Page 6 of Shielding Maya

Tate listened to every word. He didn't type, he listened and stared at her. She knew what he was doing. Assessment was a big part of his job. He was making sure she wasn't negatively affected by witnessing the senator's murder.

"Do you need to speak to a doctor, Maya?"

"No."

"There's no shame in it."

"I don't believe there is. Look, it was a shitty thing to see. I'm sorry the senator was stupid enough to break out of here and get himself killed. I'm sorry it happened the way it happened. By the time I got to the point I could see him, there wasn't enough time to react and I didn't have a direct shot."

"Okay. I'm just making sure. You know this right?"

"Yes. I'm aware if I need to speak to someone, I can."

Tate grinned at her then shifted his attention to Myles. "Where were you while Maya and Jasiah were watching the senator's murder?"

"I came up through the woods from the side of the mountain. Since the caller said they'd seen someone walking around up there, I thought I'd see if I could find evidence that he'd been living up there."

"Did you find anything?"

"No. But, to be honest, we should go back up there and see if we can find the recording and any way he communicated. It may not give us much evidence, but it might. I know he didn't have a phone on him when he left here, but he may have found a cell phone or something, which can tell us how they found him here."

Tate nodded. "I wondered that myself." He took a deep breath. "Anything else?"

Myles shook his head. "No."

Tate took a deep breath. "So you two have visitors here this evening. I'm sure your aunt and uncle will want to see you. Tomorrow though, Maya I'd like you to go up and question the people up in Hickory Hills. See if they saw anything or heard anything. Maybe we can get some information from them. Make sure you see Jasiah first, we don't want to mess with the peace agreement. Myles, you can search the woods. Maybe a couple of the residents up in Hickory Hills will go with you. They know those woods better than we do. They may know of hiding spots and places to tuck into if someone would need to. Also, for the time being, we're keeping the senator's death under wraps."

"Sounds good."

Myles turned his head to her. "Ready to relax for a bit and have a drink?"

"Yes. Absolutely."

They stood, almost at the same time and Tate chuckled again. "You two are something."

Myles grinned then nodded toward the door. He opened it wide and waited for her to exit first. After he pulled the door closed, he whispered. "Maybe Mom and Dad are ready for a visit."

Maya looked up at her brother. They were twins, but he still managed to grow nearly nine inches more than her, which irritated the shit out of her.

"I think I'll call Mom and ask her," she mumbled.

As they crossed the living room to the kitchen, the door to Rafe's new office opened. Maya stopped and turned to see her Aunt Isabella exit first. She was as beautiful as ever. Her Hispanic heritage gave her all the good things a woman could want. Olive skin, dark eyes and hair, full lips, and though she was now in her late fifties, she was still stunning.

Maya changed her direction and moved straight into Aunt Isi's open arms. She felt the warmth surround her, and Aunt Isi's arms pulled her in tightly. She smelled great, as always. Whatever expensive perfume she wore, she wore it well. She and Aunt Isi were similar in height and build.

"Te amo sobrina hermosa."

"I love you too Aunt Isi. How was your journey?"

"It was fine. Josh is a good driver. Safe. He's always safe. So, we made it here in one piece." She giggled slightly.

"Uncle Josh would never forgive himself if he did anything to harm you."

Maya pulled away from her aunt and stepped aside to let Myles hug her. Uncle Josh stepped from the office just as she moved and he captured her in his big beefy arms and held her close.

"How are you little one? I can't wait to brag to your mama that I got to see you and she didn't."

"You tease her too much," Maya giggled.

---