Page 5 of Elliot

Maya frowned and motioned toward the end of the reception area. “My office is this way. And we’ve been here since seven this morning. The last meeting ended at four. We worked until just now in the conference room.”

He followed her into her office, noticing no cameras on the floor. Maya’s limp was slight but evident. He glanced around and asked, “You both stayed in the conference room the entire time?”

“I did. Jessica had to run some information to ground.”

“And your employees normally leave at what time?”

“Five. Everyone except Jessica. She’s on salary and is my personal assistant, so she works until I release her.”

“And is it routine for you two to work late?”

Maya chuckled. “Twelve to fifteen hour days are my norm.”

“And not only because of the upcoming IPO,” Jessica said as she entered the office. “Maya works long hours. Here. I put it in a sandwich baggie to protect it. It’s been in my desk drawer since I found it on Maya’s desk.”

“You found it?” Elliot asked as he took the letter. He’d examine it later when he had gloves. The letter was folded in on itself so he couldn’t read it through the plastic bag.

“I did. I came in to put several messages on her desk, and it was lying right in the middle of it.” Jessica bit her bottom lip. “It isn’t a nice letter.” Elliot registered an ick factor on that little bottom lip thing. She was trying hard, too hard.

He nodded and placed the letter in his suit jacket pocket. “Who’s touched the letter?”

“Maya and me.” Jessica looked at Maya. “No one else, right?”

“Not that I know of,” Maya said. “Jessica, it’s been a long day. You go home and be careful around the elevator. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Okay. I’ll stop at the reception desk and ask them to send the custodians up about that mess. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I am. Thank you.” She smiled at the smaller woman and waited until she left the office. Then, she motioned at the door. “Would you be so kind as to shut that?” After Elliot shut the door and turned around, she said, “Something happened last night. I was sent a gift. I’d guess you’d call it that. Just a moment.” She opened the door to what he assumed was a bathroom and returned seconds later. “Here.” She extended the bag to him.

CHAPTER 3

Maya gave Elliot the bag and then sat down at her desk. She knew he noticed how badly her hand was shaking. She couldn’t stop the reaction, which was all it was. It wasn’t fear. No one would spread something on the floor in hopes of hurting her. That was ridiculous. But the fragile part of her mind that entertained the thought whispered,“No one would send you a dead rat, either, right?”

She wrapped her arms around herself and watched the man in front of her. He had a strong chin and profile. His dark hair and five o’clock shadow accented his rugged good looks. She’d guess he was six-foot-three or four inches tall. Strong shoulders and a narrow waist with thick thighs. His shoulders were broad and pulled a bit against the fine fabric of his suit. Maya blinked and diverted her attention from his body to his clothes. His suit was ruined. The suit was tailored and obviously expensive. Whatever was on the floor had transferred to the front of his jacket, leaving a huge, dark, oily patch.

“I’ll pay to have your suit replaced,” she blurted out.

He glanced at her as he pulled the decorated box out of the large, zipped tote bag she’d brought to work with her. “That’s not necessary, but thank you.” She watched as he carefully set thebox on top of her desk and lifted the bow-encased lid. He didn’t flinch or react to what he saw. He simply replaced the lid and looked at her. “Have you touched anything inside the box?”

“Absolutely not.” A shiver ran down her spine. “No.” Touch the rat? Never. The thought brought gooseflesh up her arms. She rubbed them to warm herself.

He unbuttoned his suit jacket and placed one hand in the pocket of his slacks. “You received this last night?”

Maya nodded. “Yes. Security at my apartment sent it up.”

“Security is in the habit of sending up boxes you aren’t expecting?”

“No. But the courier was on my safe list. I use them for documents when I need physical signatures.”

Elliot cocked his head. “Do people still require that? I thought everything was digital now.”

“I require it, and I also require notary stamps. My business will not be subverted by some computer hacker. It's old school, but I insist on it.”

“I’ll need the name of the courier service.”

“I’ll give it to you, but you’ll be wasting your time. I contacted them. They told me they had no record of a delivery for me yesterday.”

Elliot nodded and looked around the office. “Is there anything you need to do here that can’t be accomplished at your apartment?”

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