisk and much-needed swim. The senator's home had more than accommodated his needs, but he had missed his pool. He did much of his best thinking when taking laps around the expansive waters. Realizing Michael wasn't answering him immediately, Brian's eyes veered to the edge of the patio, surprised to see his friend returning - not with the requested beverage, but with a visitor in tow. A man he clearly recognized.

"Well, I'll be damned," Brian said with a look of amazement on his face. "If it isn't Benjamin Bruckner. Long time, my friend."

"That it has been, Brian," Ben agreed, moving forward to give Brian a hearty handshake and healthy pat on the arm. "You've been well, Brian?"

"Can't complain. How about you, Ben? Are you still doing security for that little diva you used to bitch about?" Brian asked, with a quirked brow.

Ben laughed. "I forgot how I used to complain about Justin in the early days. Granted, he can be a bit high maintenance at times, but at heart, he's a good kid, not to mention extremely talented."

"Have a seat, Ben. I trust you met Michael..." Brian smirked, quickly noticing how Ben's eyes kept drifting toward his best friend - with more than casual interest. Surprisingly, he soon discovered Michael's eyes seemed to be fixated on Ben; almost as if he was in a trancelike state.

This could be very interesting, Brian thought. In the past, he had interfered a bit in regard to Michael's relationships. He was his best friend. Brian loved him unconditionally - flaws and all; and granted, there had been more than a few of them over the years. Most particularly, the crush he had always had on Brian. In retrospect, Brian realized he was to blame for much of that, but Ben was one of the good guys. He could easily get behind a budding relationship between the two of them - as long as he didn't lose his best friend in the process. He would think about that later. For now, he wanted to know the reason behind Ben's visit. He knew one thing - Ben didn't make impromptu visits without a good reason - something was going on.

"Yeah, we met at the door. I - ah, hope I haven't interrupted anything..." Ben none too subtly asked, in apparent hopes of deciphering precisely the relationship between Brian and Michael.

Brian chuckled at Ben's more than obvious ploy. Normally, he would have played with Ben for a while, but decided they would never get down to the point of this visit until this little issue had been resolved. "Ben Bruckner, this is Michael Novotny - my oldest and dearest friend."

"This is the Michael? Now, I do recall you mentioning him on several occasions," Ben smiled warmly, looking at Michael with renewed interest.

Michael sank into one of the pool lounge chairs, covering his face with his hands, mumbling in embarrassment, "Oh God, that could have been anything. Maybe, I should just go and spare myself any further embarrassment."

Brian laughed, more than enjoying Michael's loss of composure, further enjoying the rapt expression upon Ben's face. "Not necessary on my part. How about you, Ben?"

"Uh, maybe for just a few minutes, if it's not too much of a problem," Ben answered, his mind quickly back on the business at hand - working toward securing Brian over to his cause, one that he felt time was of the essence.

Nodding, Brian said to Michael, "Do you mind waiting inside for a few?"

"Not at all, Brian," Michael answered all too quickly, standing to face them both, looking toward Ben with an almost dreamy smile upon his face. "Uhm, it was nice meeting you, Mr. Bruckner."

"The pleasure was all mine, Michael. I do hope you will be here when we finish, and please call me, Ben," he said looking intently at Michael. Watching as Michael exited the patio, Ben turned to Brian saying, "You never told me how damned adorable he is."

"Perhaps, because I never looked at him that way, but I must say - the admiration seems to be mutual between the two of you," Brian snickered, as he took a seat in the low slung lounge chair. "Now, how about you tell me what's on your mind. I sense something is troubling you, despite your carefree manner."

"You know me well, Brian. I come here in desperate need of your help, specifically, your particular skills."

Brian frowned, fearful of where this was heading, knowing exactly who Ben worked for, and knowing he had no interest in entering that minefield. "As far as I recall, you are the head of Justin Taylor's security team. What could you possibly need from me?"

"I'm flying blind here, Brian. There's only so much I can do. I need help, and from the best, that leads me to you," Ben said, knowing he wasn't merely flattering Brian - he meant every word that he spoke.

"Uh, Ben, we go way back and I'd do anything for you, but you know how I feel about celebrities. They can't work in line with my scheme of things. I don't compromise, I definitely don't babysit overindulgent divas. I just can't function like that. You know this, Ben."

Running a hand through his hair, he was prepared to all-out beg Brian for his brand of services knowing that he would do it for Justin. The young singer was so much more than what the world perceived him to be. He'd protect him with his very life, as he had already done, but his gut told him it wasn't enough. They needed Brian's skill. Most important of all, Justin needed him. "I know all of that, Brian, and I respect it, really I do, but this kid fucking needs you. Hell, he isn't a kid - he turned twenty-two last month." Chuckling nervously, he continued, "I've been with him so long I lose track of the progression of time."

Brian's eyes narrowed on Ben closely. "You really care about this kid. It's not just a job. That's so unlike you. What's going on, Ben? Maybe I can help without becoming actively involved."

"Afraid it won't be that simple, Bri. Justin is being threatened, and I don't think this is the work of a sick fan. This perp means business, and I'm really scared for him. I hate asking you to do something that has always been so repellent to you, but Brian, we really need you," Ben told him, his eyes all but pleading with his friend for his compliance. "Justin needs you."

"It's commonplace for a celebrity to make some enemies. Usually, they slip up and either leave some prints or move onto their next obsession," Brian observed blandly. "You don't think this is the case though, do you?"

"No, I don't. We are all very concerned about him. Of course, he's headstrong and he's never an easy task, but I feel once he realizes the danger he is truly in - along with all those that he loves - he will cooperate," Ben answered, hoping his words rang true and that Justin would show some common sense; not only for himself, but his son as well.

Brian sighed, feeling himself being pulled into this drama, despite his intentions of remaining aloof. "What have the police come up with so far?"

"Not a damn thing. We've had a few notes left at events where Justin was appearing, but the last one was the kicker..." Ben said, shuddering in remembrance of the camera explosion, so near to Justin.

"And that was?" Brian asked, irritated that his curiosity continued to elevate.

"He was doing a PR spot, or he was to be doing one - the camera that was due to move in for a close-up on him, exploded en route to him. As we were leaving the studio, a note was found in his dressing room - one that displays to me we are dealing with much more than an obsessed fan."

"What did it say?"

Pulling a folded piece of paper out of his pocket, Ben opened it as he extended it toward Brian. "This is a photocopy. The police have the original."

Brian's eyes scanned the paper, a chill sliding down his spine; regardless of not being acquainted with the rock star - intuitively knowing this was very bad, and realizing this boy was most likely not the victim of a lovesick fan - he was undoubtedly the target of a would-be killer. With a groan, Brian knew Ben had heightened his interest just enough to have the irresistible urge to check it out, and he knew that had been his friend's intent. "Alright, Ben. I'm not making any promises, but I'll go check it out."

"That's all I ask, Brian. Can you come with me now to meet him? I don't think we have time to waste," Ben visibly implored him.

Brian nodded, before he agreed, "From what you've both told me and shown me, I tend to agree. Just let me get dressed and I'll come with you. The rest depends on the behavior of your little star..."

"Thank you, Brian. I owe you a big one, and whether Justin knows it or not yet, so does he. Shall we go?" Ben asked, nudging his friend forward - toward the house, onward to a destiny neither of them could be presently aware of.

Before they reached the patio doors, Ben placed an elbow into Brian's ribs, as he playfully asked, "By the way - do you think I could get your friend's phone number?"

Brian's head reared back in delighted laughter, before he answered, "Well, why don't you ask him yourself. He's sitting over at the bar. I'll leave you boys to get acquainted, while I get changed, but do try to behave yourself, won't you?"

"I'll do my level best, Brian. It will be difficult, but now isn't the time for such self-indulgence."

Brian clucked his tongue, before sadly shaking his head. "I'm disappointed in you, Bruckner. I thought I'd taught you well. Now is always the time for fucking. Maybe, I need to re-introduce you to my brand of philosophy..."

"Get dressed, Brian. I need to get back to Justin. We can discuss that later," Ben laughed, seeing that Brian Kinney never truly changed, finding himself immediately wondering just what the meeting between the spoiled rock star and the hard-headed bodyguard would evolve into being. He figured he would find out soon, but he had the feeling it just might be electric.

Justin's face contorted in rage as he hissed vehemently, "I'm telling you, Daphne - I don't need a fucking bodyguard! Ben and the rest of the security team are more than capable of protecting me!"

"Yes, I see that, Justin. That's why notes were found in your dressing room, and a bomb went off near you! What if Gus had been there, Justin, how would you feel then?" Daphne stormed back, refusing to back down, uncaring of how a threat toward Gus would scare Justin - her only objective being gaining the obstinate star's cooperation.

His eyes widened, as his face instantly paled. He looked at her wildly, before he spoke in a forlorn tone, far opposite from the one that he had been ranting at her with for nearly an hour now. "Do you really think it's that serious, Daph? That my son could be at risk?"

"Yes, Justin. I don't enjoy frightening you, but I think you must entertain that possibility. You have good security, but it's not good enough. This freak is finding ways to get to you, and we need someone to protect you and your son. I'm asking as your friend, Justin, please see this man, talk to him. Do whatever he asks to keep you and your son safe."

Justin nodded slowly, hating giving in, the total opposite of his standard form of behavior, but knowing in this case he had little choice. "Fine. I will meet with this bodyguard, but I refuse to let him change how I live my daily life. He will do this my way, or he will be out."

They both spun around in surprise when a cold voice entered the conversation, one edged in uncompromising resolve and steel. "I'm afraid that's not how it works, Mr. Taylor."

Both of their jaws dropped in wonder at the sight of the man that now faced them. Daphne swallowed nervously at the intensity in the brunet's eyes, before moving them to meet Ben's tense expression. His body language signifying this was not beginning at all how Ben would have hoped.

Ben stepped forward, smiling tightly at the insolent expression on Justin's face. He spoke quickly, making the necessary introductions, having the feeling the longer they were silent - the more awkward this moment would continue to be. "Brian Kinney, I'd like you to meet Justin Taylor. The lovely young lady by his side is his business manager, Daphne Chanders."

Daphne rushed forward, a smile spreading across her face, as she extended her hand in a warm greeting. "Mr. Kinney, it's a pleasure to meet you. Ben has told me a great deal about you. I hope you will be very happy here in Justin's home."

"My stay remains to be determined, but please call me Brian."

Brian's eyes narrowed as he heard Justin's derisive snort from behind her. Pretentious little shit, he thought. Along with another immediate observation. If not for the circumstances surrounding this meeting - he knew without a doubt, his cock would be up this blond's ass the moment he had stepped through the door. Damn, what a temptation, was his more fervent thought. His eyes quickly assessing him, they fell into the blue eyes that were spitting fire; before resting upon his perfect lips. Fuck, the pleasure that mouth could give him, could be giving him right now.

Shaking his head in disgust, knowing he was here not only to do his friend a favor, but in effect save this young man's life; he forced himself to stay focused. As Justin walked toward him, almost in a stalking gait, Brian wondered just what Ben had gotten him into. This little blond was sheer perfection, beautiful, utterly fuckable - and so off-limits. Well, for now, he assured himself. The time had to come where he could possess that ass. No other outcome could Brian even consider.

Justin stopped mere inches from Brian, looking up at him with a glazed expression in his eyes. His gaze flickered away from Brian just long enough to rasp out huskily, "Leave us."

Brian quirked a brow, watching as Ben and Daphne immediately moved to follow Justin's command. His eyes darkened, as Justin's tongue slipped out to moisten his lips. Brian forced himself to stay in control when every instinct screamed at him to reach out and devour the blond. He wasn't built for such temptation. He knew he should turn tail and get the hell out of here right now. At this point, he could only envision this ending in one way - his cock firmly embedded in the rock star's ass, not to mention fucking that perfect mouth.

He nearly groaned as Justin began to circle him, reminiscent of a hungry panther about to pounce upon his unsuspecting prey, but what Justin didn't know was that he was the master of that game. The kid had no idea what he was up against here, and Brian had the feeling he was going to learn that lesson, if push came to shove.

Brian forced an impassive look upon his face, one he was far from feeling, as Justin idly stroked a finger down his back, coming perilously close to the waist of his jeans. He knew he was in far more trouble than he had ever been in with a potential client, when he heard the raspy voice speaking to him. One that he wouldn't be surprised to hear in his head in the days and nights to come.

"Well, well, Mr. Bodyguard, what a surprising package you are," Justin purred. "Here I was under the impression that I was the hottest thing on legs walking the planet, but now I think I need to reevaluate that assessment. Now, tell me, Mr. Kinney, how precisely should we go about doing just that?"

TBC