Javon Beard «Remember the Time: Protecting Michael Jackson in His Final Days»

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Автор Javon Beard

REMEMBER THE TIME

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of the Publisher. For information address Weinstein Books, 250 West 57th Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10107.

Cataloging-in-Publication Data for this book is available from the Library of Congress.

ISBN 978-1-60286-251-7 (e-book)

Published by Weinstein Books

A member of the Perseus Books Group

FIRST EDITION

246897531

I dedicate this book to Prince, Paris, and Blanket. Their father guided and prepared them for a world that he knew would be challenging for them. Through his spirit he will continue to guide them and, when called upon, I will be there for them as well.

—Bill

I dedicate this book to my twin, Jovon. I wish you were here to share this moment with me. Rest in peace. Gone but never forgotten. Love you always! I also dedicate this book to Michael Jackson. Thank you for believing in me and giving me the opportunity of a life time. And to Prince, Paris, and Blanket. It was a pleasure serving you. You guys were one of the highlights of coming to work every day. I’m always here if you need me.

—Javon

INTRODUCTION

PROLOGUE

PART ONE

Can We Go Back to Neverland?

PART TWO

Why Don’t They Just Leave Me Alone?

PART THREE

This Is It

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INDEX

INTRODUCTION

You would not be reading this if Michael Jackson was still alive.

For over two and a half years, from December 2006 until his death in June 2009, we were employed as the personal security team for Michael Jackson, the most famous and most successful entertainer in history.

For a significant part of that time, we were the only gatekeepers between his family and the outside world, and we have a story to tell.

The world of personal security is not something that most people are familiar with. People see us on TV, and they probably think we’re just a bunch of thick-necked bruisers in black suits standing by the door. That’s not who we are. We’re not bouncers. Many of us are former law-enforcement, sometimes ex-military, people who have studied and trained in the art of private security. In today’s celebrity-obsessed culture, the lives of movie stars and professional athletes are valuable currency. Their privacy is under constant assault. Executive protection is a serious business. We’re entrusted with the welfare of spouses, children, and classified documents. We run countersurveillance in hotels, restaurants, and hospital rooms. We set up false identities to move people around the globe in secret. And when we leave, if we’ve done our jobs right, it’s like we were never there. But we’re always there—standing in the background, listening, and observing. We know the things the tabloids pretend to know. We know the things you wish you knew.