Page 2 of Elliot

“And by us, he means you.” Jade slid gracefully off Nic’s desk. “You’ll get all the facts in the brief, but suffice to mention, this woman will be interesting to work with due to the access everyone has, and she’s not currently willing to abate it. It seems that going radio silent before a massive IPO of a highly anticipated company can cause stock prices to crash.”

Nic nodded. “And we’re talking a possible billion-dollar launch. This is her second business to be launched from private to public. The first set records and still holds them. Metrocorp.”

Elliot lifted his eyes from the thumb drive. “I’ve never heard of that company.” He glanced at Jade. “Who’s my assignment?”

“Maya Callahan. She’s a business Doogie Howser,” Jade said.

Elliot lifted his eyebrows. “Doogie what?”

Jade made a very unladylike noise and flipped him off. “That means she’s really smart and got started at an incredibly young age.” She nodded in Nic’s direction. “I watch retro television when he’s gaming.”

“So, young and clueless about her own safety.” Elliot put the thumb drive in his jacket pocket. He’d memorize everything on the flight to wherever he was going.

“Not so young anymore, mid-thirties, I think, but from what Ms. Solomon says, this shouldn’t be impossible for you once you’ve convinced her you won’t stop her scheduled appearances and meetings. We’ve included everything CCS could find on her, her known associates, and the companies and people who would benefit if this IPO didn’t go through. A walk in the park, right?”

Elliot chuffed out a laugh. “Sounds like I’ll have plenty of time to smell the flowers. My firearms registration and concealed carry permit?”

“Valid. You are heading to New York City. Sarah has the documentation and will give it to you on the way out. You also have police power based on Guardian’s memorandum of agreement with NYPD. Stop by comms on the way out of the building.”

His brows furrowed. “The memorandum is new.”

“You’d be surprised at all the new things coming down the pike.” Nic chuckled. “We’re just holding on and enjoying the ride.”

“That sounds about right.” Elliot extended his hand and shook Nic’s and Jade’s. “Thank you for not losing confidence in me.”

“That’s the second time you’ve said something like that. Dude, a company knows how to protect its resources. You’re one of those highly-coveted resources.” Jade walked with him to the door. “Would you have been satisfied being a babysitter for a paranoid social media starlet or a door guard for a pampered prince visiting the country?”

Elliot stopped and considered that question. “No. I wouldn’t have been.”

“Well, then, give us some credit. We only use a sharp object when it’s needed. Blunt objects can get some jobs done while others require precision. You’re that tool.”

Elliot lifted an eyebrow. “Mrs. DeMarco, did you just call me a tool?”

Jade threw her head back and laughed. “Yeah, I did. Now, get out of here.”

Elliot chuckled and headed out. He had an assignment, and for the first time in months, he had a purpose.Whatever it takes.

CHAPTER 2

Maya Callahan blinked her tired eyes and leaned away from the information she was reading. As much as she hated to admit it, she was worried. Scared if she were honest. The package delivered last night had kept her awake. A delivery from one of her usual couriers had been sent up to her penthouse apartment. Her building security had signed for it. The company that’d delivered it had an excellent reputation and was on her trusted list. Only the credentials of the courier had been forged, and the package … well, the dead rat and bloody knife sent a shiveringly explicit message.

“Maya, are you ready?” Jessica Hall, her personal assistant, said from the door.

“What?” She glanced up at the clock. How in the world had it gotten so late? “Yes, thanks.”

“Are you not feeling well?” Jessica stopped at the door. “I can cancel the meeting or postpone it. It’s just a rehash of yesterday’s numbers.”

“No. We need to confirm the valuation with the financial advisors. We have a realistic and enticing valuation, and we need to ensure the numbers are precise. This late in the game, weneed to ensure everything is in perfect order.” Maya stood up and ran her hands down her skirt to smooth it.

“You look tired. How late were you up?” Jessica came into the office. “Where’s your tablet?”

Maya opened her desk drawer and handed the tablet to her assistant. “I’ll be there directly.” She wanted to freshen her makeup. If Jessica could tell she was tired, the rest of the staff may see the strain of the last few days. She couldn’t let anything jeopardize this IPO; rumors could start from the most minute things.

“Okay. Main conference room.” Jessica smiled and headed out to the meeting.

Maya drew a deep breath and walked to the bathroom adjacent to her office. She added a bit of makeup to detract from the bags under her eyes, then glanced down at the bag that held the delivery from last night. She’d called Olivia as soon as she could gather her wits about her.

“What?” Olivia’s voice snapped over the connection. “That’s it. I’m calling in a favor, and you’re getting a bodyguard.”

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