once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Javon: I had “Smooth Criminal” set up as the ringtone on my cell phone, so that’s what I heard when I got Jeff’s call. It was around one-thirty in the afternoon. At first I thought he was calling to coordinate for that night, because all our family members were coming in for this big New Year’s party I’d put together. I’d rented a suite at the Bellagio, been planning on it for months. But as soon as I picked up the call, I could tell his tone was real strange. He was being short with me. He said, “What are you doing right now?”
I said, “I’m getting ready for tonight.”
I was really pressed for time. The city closes the Strip to vehicle traffic on New Year’s so people can come down to see the fireworks. I told Jeff, “I’m trying to get down to the Strip because they close it at five, and it’s almost two now.”
“You at the house?”
“Yeah, I’m at the house.”
“I’m on my way.”
“What for?”
“I need to talk to you, and it can’t be on the phone. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Don’t go nowhere.”
Then he hung up, real abrupt. Didn’t even say good-bye.
When he got to the house, I was out front, loading the car. I had a friend there helping me pack. Jeff looked at this guy and said he needed to talk to me in private. So we went inside, he sat me down and said, “Okay, I know you’re not going to want to do this. I know you’ve got plans, but I’ve got a serious favor to ask and I need someone I can trust. Can you work tonight?”
I said, “ Hell , no.”
First off, it was New Year’s. Second, I already had this suite at the Bellagio. You’re talking seven hundred dollars a night with a two-night minimum, and my credit card had already been charged. I was out fourteen hundred dollars, and that was the discount rate; I’d had to book months in advance to get it.
I didn’t need the work, either. I’d made my way up at thetime-share, was making $65,000 a year. I was doing good, and now I was ready to kick back and celebrate. I said to Jeff, “Man, I’m straight. I’ve got my bread coming in right now. I’m not looking to ruin my New Year’s plans for a one-night detail.” He kept on me. Finally I said, “Who’s the client?”
He said, “I can’t tell you. All I can say is it’s a high-profile dignitary.”
I laughed. I said, “Jeff, you know you my cousin, but I’m not even listenin’ to that. I’m not about to cancel my plans unless you tell me facts.”
He thought about it for a second and said, “Okay, I’m breaking confidentiality here, but since you’re family I’ll tell you.” Then he leaned in close and said, “It’s Michael Jackson.”
“Get the fuck outta here!”
“I’m serious . It’s Michael Jackson.”
I could tell by the look on his face that he wasn’t messing with me. He explained the whole situation. “More than likely it’s going to be a permanent job if you want,” he said. “Just go on this detail tonight, and it could turn into a whole lot more.”
I said, “No way, Jeff. I know how the personal security business works from watching you. It’s touch and go, and I’ve already got a steady thing.”
He told me it was pretty definite but the one thing he couldn’t vouch for was whether Mr. Jackson was going to like me or not. He said, “The guy’s picky sometimes. He can be very choosy about who represents him.” Finally he said, “Look, I know Mr. Jackson’s going to end up liking you, so I’m going to make it worth your while. I’ll help you tell the family that you’re not going to make the party. I’ll take the heat for that, and I’ll pay for the room.”
I said, “You’re gonna give me fourteen hundred dollars?”
He reached in his pocket and pulled out a thousand in cash. “It’s all I’ve got on me,” he said, “but come with me to an ATM and I’ll get you the rest.”
Once he did that? I knew it was good. I told him I was on board.
He