“That’s usually,” the bodyguard shrugged. “My cousin and me, we talked it over and decided with this Ax fella on the loose that one of us should stick with you all the time, know what I mean? Right now it’s my shift, and I’ll be hangin’ tight… no matter what you’re doin’.”
“I appreciate that, but I don’t think there’s any danger of getting hit here. I already decided not to take Gleep outside until the coast is clear. No sense tempting fate.”
That was at least partially true. What I had really decided was that I didn’t want to give the Ax a chance to strike at me through my pet. Aahz already complained enough about having a dragon in residence without adding fuel to the fire. Of course, if my suspicions were correct and Bunny was the Ax…
“Better safe than sorry … and you didn’t answer my question. You want I should lean on the dragon?”
Sometimes the logic of bodyguards eluded me completely.
“No. I mean, why should you lean on Gleep? You look comfortable where you are.”
Nunzio rolled his eyes. “I don’t mean ‘lean on him’ like really lean on him. I mean, do you want me to bend him a little? You know, rough him up some. I stay outta things between you and your partner, but you shouldn’t have to put up with that kind of guff from a dragon.”
“He’s just being friendly.”
“Friendly, schmendly. From what I’ve seen, you’re in more danger from getting knocked off by your own pet than by anyone else I’ve seen at the Bazaar. All I’ve ever asked is that you let me do my job … I am supposed to be guardin’ your body, ya’ know. That’s how my position got its lofty title.”