SURVIVOR: Ghost – Bodyguard Series (S01 • E17)🩸🔞
By:- Adewole Kelvin
{Continuation…}
As the lovebirds cuddled in the same position, Lorenzo gently brushed her hair down with his index finger as he admitted.
Lorenzo: About what you said earlier, I heard. My mind was just taken by other thoughts. I would have reacted similarly if our roles were reversed as well. What woman would love her man if he claimed another man’s life and be comfortable with it? The thought of someone being removed from the picture, especially by their loved ones, is never something anyone wants to hear. It’s distressing, discouraging, and vexing; it leaves behind pain and bitterness. My dear, you have every right to be mad. It’s rather shocking that you’re at ease cuddling up with a man who took the lives of four men.
Finishing his statement, Bao raised her face and looked at him, leaning her chin against his chest, speaking calmly as she toyed with his chest with her index finger.
Bao: What do you expect? Fight you? Curse you? Break up with you? Not if you’re a killer. But I guess, this is your lucky day.
The moment she said that, she rested her head on his chest, placing her palms on his shoulder. Surprised by her last statement, Lorenzo couldn’t help but snort, embracing her even more.
Lorenzo: Atta girl! Then I guess I’ll have to be careful next time. Still wondering about something? This might be the time you need to ask
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Bao: I’ve been wondering ever since I stepped into the house. Even after picking up the flower vase on the wooden table, something felt off. This place looks clean—too clean. You know that gut feeling you get, like something happened here? It’s the same kind of feeling I get when a place looks like no one’s been living in it. But somehow, this place doesn’t look like that. So how is it spotless? I remember you told me on our way here that you only come here once a month—maybe just to scout if you have business around the area. But even if a house is left alone for just a week, dust and cobwebs usually start to settle. And from the look of things here, there’s no dust, not even a single cobweb. How is that even possible? Maybe you forgot to tell me something along the way.
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Lorenzo: If you ask me, you’re right—I forgot to mention it. I hired someone to help with the house. An older woman, named Mrs Belleck, a black woman who lives just a few meters from here. She comes every weekend to clean the house and take care of the flowers and bushes around while I’m away—sometimes even for months when I don’t bother stopping by… She’s a good woman.
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Bao: (softly) I got you… Just a little curious, any ballpark on her age?
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Lorenzo: Not exactly sure. I’d guess she’s over 60, maybe not quite 80. (sighs) Considering her age, I wouldn’t have hired her in the first place—but the old lady. Said she was doing it to survive, for her and her grandchild. I pay her, of course, but even so… One of these days, I hope to repay her properly—for everything she’s doing.
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Bao: That’s actually so… thoughtful. It’s no easy job. Poor woman, she deserves better.
She said solemnly, as memories stirred—of how both her parents once worked in a rich man’s house just to survive. She was much younger then, but she never forgot the humiliation and embarrassment they endured just so she could be fed, educated, and cared for. They had hoped things would one day get better, but somehow, life only got worse—especially after she lost them. The pain still lingered, playing in her mind. But the memories faded when Lorenzo’s voice suddenly cut through. She quickly rubbed her eyes in secret, careful not to let him notice. She knew how he would react. She didn’t want to burden him with her emotions, so instead, she looked up and gave him a wry smile with her chin against his chest. Besides, the deeds are done, and she wouldn’t want that to hold her back from moving forward with her life–as long as there’s still breath in her.
Lorenzo: There’s more I want to say…
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Bao: What?
In that moment, they both heard the sound of a car engine dying, which made Lorenzo prick up his ears and sit up slightly. He responded quickly, glancing at her face as he did.
Lorenzo: There’s one way to find out.
As soon as he said that, they both separated and got up from the chair a little hurriedly. Lorenzo instantly pulled out his Glock 17 gun from behind his back. He fixed his eyes on Bao, who watched silently but was unsettled within, as he racked the slide smoothly. Then, he said sharply and cupped her cheek with his palm, looking into her eyes.
Lorenzo: Stay close!
Bao nodded, swallowed hard, and followed slowly behind him as he moved toward the window. On reaching it, he gently took her right hand while she clung to him, his other hand bracing tightly against the wall. At that moment, the sound of car doors slamming outside alerted them, but it didn’t stop their cautious approach. As soon as they reached the window, Lorenzo carefully moved her behind him, pressing her back gently against the wall. He then pulled the curtain aside and peered through the window, letting out a quiet sigh of relief.
Lorenzo: Great, they’re here!
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Bao: “They?” Sounds to me like you were expecting more than just the passport agent. Who’s here?
Bao asked out of curiosity, but calmly, her gaze fixed on him, needing clarification. Still peering through the window attentively, Lorenzo turned to her and answered with a calm seriousness.
Lorenzo: They’re trusted professionals. I arranged for them to watch over you while I’m gone—until your passport is ready in 48 hours and everything else is taken care of, so you can leave the country safely.
After he finished speaking, Bao stepped away from her spot and also peered through the window for a quick confirmation—not because she didn’t believe him, but because she was amazed he’d go to such lengths just for her, as Lorenzo watched her silently. After a moment, she turned back to him, concern etched in her eyes, and spoke with quiet intensity, describing what she saw.
Bao: They’re females!
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Lorenzo: Right—trusted and professional agents. It might sound funny, but I’m being serious. My mind wouldn’t be at peace leaving you under the watch of random men while I’m away, especially with the danger surrounding us. Anything could happen, even if they weren’t staying in the house with you. People hate the Red Wolves now—deeply—for all the chaos, destruction, and lives we’ve affected. And some of them might be willing to do anything to get back at us. I can’t take that risk. These agents are the only ones I truly trust to do the job. They’re the best fit, and I know they won’t fail under any circumstance.
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Bao: Do you really have to go that length?
She asked, now facing each other and looking into each other’s eyes. Lorenzo gently cupped her neck while slipping his Glock 27 behind his back, saying.
Lorenzo: Like I said, I’d go to any lengths to keep you safe—and I wasn’t just talking. I’d do anything in this world for the woman who brings me joy. That’s the only thing that matters right now, so–okay?
Still taken by what he did, Bao found herself in a state within herself of right words she could use, even considering what he just poured out to her. She wondered maybe she should cry or just hug, but all she could do was to hung face a little and nod, choked up, unable to utter a word, looking back at his face. But his next moves gives her a little courage to embrace brimmed with emotion, as he pull her closer from the neck and laid a soft kiss on her forehead and embraces her more to himself, saying with whispery voice confidently.
Lorenzo: For your safety, I’d do anything… Anything!
In that moment, they heard footsteps outside on the veranda, followed by a knock at the door. They quickly released each other, and Lorenzo walked over to unlock it, while Bao stood in place, watching him. When he opened the door, two women stood before them—one tall, the other medium height—both athletic in build. One was white, the other dark They were dressed in black fleece zip-up sweaters, leather skintight trousers, bulletproof vests, and gloves, with shoulder and waist holsters. One of them, the dark-skinned woman, held a rifle. As soon as Lorenzo unlocked and opened the door, the white woman greeted him in a flirtatious voice, ‘Hey, Lorenzo,’ as they walked in with confident strides, their hair neatly tied back in ponytails, scanning the room as they entered.
Lorenzo: Hey! Where are the rest of you?
Lorenzo asked, closing the door and turning around. Alessia stood with one leg forward, as if posing, and answered in both Italian and English, while her partner stood beside her, gripping the gun tightly and glancing at Bao, who watched them silently.
Alessia: Fuori! (Outside!) Standing on guard outside, having a little chat.
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Lorenzo: Well, Bad timing–Alessia!
Lorenzo said, his voice firm and commanding
Alessia: (glance at Jack) Ha! You caught that, Jack?
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Jack: Loud and clear.
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Alessia: (chuckles) Bad timing, huh? Just when I thought our timing was right. I guess I was too quick to believe that — I’ll take my time next time.
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Lorenzo: (snorts) I fear you might never get the chance again.
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Alessia: Doesn’t sound like much trouble to me. Comunque, è passato un po’ di tempo. Nel momento in cui ho ricevuto il tuo messaggio vocale per prepararmi e ho visto la posizione, ho capito che non ci stavamo incontrando solo per i vecchi tempi. Allora, qual è l’operazione? E chi è questa bomba? (Still, it’s been a while. The moment I got your voice message to gear up and saw the location, I figured we weren’t meeting just for old times’ sake. So, what’s the op? And who’s this hot cake?
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Lorenzo: She’s my fiancée! È lei il motivo per cui siete qui (She’s the reasons y’all are here)
Answering her, Lorenzo left his spot and walked over to Bao, who barely understood the conversation—especially between Alessia and Lorenzo, let alone Alessia’s partner, who had been stealing glances at her with a stern expression. Her towering height only added to Bao’s discomfort, making her feel like she was being kept in the dark about what was being said. Still, Alessia’s partner remained silent. But when Bao heard Lorenzo say, “She’s my fiancée!” and saw him approach, it brought her a sense of security—especially when he took her hand firmly and continued speaking in the same language with Alessia she couldn’t understand. But she was certain that whatever they were talking about had to do with her.
Lorenzo: La voglio sotto la tua sorveglianza e protezione 24 ore su 24 mentre sarò via. Sai già cosa devi fare, ma voglio che sia chiaro—e lo dirò solo una volta. Non deve succederle nulla. È una persona speciale per me, e non voglio che tu, i tuoi partner o una qualsiasi delle tue ragazze vi allontaniate da lei o da questa casa. Deve essere al sicuro e illesa quando torno—neanche un graffio. Se le accade qualcosa, sarà l’ultima cosa che tu e la tua squadra farete. È chiaro? (I want her under your watch and protection 24/7 while I’m gone. You already know what to do, but I’m going to make this clear—and I’ll only say it once. Nothing must happen to her. She’s a special person in my life, and I don’t want you, your partners, or any of your girls whatever leaving her side or this house. She must be safe and unharmed when I return—not even a scratch. If anything happens to her, it’ll be the last thing you and your crew ever do. Are we clear?)
Lorenzo asked in a voice of authority and caution, giving Alessia a stern look. Unfazed by his threat, she curved a slight smile at the corner of her lips and confidently answered back in Italian—then finished in English, still standing her ground
Alessia: Chiaro e tondo—non ci avresti chiamato se non ti fidassi di noi. È il lavoro più leggero che abbiamo mai fatto—niente a che vedere con quello che abbiamo già portato a termine. È al sicuro con noi, purché siamo coperti (Loud and clear—you wouldn’t have called us if you didn’t trust us. This is the lightest job we’ve ever had—nothing like what we’ve pulled off before, as far as I’m concerned. She’s safe with us, as long as we’re covered). Now, tell me, Tiger, what’s the name of your special woman?
Alessia, hoping he’d say his woman’s name, asked. Lorenzo ignored the question and answered differently, but Bao interjected, knowing he wouldn’t reveal the name. Lorenzo felt a little off at first but was taken aback by her answer.
Lorenzo: You’re covered!
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Bao: Uh, I’m Eva. Nice to meet you.
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Alessia: (snorts) Hmm, Eva? You don’t quite seem like an Eva.
Alessia said skeptically, eyeing Bao intently as she reached out for a handshake—but Lorenzo quickly interjected.
Lorenzo: She already told you her name. What more do you need to hear? Now, get the hell out. We need some privacy.
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Alessia: (smile slyly) Oops, didn’t mean to say that, tiger. Just curious. Nice meeting with you, Eva! Come on, J!
After saying that, Alessia gave them a short stare before energetically heading out of the house with her partner, leaving the two alone. As soon as they were out, Lorenzo shifted his gaze to Bao, who had placed her head on his shoulder and holding his hand with her other one. Playfully, Lorenzo said.
Lorenzo: Hm, Eva! Gotta say, that’s pretty impressive!
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Bao: (chuckles) I figured you’d have something to say about that. I must admit, the lady’s sharp—caught me and even knew I was lying about my name.
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Lorenzo: No. Sometimes people try to manipulate you, test you or break into your mind—but that only works if your mental guard is down. If you’re not strong enough to shut that door, you’ll fall for it easily. It’s analytical reasoning. Why do you think she’s an agent—and not just any agent? Besides, you didn’t let your guard down, did you?
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Bao: Maybe I would’ve, if you didn’t cut in.
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Lorenzo: Learn from that. Anyways, you good?
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Bao: Good, but I’m much better staying by your side right now.
As she said that, she yawned softly. Lorenzo then slipped his hand behind his neck, causing her to let go of his. He unclasped a minimalist silver cross necklace and held it up in front of her, looking at her as he spoke affectionately, but with calm seriousness.
Lorenzo: You see, I’ve worn this necklace for a while, and it means a lot to me. It might not be the most beautiful or desirable necklace in the world, but I want you to have it now—so a part of me is always with you.
Saying that, Bao first glanced at the necklace, then met his eyes as his lips moved. When he finished speaking, she cupped his right cheek, ending her words with a smile and a glance at the necklace.
Bao: Who cares if it’s the most beautiful necklace? I love you, and that’s all that matters. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the most beautiful and desirable necklace I’ve ever seen. You’re not going to stand there and stare at me like that, are you?
Almost turning around, Lorenzo quickly moved and lowered his head, planting a long kiss on her lips, still holding the necklace in his hands. She arched toward him, her palms resting on his shoulders, having expected the kiss—overwhelmed by what she had just said. Their ragged breaths deepened the moment. When Lorenzo finally pulled back a little, their foreheads rested together as they exhaled softly, eyes closed. She placed her forearms on his shoulders and wrapped her arms around his head, affectionately toying with his hair. Then, he gives her a half-joking warning, and she responds playfully.
Lorenzo: Careful with words like that… You’re going to make me fall even harder.
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Bao: Then you’d better be careful too—trying to sweep me off my feet like that.
Lorenzo snorts, moves up his lips at her forehead and plant a kiss there, then he instructed her warmly, pulling his face away, which she didn’t hesitate to do smilingly.
Lorenzo: Now, turn around for me!
As she did that, she gathered her long, dark, silky hair from behind and brought it over her shoulder. Lorenzo slipped the necklace around her neck and clasped it carefully, his eyes fixed on her smooth, tanned skin. After securing it, he gently stroked her back and brought her hair back behind her, running his fingers through it like a hairdresser.
Bao, meanwhile, took hold of the cross pendant and gave it a soft kiss before tucking it into her short-sleeved blouse. She paused when she heard Lorenzo whisper in her ear, raising his phone with his left hand to take a photo, his right arm wrapped around her shoulders. Bao smiled at the camera, tilting her head slightly—then he took a photo of themselves, when they heard a sound of a car engine cutting off echoed outside, making Lorenzo slowly detach from her and placed. He placed his phone into his
Lorenzo: Hey, look up here—at the phone. Cheese!
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Bao: (snorts) That must be the passport agent…
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Lorenzo: I certainly hope so!
He thought, walking to the window and peering through it, only to see the passport agent stepping out of her car, just as he had thought. He looked at Bao and proclaimed.
Lorenzo: She showed up, finally!
Bao pat her lips and slowly sat. Then he noticed two of Alessia’s crew stopped the passport agent immediately she got out of the car. As he was about to speak, he heard a knock at the door and Jack peeked her head through the door to announce
Jack: Seems you’ve got a guest. A redhead just showed up—says she’s here to meet you.
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Lorenzo: I know. Let her in.
He gave the order with a sigh, then walked over to sit beside Bao, slipping his arm around her shoulder. Alessia nodded in affirmation and locked the door. Bao rested her head gently on his shoulder. Moments later, a knock sounded at the door, and the passport agent stepped in. She wore a dark bluish double-breasted coat over a brown turtleneck, paired with dark trousers and heels. A message handbag hung from her arm, and her smooth, silky red hair flowed down her back. Her sharp look and poised stature suggested she was in her mid-thirties.
As she entered, she gently closed the door behind her, and Lorenzo greeted her with a bossy act.
Lorenzo: Glad you finally showed up, Ms ying.
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Maggie: Thank you! So sorry for the delay and inconvenience, Mr Conti. My car broke down while I was on my way here. I had to take it to my mechanic’s shop and ended up leaving it there. They gave me another car to come here because fixing it was taking longer than I expected—not to mention the traffic jams I ran into. It was one hell of a ride. But I’m really glad to finally be here. Nice security you’ve got here, by the way.
Ying explained politely, standing and facing the couple with the table between them, holding her message handbag.
Lorenzo: Yeah, take a seat!
Lorenzo said, nodding toward the chair, but Ying declined with a gentle shake of her head, smiling faintly as she unzipped her bag
Ying: Nah, I’m fine. I won’t be staying here for too long. Hey, Ms Bao!
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Bao: (softly) Hi, Ms ying!
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Lorenzo: You sent me a voice message claiming you’ve got something important for me—something that’s better discussed face-to-face. So tell me, what’s so urgent that you couldn’t share it over the phone? I’ll take it as a free pass, considering this isn’t the first time we’ve worked together, and I trust you. But make no mistake—I don’t share my location or private residence with just anyone, and I only do so for valid reasons. Understood?
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Ying: (smiled sheepishly) Yeah, Mr. Conti, and I’m really sorry if I made this seem inconvenient or uncomfortable for you. That aside, I was already planning to visit some family nearby and took the chance to stop by. When you sent me your location, I was surprised—it turned out we were pretty close after all. Now, here’s the good news: the passport replacement process for your girlfriend, Ms. Bao, didn’t just happen fast because of luck. It was my effort and the work I put into it that got it done so quickly. Normally, it takes about 48 to 72 hours before everything drops, but with everything Bao submitted and the push I made with the Chinese embassy, we got her new passport in less than 24 hours. Trust me, I’ve been in this business for five years, and I’ve never seen anything like this. I’m still in shock myself. But I’m glad I could make it happen for you. Besides, with what had happened, another delay would leave the door open for more danger.
Finishing her statement confidently, Lorenzo and Bao sat upright, identical looks of surprise on their faces. Still close to each other, they could hardly believe what they had just heard from the passport agent, Ying, who then pulled a manila envelope from the messenger handbag she carried and politely handed it to Bao.
Ying: Here you go. Congratulations, sister!
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Bao: Oh, thank you!
Bao answered softly, her face showing gratitude as she collected the manila envelope. She didn’t hesitate to confirm it with Lorenzo, who slipped his arm back around her shoulder, offering a warm smile as he watched her open it. Watching them both affectionately, Ying smiled and cleared her throat and reminded again.
Ying: Ahem, careful with that… The documents you submitted at the embassy are also inside the envelope.
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Bao: 你之前已经说过了，但还是非常感谢你。(You’ve already said it before, but thank you so much)
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Ying: 不用谢啦，姐妹。(No need to thank me, sis)
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Lorenzo: (looks at Ying) Alright, Ms. Ying… what can I say? This is unreal. Sure, this ain’t our first time doing business—but this right here? It hits different. Honestly, I figured if Bao’s passport dropped in anything under 48 hours, I’d be impressed. But less than 24? That’s damn near impossible. Still… you pulled it off. You proved me right to trust you. I’ve got no regrets working with you. Just one thing left to say—thank you.
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Ying: You’re welcome, Mr. Conti. It was a pleasure working with you again, and I truly appreciate your trust. I should get going now.
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Lorenzo: Sure, but one last thing—let what happened today remain between us, if you truly value yourself and your family. No one must hear of it. Let this be like it never existed. Understood?
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Ying: Understood, Mr. Conti. As for that–I’m very good at keeping secrets. Good luck to you both.
Ying boldly answered. Lorenzo nodded in agreement as she turned and walked out of the house, his eyes following her with quiet observation. As soon as she was gone, Lorenzo shifted his attention to Bao, whose eyes were feasting on her new passport. He gently tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smiled softly as she giggled, still captivated by the document.
Bao: I just can’t believe it! I can’t believe I’m actually holding a new passport in my hands. I remember how long it took me to get the old one—it took me a couple of months. But here I am, with a fresh new passport, applied for and acquired on the same day. I can confidently say this: no one is more surprised and excited than I am right now.
Lorenzo: I told you it was going to work, didn’t I?
Asked with a question, Bao turned her attention to him and gazed into his eyes. Their faces were close, and they both maintained eye contact. Then Bao answered.
Bao: Right–all thanks to you!
Tbc…