Hostage by Chris Bradford

the heart of the school building. Kitted out with HD
flatscreen projectors, state-of-the-art computers and ergonomic high-backed lecture
chairs, it was unlike any classroom Connor had ever been in.
    ‘These warriors followed the code of
bushido
– a set of virtues that shaped the samurai’s training and
attitude to life. Today, a professional bodyguard adheres to the same principles of
Loyalty, Honour and Courage.’
    ‘You’re making us sound like
heroes!’ jested Marc.
    ‘You are,’ replied the colonel,
his gaze briefly falling on Charley sitting in her chair at the front. ‘But
you’ll be unsung heroes. Connor, you must forget the Hollywood image of the
muscle-bound bouncer in a suit barging a path for some starlet through a screaming
crowd. Or asecret service 007-type in dark shades, talking into his
sleeve, hand inside his jacket ready to draw a gun at the slightest threat. The best
bodyguards are the ones that
nobody
notices.’
    The next image on the screen showed a
restaurant scene. A family of four sat at a table surrounded by other diners.
    ‘So where are the bodyguards in this
picture, Connor?’
    Connor searched the image for clues.
‘The obvious one is the big man in the suit standing by the window, but you just
said it
can’t
be him.’
    ‘Correct. He’s the
restaurant’s doorman. The actual protection team is here.’ The colonel shone
a laser pointer at a couple having a seemingly romantic meal. ‘And also
here.’ The red beam now shone on the young girl at the family table.
‘She’s one of our buddyguards. And that’s why
you’ve
all been chosen. To blend into the background. To become the unassuming friend. By not
drawing attention to your Principal, you reduce the risk of making them a
target.’
    ‘So why do celebrities always use the
Hollywood type?’ asked Connor.
    ‘As a deterrent,’ replied the
colonel, picking up a coffee mug and taking a sip. ‘If the Principal is a film
star, for example, high-profile protection will keep any fanatical followers at bay.
And, in these cases, generally the bigger and uglier the bodyguard appears, the easier
it is for them to do their job.’
    ‘Makes Jason perfect for the
role!’ remarked Ling out of the corner of her mouth.
    Jason flicked his pen lid at her.
‘Careful I don’t step on you, mini-mouse!’
    She caught the lid in mid-air without
looking. ‘You’ll have to be quicker than that to get me.’
    ‘Ling!’ barked the colonel,
bringing a swift end to the frivolity. ‘I realize Alpha team knows much of this
already, but this session is designed to bring Connor up to speed and the revision is
beneficial for you too. So tell me, what’s the key to effective security as a
bodyguard?’
    ‘Constant awareness,’ Ling
replied, her expression turning studious.
    The colonel slammed his palm on the lectern.
Amir almost leapt from his chair in fright at the sudden noise.
    ‘What did Ling just say,
Amir?’
    ‘Erm … constant … awareness,’ he
replied, stifling a yawn. The combination of working late and rising early had clearly
taken its toll.
    ‘And you’d do well to remember
that,’ warned the colonel. ‘If you’re aware, you’re less likely
to be taken by surprise. And that could mean the difference between life and death for
both you and your Principal.’
    ‘Yes, sir,’ said Amir, sitting
up straight.
    ‘Now explain the relevance of the
Cooper Colour Code.’
    Amir swivelled in his chair to face Connor.
‘According to Marine Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Cooper, the most important means of
surviving a lethal confrontation isn’t a weapon or martial arts skills but the
correct combat mindset. He identified four levels of awareness – White, Yellow, Orangeand Red. Code White means being totally switched off. This is
where ninety-five per cent of people spend ninety-five per cent of their time – living
in their own bubble. Like when you’re on a mobile phone and you cross the road
without looking.’
    Connor nodded,