Was he... that uncle?

Alex tried not to look uncomfortable as Shae sat in his uncle’s lap.

For the first few minutes they simply caught up, asking questions about people, places, and things that Alex didn’t know and answering those questions with more things that Alex didn’t know.

Finally, Shae turned towards Alex.

“Uncle Vincent, this is my friend Alex. I was wondering if you might could help him out?”

‘Uncle’ Vincent turned fierce eyes on Alex. They travelled from head to toe and missed nothing. Finally he spoke.

“What problem might you have Alex?”

Alex stumbled as he answered. “I...I might need protection from a nasty ex-coworker soon. I just wanted someone to have my back if it ever happened.”

Vincent laughed. “Sometime soon? Today, tomorrow, next year? Could you be more specific?”

Alex hesitated. “Not really. I’m not even sure it will happen.”

“Well, I can’t have someone guarding you 24/7 for an indefinite amount of time, which means unless you get wind of it beforehand, my guys will be avenging and not preventing.”

Alex swallowed. “I know. I can’t be more certain than what I am though.”

Vincent laughed. “At least you are honest.” He paused. “Now, onto payment. On call, and possible avenging of an attack on your person..... An indefinite time period..... $500 a week until the event.”

Alex gasped. “I can’t afford that!” Alex looked at Shae.

Shae coughed. “Maybe Uncle, you have another way he could pay?” He looked at his Uncle expectantly.

Vincent looked at first confused and then startled. “What do you..? Oh.” He looked at Alex again.

“If you spend a few hours once a week here, either as cleaning help...or ...relief.... for me and my men, We could wave the fee. All of this until the contract is completed or cancelled.”

Alex was speechless.