Page 32 of Elliot

She rolled her eyes and took a sip of her brandy. “He’s disgusting.” Shivering, she took another sip of her drink. “How did he know there was a bomb threat? He never said that.”

Elliot’s head popped up. “What?”

“When he called me, he said there was a bomb threat.” She frowned, recalling the conversation. “I said, ‘What makes you think I’m not safe?’ Then he said there was a bomb threat, and I should go to his house. He called it home.” She shivered again. “Delusional.”

Elliot had his phone in his hand almost immediately. “Ross. When Kates called Maya after the event, he said there was a bomb threat. He wasn’t there to know what was announced, and he didn’t mention it when Asher and I interviewed him. Have forensics check any prints on the device against Kates.” He nodded and stared at her. “Check the call logs from that bar, and I’ll have Con narrow the search to know associates of Kates.” He hung up and then tapped his earpiece. “Con, wake up.”

Elliot blinked and then smiled at her.

“Narrow the facial rec program to known associates of Kates. He knew about the bomb threat but wasn’t at the venue.”

“Yeah, we all missed it. Maya reminded me.” Elliot winked at her. “Thanks. No, we’re turning in for the night.”

He tapped his earpiece again. “He’s working it.”

Maya took another bite. “I knew he was different—off, you know—but he really does have mental issues, doesn’t he?”

“I think so. However, the revulsion about the dead animals rang true to me. I don’t think he’s that good of an actor.”

She nodded. “Then, who’s doing those horrid things?”

Elliot looked at her and lifted an eyebrow.

Maya sighed. “Jessica.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled at her and took another bite of food.

She chuckled and took another sip of her brandy. She was warm, the food was good, and the company was better. “Where did you grow up, Elliot?”

“Florida.” He chuckled. “My brother and I were total surf bums. We both joined the Navy, and after we completed BUD/S, we did our stint in SEAL units. He got out before me and joined Guardian. I followed suit.”

“Is he still with Guardian?”

Elliot nodded. “He works in another section.”

“And your parents?”

“They’re alive and well, living in Florida, a place called the Villages. It’s a golf-cart community for mature people. Not elderly.” He laughed. “Never call my parents elderly.”

“Warning received.” She chuckled. “Did you have a good childhood?”

Elliot nodded. “My folks both worked. School was good. We both played football. Bruce is three years older than me, and he left for the Navy as soon as he graduated. I followed. We had a great childhood.”

Maya smiled. “I knew a couple of guys who entered the service after we graduated. They were kind of the protector type. I wasn’t in the popular crowd, too geeky and into my studies to be that, but I helped some of the basketball and football guys with advanced algebra and physics. They made sure no one picked on me. So, school wasn’t too bad. I worked at the corner store after class, and my dad would pick me up and drive me home before he went to his second job. He'd make sure I washome safe and had dinner. He worked so hard.” She smiled sadly. “I think you would have liked him.”

“I know I would have. Any person who sacrifices themselves for their children is a real-life hero.” As Elliot smiled at her, that warm feeling intensified.

She took another sip of her brandy. “He was my hero for a long time. I compare men I meet to him.”

“Really? How do I stack up?” Chuckling, Elliot got up, walking over to the fridge to get a bottle of water.

“I’d say you’re probably the only man I know who exceeds the standard Dad set.” She stared at him as she spoke.

Elliot straightened up and turned toward her. He stared at her and then swallowed hard. “Thank you.”

She tipped her brandy and realized she’d finished the small amount she’d poured. She put the glass down and looked at him. “There isn’t any need to thank me. The truth is what it is. You put your life on the line tonight for Olivia and me. Did you even think before you acted?”

Elliot sat down and moved his plate away from him. “No, but that’s because of years of training. Like you in a meeting when you have all the facts and make a decision. You’ve prepared, and you know what the answer is. We train continuously so we don’t waste time thinking. We act.”

---