The Bodyguard Affair

There was a knock on the door. In poked the head of Isabel, Scarlett’s girlfriend. She was only a little older than Bianca. Dating a woman, and one so young, was the most scandalous thing her uptight sister had ever done. No one had seen it coming, given that Scarlett had been engaged to the son of family friends for years until she met Isabel.

Although, it hadn’t been entirely surprising to Bianca. She had picked up on the fact that Scarlett’s relationship with her ex-fiancé was falling apart long before anyone else. One advantage of being treated like a child was that people underestimated her, let their guards down around her, which meant they did and said things they didn’t think she’d notice. What she hadn’t noticed was that Scarlett was attracted to women. Her oldest sister had been deep in that closet. Given what their mother was like, Bianca understood why.

“Oh, hi, Bianca.” Isabel gave her a small wave.

Bianca returned the greeting. Although the two of them weren’t close, Bianca liked Isabel. She liked that she’d gotten Scarlett to loosen up a little. And it was nice to have someone her age around, especially when it came to family events.

“Scarlett, I’m finished for the day, so I’m heading up to the apartment.” Isabel’s cheeks flushed. “Er, your apartment, I mean.”

Scarlett nodded. “I’ll meet you there. I won’t be much longer.”

As Isabel disappeared from the doorway, Bianca studied her sister’s glowing face. “So, things are going well with you two, then?”

“Better than ever,” Scarlett replied. “In case Isabel’s little slip up didn’t make it obvious, she’s moved in with me. We’ve been taking our time with the move, and she’s kept her old studio to make the transition easier, which is why we haven’t told anyone yet. But now that she’s settled in, we’re ready to break the news to everyone.”

“That’s great. You two are just the cutest couple. I’ve never seen you smile as much as when you’re with Isabel. And I’m glad you found someone who makes you happy. Especially after Adrian. He was not right for you.”

“Believe me, you don’t have to tell me that.”

Bianca rose from her seat. “I’ll get out of your hair. Thanks for the chat.”

“Any time. I hope I helped.”

“You did.” But in reality, the conversation had left Bianca with more questions than answers. Who was it that was after their family?

And why was her mother so afraid?