Page 23 of Elliot

“Damn it,” Con swore. “Of all the gin joints …”

Charley laughed, as did Smoke, but Elliot was too engaged in winding Maya through the maze of people. Elliot noticed Chandler sit down next to where Maya’s name tag was located. He picked up the tag, moved her to the other side of Olivia where there was one vacant seat, and then sat down beside Chandler. The man shot daggers at him. Olivia glanced Chandler’s way and frowned. “I don’t believe you’re on the seating chart for this table.”

“I was told I was.” Chandler took his napkin off the table and placed it across his lap. “How are you, Olivia?”

“I was better when you weren’t here,” the woman said snidely. She looked across the room and lifted her hand. Elliot saw a person from the table stand up and make his way to the center table, where they were seated.

“Ma’am?”

“Would you be so kind as to show Mr. …” She stopped and thought a moment. “I’m sorry.What isyour last name, Chandler?”

“Kates,” the man replied tight-lipped.

“Keetesto his proper seat. I sponsored this table, and he isn’t welcome to sit here.” Olivia mispronounced his name on purpose, then turned to talk to Maya, dismissing the whole situation.

“Mr. Keetes, if you would.” The man pulled out Chandler’s chair with little effort. The man in question tossed down his napkin with a huff of indignation.

Elliot stared at the man. Hatred flashed in his eyes as he glared at Olivia Solomon and then at Elliot. Elliot heard the manhiss something under his breath. Once the man left, he leaned over to tie his shoe and asked Con, “Can you tell what he said?”

“Let me try to clear it up,” Con said. Elliot got up and moved over one chair, and Maya sat where he’d been seated. The table filled up. Two congressmen and their wives, a national television reporter, the senator, and a singer everyone seemed to know, but Elliot couldn’t place her. Music wasn’t his strong suit.

“I got a couple of curse words. Nothing else,” Con told him. That was what he’d expected, but not checking wasn’t an option.

Maya was the guest of honor at the table, however, and she was a natural at holding court. Olivia beamed at Maya and told everyone about her major accomplishments of the past year.

“Dude, I’ve got some information, but after the event,” Con said.

Elliot lifted his glass, pretending to listen to the keynote speaker, and whispered, “Not cool.”

Con didn’t laugh, which raised warning flags. “It isn’t cool, and it’s serious, but nothing that needs to be addressed at this second. At least that’s what I’m banking on, and a shadow friend of mine agrees.”

Shadow?Fuck, that wasn’t good at all. Elliot’s eyes scanned the venue again. Thank God he had two extra sets of eyes, and he knew they were top-tier operatives. Jason King trusted them implicitly, and that meant everything.

After the speaker finished, the winners were called to the stage. Maya was called first. Elliot stood and pulled out her chair. “I’ve got her,” Charley said as she moved from the back of the room to the side near the stage, pretending to take pictures.

“I’m on the other side.” Smoke’s words were expected. The man also pretended to take pictures. She exited the stage and made her way back to her seat with her award.

Elliot stood and pulled her seat out for her just as a man ran onto the stage. He spoke to the emcee, who jumped. “Ladiesand gentlemen, please stand and make your way to the exits immediately.”

“What’s going on?” Elliot had Maya and Olivia Solomon up and moving to the back of the room before shock could register on anyone’s face.

“Bomb threat. NYPD. Got it like ten seconds ago. How did that guy get notified so fast?” Conner’s words were clipped. Smoke and Charley moved as one in front of him, and they were the first out of the venue. A whizzing sound and a sharp crack were all it took to push the women to the ground and cover them.

“Shooter!” Charley yelled as Elliot pulled his weapon from his ankle holster. Another round of cracking reports came, but that time, it was Charley and Smoke firing.

“He’s running,” Smoke said as he started pounding down the street.

Elliot lifted both women. “Are you okay?”

“Yes.” Olivia hiked up her skirt and grabbed Maya by the hand. “You lead; we’ll follow.”

“That’s my mom,” Con said. “The NYPD has the direction of the shooter. Smoke, I have cameras. Unless you have the shooter in your sights, break off.”

“Breaking off,” Smoke said.

“My SUV,” Charley said as she ran up with her weapon drawn.

“Lead.” He moved the women to follow Charley and held the six. It was utter chaos. Hundreds of people streamed out of the side doors, but they made it to the SUV, and both women clambered into the back, with Charley climbing in after them. She tossed Elliot the keys. He opened the driver’s side door when another bullet hit the window. “Fuck!” Elliot got in. “Shots fired! From the north at an elevated angle. Smoke, stay back.”

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