Page 20 of Elliot

She also sent a note to payroll to include a bonus for that section with the next paycheck. She knew her team had outdonethemselves in coordinating and sealing the deal with the suppliers, and she rewarded her people’s efforts. She finished her work and closed down, then walked over to where Elliot was talking on the phone.

“Yes, thanks.” He ended the conversation and glanced at her. “The new security system will be put in place tonight after everyone has left for the day. I’d like you to consider a checkpoint at the elevator so only authorized people are allowed on the floor. Manned twenty-four hours a day until we find out what’s happening.”

She nodded. “Whatever you recommend.” She rubbed her arms. “Will you arrange that?”

“Absolutely. All your employees have employee identification, correct?”

“Yes, HR issues them when they’re hired.”

“You’ll need to put out a memo that IDs will be required for entrance.”

“Now?” She could do that.

“No, tomorrow will be fine. Tonight, they’ll install our surveillance, and we’ll be able to monitor who comes and goes while everyone is gone.”

“Elliot, there’s something I can’t figure out. How did they get in my office? I locked it when we left last night.”

“There are a multitude of ways. The simplest would be a key, passkey, or master key. But picking a simple door lock isn’t difficult.”

“So, you already thought about that.” She rubbed her brow. “Of course, you did. Sorry, I’m unusually slow today.”

“No, I think you’re working through the shock of what happened this morning and maybe what happened with Mr. Folk. You’re doing better than most people would.” He’d removed his suit jacket, and his shirt stretched tight over his muscled chest. How was it the man could divert her laserfocused attention from her business to his looks, his gentleness, the way he took care of her? Why did she want to know everything about him? What was the source of her interest in curiosity?

She shifted her gaze to meet his. “If word of this happening gets out … not me firing Stanley, but of that …” She nodded toward the bathroom.

Elliot shrugged. “No one here will release any information. If word gets out, we’ll go to the wall to find out who leaked the information because that person will be a prime suspect.”

She nodded. “And I’ll be able to say I’ve taken measures to ensure the juvenile tactics of a deranged person won’t affect the company or its management.” She nodded. “Are you ready to go?”

He reached for his jacket. “I’m ready. I’ll call for the car. I’ll have him wait at the apartment to take us to the event.”

She nodded and headed back to her desk to gather her things. It would be the first year she’d attend with an escort. She glanced at Elliot as he spoke on the phone. Picturing him in a tux was not a hardship. She sighed and closed her eyes. Why was she thinking in that fashion? She’d never had problems placing pretty men—or, in Elliot’s case, ruggedly handsome men—in a box and leaving them there. Elliot wouldn’t stay in the little compartment she’d put him in. No, she’d taken him out and examined him routinely since she’d met him. Having him as a date tonight sent pride through her. He was someone she’d be proud to be with. And no, she wasn’t going to try to examine that thought. She put her tablet and laptop into her briefcase. It had to be the stress of the events lately that caused her to act so out of character. Well, fortunately, with the new security system, that should stop. She lifted the strap to her shoulder and sighed. She hoped.

CHAPTER 8

Elliot stepped out of the limo and reached for Maya’s hand after ensuring no threats. He’d arranged for two New York Guardians to attend and watch his six. At a reception this size, he’d need help. He knew his limitations. The earpiece in his ear came alive when he exited the vehicle.

“Lima One, your requested help is in the venue.” That was Con’s voice.

Elliot smiled and asked, “Slumming again?”

Maya looked at him and frowned. He tipped his head, and she blinked in understanding. He’d told her about the added security and earpiece.

“Dude, when Mommy Dearest calls in favors, she goes all the way. Besides, the wife and I are eating popcorn and watching a movie. I can multitask with the best of them.”

“No, he can’t. I’m watching the movie. He’s eating and paying attention.” A woman’s voice came over the comms device.

Con snorted. “Don’t worry, she’s got the clearance to be on the comms.”

Elliot stayed back as he watched Maya walk the red carpet. There were a handful of photographers and a film crew from the local news station. Her elegant black dress draped her bodyand hugged all the right places. Her jewelry was minimal, a small diamond bracelet and pearl earrings, but the effect was stunning. He’d almost swallowed his tongue when she came out of her bedroom and asked for help zipping her dress. Her hair was swept up into some type of twist, with a few wisps falling to her shoulders. The fact his hand trembled a bit as he reached for the zipper had nothing to do with the way the vast expanse of her back was bared to him. Nope, not at all.

When she was finished, he escorted her up the stairs and into the venue. At the front of the room was a stage and tables set with fine china in the middle. To the sides, bars and seating clusters had been arranged to facilitate conversation before the event started.

Maya slipped her hand through his arm as several people approached them. “Maya, you look regal, stunning.” The man speaking glanced from Maya to him. “Oh, and this accessory is new, isn’t it?”

Maya laughed. “Tyler Mills, this is Elliot Sawyer.”

“Hello, tall, dark, and delicious.”

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