Mountains of Dawn

Vermeil, Ontario

Judith Abramson toured the grounds of Brian Miller's house each night and once in the early morning, just as Mike Harrison had shown her the first day of her assignment. The two-story residence sat close to a ravine at the edge of the Sports and Hunt Club. Judith strode close to the fence and examined the ground leading to the house, her sharp eyesight missing nothing.

"Mike, if you have bodyguard training, then why did Mr. Miller want another bodyguard?" she had asked him during their very first tour.

"I think it was his brother's idea. Malcolm is pretty protective of him," Mike replied. "But I'm not a full bodyguard. I took a course in civil protection, after I was in a pretty bad wreck." He paused, glanced at her. "See, I used to race. Formula Uno. That wreck laid me up for about four months, but I still drive. The protection course just made me more employable."

Judith had nodded, and asked him if he would show her the interior of the house.

Mike laughed. "No, that's Brian's job. I'm surprised he didn't follow us out here."

And Brian had been anxious for their return, pacing in the solarium, waiting for them. He showed her the entire house, his hand clasping her arm. The size of the building had impressed Judith then, and still impressed her today.

She entered the house and glanced toward the solarium, adjoined by the kitchen. The main floor held the dining and living rooms, as well as Brian's den. The long bamboo-covered wall had a hidden door which opened into the fitness room. Judith used it each night after her rounds.

She glanced up and examined the monitor for the two infrared cameras in front of Brian's bedroom. Nothing moved.

Judith wandered into Brian's den and sighed. He seemed to be more concerned with her as a woman than that she was his bodyguard.

"I asked Malcolm for a female agent," Brian had said. Indeed, Judith thought. He believed Malcolm couldn't come up with one, especially not one he, Malcolm, would trust with his brother's life. Brian was wrong.

As a bodyguard, Judith took her responsibilities seriously and set a daily routine. She accompanied Brian to his office each day and waited in the hallway for him to conclude his business. Brian usually went to see his partner, Jack Benweiser, or to discuss issues with the chief accountant of the Versifund company. After leaving, Judith would report to Malcolm, either by phone or by electronic mail, then join Brian and Mike Harrison for dinner.