Page 36 of No Man Left Behind

Marcus kept Elina in his sights all day, but he hadn’t seen or felt anything off. When he’d checked with her, she said she felt nothing unusual as well.

Again, she tried to convince him that she was overreacting. Not a chance. Elina had been calm and steady overseas. She’d put the children first, and he’d never seen her panic. The villagers thought she was wonderful.

Whoever had their eyes on her was real, but they weren’t bothering her today. Likely because she was surrounded by half the town. His job was to make sure she was never alone while tracking down the asshole. If the jerk didn’t take the hint and move on, Marcus would take great pleasure in hauling him in.

A look around the main floor showed vast improvements. It was easy to imagine the space with a counter, a waiting area, and desks with actual officers using them.

Elina’s hand slipped through his elbow, and she leaned into him. “It’s a whole different space. It’s going to be amazing.”

He nodded. “With everyone helping, we got so much done today. Sean tells me all the demolition is done, and Aisling and her team have the new plumbing in for an extra bathroom upstairs. That way, each recruit will have a private bathroom. If I can find the right people.”

She laughed and squeezed his arm. “You will. This is an amazing town, and you’ll attract the best candidates.”

“I like your confidence.”

“It’s easy to have faith in you.”

His heart damn near thumped right out of his chest. This woman made him feel like a superhero.

Ginny and Nimii walked into the main room with boxes of food. He’d asked them and Manuel to work some overtime and help feed everyone who had helped. They’d tried to refuse his tip for their overtime, but he’d insisted.

Branna brought in a selection of their beer and other drinks for everyone. The beer names made him smile every time.

Epic Phail Pale Ale.

Falcon Blonde.

The Pilsner of Oz.

Slick and Smooth Dark Lager.

Scooby’s Sweet Porter.

As per tradition, he wouldn’t have any input into the name for the stout they were brewing now but he was sure it would be something with Arrow in it. Thankfully, there weren’t many phrases with the word arrow that would be embarrassing. He hoped.

He grabbed a few beers, and brought them where Elina stood chatting with Piper and Troy. “What are you up to?”

Piper held up her phone. “The poll closes in five minutes. We’re waiting to see which mascot wins.”

He’d forgotten that it was tonight. He turned to the crowd and whistled sharply. When everyone turned, he gestured to Piper and Elina. “Mascot poll closes in five minutes. If you’re still deciding on your favorite, choose now.”

At least ten people pulled out their phones, and he did the same. Elina laughed. “You didn’t vote yet?”

He shook his head. “I like them all.” And he did. But the female firefly had the same kind of sparkle that he loved seeing in Elina’s eyes. He clicked on Fancy Firefly and shoved the phone back in his pocket.

Troy looked around the room. “Do you want to do an announcement of the winner right here? I think half the town is here already.”

Troy was right, but the room was too small to hold them all. “Why don’t we head outside, and you ladies can make the announcement on the front steps?”

Elina shook her head with a laugh. “Piper can handle it.”

But when they were outside, Piper looped her arm through Elina’s and dragged her to stand with Troy.

Piper grinned. “Ten seconds. Let’s count it down.”

The crowd cheered and clapped as the countdown finished. Elina laughed along with them, not appearing too uncomfortable with the spotlight. Marcus moved to the side of the crowd to keep an eye on it. He hadn’t seen anyone he didn’t know, but a lurker might not realize that. He might think he could go unnoticed in the group.

Everyone had left the dogs at home because a construction site was no place for animals, but Marcus wished he had Finch with him. Or some of the other dogs who’d proven they had good instincts.

---