Chapter 8
CHAPTER 8
E lliot stepped out of the limo and reached for Maya’s hand after ensuring no threats. He’d arranged for two New York Guardians to attend and watch his six. At a reception this size, he’d need help. He knew his limitations. The earpiece in his ear came alive when he exited the vehicle.
“Lima One, your requested help is in the venue.” That was Con’s voice.
Elliot smiled and asked, “Slumming again?”
Maya looked at him and frowned. He tipped his head, and she blinked in understanding. He’d told her about the added security and earpiece.
“Dude, when Mommy Dearest calls in favors, she goes all the way. Besides, the wife and I are eating popcorn and watching a movie. I can multitask with the best of them.”
“No, he can’t. I’m watching the movie. He’s eating and paying attention.” A woman’s voice came over the comms device.
Con snorted. “Don’t worry, she’s got the clearance to be on the comms.”
Elliot stayed back as he watched Maya walk the red carpet. There were a handful of photographers and a film crew from the local news station. Her elegant black dress draped her body and hugged all the right places. Her jewelry was minimal, a small diamond bracelet and pearl earrings, but the effect was stunning. He’d almost swallowed his tongue when she came out of her bedroom and asked for help zipping her dress. Her hair was swept up into some type of twist, with a few wisps falling to her shoulders. The fact his hand trembled a bit as he reached for the zipper had nothing to do with the way the vast expanse of her back was bared to him. Nope, not at all.
When she was finished, he escorted her up the stairs and into the venue. At the front of the room was a stage and tables set with fine china in the middle. To the sides, bars and seating clusters had been arranged to facilitate conversation before the event started.
Maya slipped her hand through his arm as several people approached them. “Maya, you look regal, stunning.” The man speaking glanced from Maya to him. “Oh, and this accessory is new, isn’t it?”
Maya laughed. “Tyler Mills, this is Elliot Sawyer.”
“Hello, tall, dark, and delicious.”
The man smiled at Elliot, and he couldn’t help smiling back before replying, “Elliot will do.”
“And this is getting good,” Con said in his ear.
“Well, I must fly. There are so many people to see and men to drool over.” Tyler moved on, and both he and Maya laughed.
Once he left, Maya explained, “Tyler recently developed an online shopping store that caters to the more adventurous men in the world.”
“And became a multi-millionaire doing it,” another man said as he approached them. “My name is Chandler Kates.”
Elliot recognized the name and felt Maya stiffen beside him. “Chandler, how have you been?”
“You’d know if you’d ever returned my call.” Chandler glanced at her hand on Elliot’s arm. Instinctively, Elliot reached over and covered her hand with his. Maya looked up at him and gave him a small smile, obviously thanking him.
She turned back to Chandler. “I’ve been busy.”
Chandler’s eyebrows rose. “So, I see. Congratulations on being nominated again.”
“Thank you. Were you nominated?” Maya asked.
Chandler’s brow furrowed. “No. Obviously, the nominating committee hasn’t expanded its net.”
Maya glanced across the room, then looked up at Elliot. “That’s Olivia. Excuse me, I’ll be right back.”
“We’ve got her.” A voice he didn’t recognize chimed in.
Elliot watched her go, not expecting Mr. Kates to remain once she left. When he looked back, the man was staring at him. Elliot lifted an eyebrow. “Yes?”
“Just a warning. Maya and I have a relationship.” The man sipped at whatever was in his rock’s glass.
“One-sided, I’m sure.” Elliot stepped away, but the man’s hand grabbed his arm. Instinctively, Elliot slapped the hand away and spun on his aggressor. He lowered his voice and growled, “Don’t ever do that again. I am not someone to mess with.”
“Oh, what did he do?” Con asked. Elliot could hear the man chomping on popcorn in his ear.
Kates went white, and his eyes widened, but he still managed to speak. “She’s just playing around with you. Don’t get too comfortable. She always comes back to me.”
Elliot narrowed his eyes. “From what she’s told me, you only want to be with her because of her connections and money. Has no one ever told you that you’ll never get anywhere by trying to sleep your way into power or position?”
That shut the man up for a moment. His mouth dropped open, and he looked from side to side. “That’s not true. I love her. She loves me.”
Elliot laughed. “Has she ever told you that?”
“I know what I know. She’ll drop you and come back to me when things get tough. She always does. I’m who she always comes back to.”
“Really, and when was the last time she came back to you?” Elliot crossed his arms over his chest and stared at the guy across from him. The guy was tall but slender. Elegant was the word he’d use to describe the guy. Definitely not sturdy or one to do his own dirty work.
Maya called over to him. “Elliot, could you come over here for a moment.”
He glanced at Maya and nodded before turning to Chandler Kates. “Watch yourself, Mr. Kates; one might think you’re a bit obsessive.”
“And that’s my clue. I’m running him,” Con said in his ear as he made his way to Maya.
“I’m so sorry. I thought he’d leave.” Maya made a face at him. “Have you ever met Olivia Solomon?”
“No …” Con’s lament in his ear caused him to smile.
“No, I have not.”
“Well, time to rectify that.” A beautiful older woman, perhaps in her mid to late sixties, held out her hand. “I understand you’re here to take care of my friend.”
“I am.” Elliot shook the woman’s hand. “And I know your son.”
“Oh, really, which one?” the woman asked.
“Don’t do it, Elliot. Don’t say my name.”
“Conner.” Elliot smiled at the woman.
Olivia Solomon smiled. “I’m so proud of that young man. He flew the coop and made a wonderful life for himself. Have you met his wife?”
“Wait a second, whoever you’re talking to isn’t my mother. My mother doesn’t say nice things about me. I need a visual. I’m tapping into the cameras.”
“No, ma’am. I haven’t had the pleasure.”
“They’re absolutely perfect together. Oh, there’s Calvin Lethrow. He’s been avoiding me.” The woman laughed. “It looks like he’s out of luck. It was a pleasure meeting you, Mr. Sawyer.”
“Now, that’s my mom. Run, Calvin, run!” Con laughed.
“She’s remarkable, and I wouldn’t be nearly as successful without her,” Maya said. “Shall we get a drink?”
“After talking to my mom, everyone needs a drink. Just saying. I’m running that douche canoe, Kates, now.”
Elliot nodded, and they walked to the bar. After he retrieved her a glass of champagne and seltzer water for himself, they moved to the side of the room, and Elliot asked, “Tell me more about Chandler Kates.”
Maya rolled her eyes. “I made the very unfortunate mistake of going out on a date with him. Once. We had dinner and drinks. He was nice, charming, and a complete ass to the servers. That told me all I needed to know about him. Unfortunately, he thought that entitled him to open access to my bedroom and me. After a very heated argument, he left. But he’s never stopped calling. I block his number, and he gets a new one. He’s shown up at the office. I’ve told him never to come to my office again, or I’d have him arrested.”
“And yet he thinks the two of you are in love. That you’ll come back to him.”
She sighed. “He’s delusional. We had one date. Yes, I talked to him on the phone. I wasn’t going to leave the situation between us as a rift, but I’m not too worried about him. He’s harmless.”
He didn’t disagree with the delusional description. It was the harmless portion he had an issue with. Elliot kept his eyes moving. There were faces of people he recognized from the national news and one or two A-list actors in the crowd. He did a double take when he noticed a man he’d seen many times before. He held up his finger, halting Maya’s conversation. “Smoke, are you working this event?”
The guy turned to look at him. “Hey, Elliot. We had to come. Charley deemed it necessary because she doesn’t get out in the field much anymore, so here I am with short brown hair instead of my usual long blonde, ducking the people who think I look like my dear brother.” He spread out his hands and smiled.
Elliot chuckled and glanced down at Maya. “Sorry, the boss’s boss or something like that is helping us out tonight.”
“When you figure out what I am, would you let me know? Right now, it seems like I’m a jack of all trades and ace of none,” Charley said as she moved up next to Smoke.
Elliot nodded. “Ma’am.”
Charley groaned. “Gag. Do you really need to call me that?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
She stressed, “My name is Charlie.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Elliot said again.
“I don’t know who you’re talking to, but that means you’re not discussing it anymore, doesn’t it?” Maya said, hiding her mouth with her champagne flute.
Elliot winked at her.
“Whatever.” Charley flipped her long dark hair over her shoulder. “They’ll be opening the dining area in two minutes. We’re at the rear of the dining room, so we’ll have a good field of view. Con, did you get anything on that jack-off talking to Elliot earlier?”
“Nothing too disturbing. Trust fund baby. Had several startups that failed miserably. He’s got a sealed juvie record, and I’m digging into that. He set off warning bells. Maybe just because he’s a smarmy, slimy bastard, but still.”
“I agree,” Elliot added to the conversation. “It looks as if the program is about to start.” That was said to Maya.
“We’re seated with Olivia,” Maya said and motioned toward Con’s mom.
“Damn it,” Con swore. “Of all the gin joints …”
Charley laughed, as did Smoke, but Elliot was too engaged in winding Maya through the maze of people. Elliot noticed Chandler sit down next to where Maya’s name tag was located. He picked up the tag, moved her to the other side of Olivia where there was one vacant seat, and then sat down beside Chandler. The man shot daggers at him. Olivia glanced Chandler’s way and frowned. “I don’t believe you’re on the seating chart for this table.”
“I was told I was.” Chandler took his napkin off the table and placed it across his lap. “How are you, Olivia?”
“I was better when you weren’t here,” the woman said snidely. She looked across the room and lifted her hand. Elliot saw a person from the table stand up and make his way to the center table, where they were seated.
“Ma’am?”
“Would you be so kind as to show Mr. …” She stopped and thought a moment. “I’m sorry. What is your last name, Chandler?”
“Kates,” the man replied tight-lipped.
“ Keetes to his proper seat. I sponsored this table, and he isn’t welcome to sit here.” Olivia mispronounced his name on purpose, then turned to talk to Maya, dismissing the whole situation.
“Mr. Keetes, if you would.” The man pulled out Chandler’s chair with little effort. The man in question tossed down his napkin with a huff of indignation.
Elliot stared at the man. Hatred flashed in his eyes as he glared at Olivia Solomon and then at Elliot. Elliot heard the man hiss something under his breath. Once the man left, he leaned over to tie his shoe and asked Con, “Can you tell what he said?”
“Let me try to clear it up,” Con said. Elliot got up and moved over one chair, and Maya sat where he’d been seated. The table filled up. Two congressmen and their wives, a national television reporter, the senator, and a singer everyone seemed to know, but Elliot couldn’t place her. Music wasn’t his strong suit.
“I got a couple of curse words. Nothing else,” Con told him. That was what he’d expected, but not checking wasn’t an option.
Maya was the guest of honor at the table, however, and she was a natural at holding court. Olivia beamed at Maya and told everyone about her major accomplishments of the past year.
“Dude, I’ve got some information, but after the event,” Con said.
Elliot lifted his glass, pretending to listen to the keynote speaker, and whispered, “Not cool.”
Con didn’t laugh, which raised warning flags. “It isn’t cool, and it’s serious, but nothing that needs to be addressed at this second. At least that’s what I’m banking on, and a shadow friend of mine agrees.”
Shadow? Fuck, that wasn’t good at all. Elliot’s eyes scanned the venue again. Thank God he had two extra sets of eyes, and he knew they were top-tier operatives. Jason King trusted them implicitly, and that meant everything.
After the speaker finished, the winners were called to the stage. Maya was called first. Elliot stood and pulled out her chair. “I’ve got her,” Charley said as she moved from the back of the room to the side near the stage, pretending to take pictures.
“I’m on the other side.” Smoke’s words were expected. The man also pretended to take pictures. She exited the stage and made her way back to her seat with her award.
Elliot stood and pulled her seat out for her just as a man ran onto the stage. He spoke to the emcee, who jumped. “Ladies and gentlemen, please stand and make your way to the exits immediately.”
“What’s going on?” Elliot had Maya and Olivia Solomon up and moving to the back of the room before shock could register on anyone’s face.
“Bomb threat. NYPD. Got it like ten seconds ago. How did that guy get notified so fast?” Conner’s words were clipped. Smoke and Charley moved as one in front of him, and they were the first out of the venue. A whizzing sound and a sharp crack were all it took to push the women to the ground and cover them.
“Shooter!” Charley yelled as Elliot pulled his weapon from his ankle holster. Another round of cracking reports came, but that time, it was Charley and Smoke firing.
“He’s running,” Smoke said as he started pounding down the street.
Elliot lifted both women. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” Olivia hiked up her skirt and grabbed Maya by the hand. “You lead; we’ll follow.”
“That’s my mom,” Con said. “The NYPD has the direction of the shooter. Smoke, I have cameras. Unless you have the shooter in your sights, break off.”
“Breaking off,” Smoke said.
“My SUV,” Charley said as she ran up with her weapon drawn.
“Lead.” He moved the women to follow Charley and held the six. It was utter chaos. Hundreds of people streamed out of the side doors, but they made it to the SUV, and both women clambered into the back, with Charley climbing in after them. She tossed Elliot the keys. He opened the driver’s side door when another bullet hit the window. “Fuck!” Elliot got in. “Shots fired! From the north at an elevated angle. Smoke, stay back.”
“On it.” Con’s voice came over his comms. Elliot threw the vehicle into gear and reversed down the block, nearly missing several cars and people as they darted across the street.
“Stop!” Smoke yelled, and Elliot hit the brakes. Smoke jumped in the passenger side and glanced into the back, a smile splitting his lips. “Well, honey, you wanted some excitement,” he said as Elliot put the vehicle into gear and stepped on the gas.
Charley flipped him off but smiled.
“I love you, too,” Smoke said.
Elliot made it about a block before they saw NYPD swarming the area. “Con, we need to know if we were the target or were targeted because we were the first ones out the door.”
Con cussed. “Working it. Getting help.”
Elliot pulled at his tie, loosening the damn thing. “What did you need to tell me earlier?”
“Hold on. Give me a minute.”
“Is my son talking to you?”
“Yes, ma’am. He’s been with us all night.”
“Good.” Olivia nodded and then shivered. “He’ll know what’s going on, or he’ll find out.”
“Damn straight,” Con said as Elliot listened to the clacking of computer keys.
“His exact words were damn straight,” Charley said, and Olivia rolled her eyes. Charley leaned forward and asked, “Maya, are you okay?”
Elliot glanced back at her for the hundredth time since he’d started winding through Midtown’s streets. Her eyes were wide, and she was pale. She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”
“Are you hurt?” Elliot whipped the question out, slamming on the brakes in case he needed to divert.
She shook her head. “No. I’m not hurt, but I’m not okay either.”
He stepped on the gas just as a horn blared behind him. Fuck the other drivers, he was going to make sure Maya was good to go.
Olivia put her arm around Maya. “You’ll be okay. If it wasn’t for Elliot and these two, who knows what would have happened? You’re lucky Guardian is damn good at their job. So am I.” The woman sat up a bit straighter. “Which brings up a question. Why did you pull me from the table?”
“Because you’re part of the family,” Charley said and shrugged. “It was the only option.”
Elliot nodded. Grabbing both of the ladies was instinct. Olivia was Con’s mom, and that made her essential.
“Okay, we’re working with NYPD on this investigation. They’ve agreed so they can use our forensics. There were too many VIPs at the event to deny our request.”
“Smart of them,” Charley said.
“What?” Olivia asked.
Charley pointed to her ear. “Con’s giving us an update.”
“Oh.” Olivia nodded and pulled Maya closer.
“Head to Guardian’s parking garage under their offices. They’ll have an armored vehicle for you, Elliot.”
“Roger that.” He put on the signal and merged into traffic so he could turn around.
“Now, onto what I found. No reaction on this, anyone. Maya Callahan was adopted into a really poor family. She made it to where she is through her own wits and scholarships.”
“That was in my briefing.” Elliot was getting tired of waiting for the information Con had.
“You know that, but Bambi and Smoke don’t,” Con sniped.
“Don’t call me that,” Charley growled.
“But that’s your assigned code name.” Con’s voice was confused. Smoke laughed silently in the front seat.
“Your information, please?” Elliot ground the words out.
“Oh, dear. Con is being difficult again, isn’t he?” Olivia sighed.
“ I’m being difficult?”
“Yes, you are, darling. Now, be good.” The same female voice that Elliot had heard earlier came online.
“Hey, Ronnie,” Charley said.
“Hey, sweetie. Are you okay?” Elliot noted Con’s wife’s handle was Ronnie. He had no idea what that stood for.
“Of course. Just a little fun.” Charley sighed. “Con, what else did you find?”
“Her bio parents are listed as Lynette LaVon and Jonathan Oatem. ” Elliot glanced back in the rearview mirror at Maya. “Well, from the complete lack of response, I can tell you’re all in shock. So was I. He still hasn’t been found. Then, of course, I haven’t looked for him. It's about time to rectify that.”
Elliot concentrated on driving as his mind raced. Jonathan Oatem was an alleged serial killer that several news outlets had linked to foreign governments. He’d been labeled an assassin.
“Are we sure it’s the same person?” Elliot asked.
“About seventy percent. I’m working on it, but the dates and location match the general area where he was living at the time. We have to pull out some magic dust and elbow grease, and that takes some time.”
“Doesn’t affect the situation,” Elliot said. She was being threatened. Might have been the target of an assassination attempt. “Two shooters. Pictures? Updates from NYPD?”
“The NYPD has the event cordoned off. There are two people down. Hold on. Let me jump into the radio traffic and see if I can get anything.”
Elliot threaded through traffic as he waited for Con to come back on the comms. The sound of a phone vibrating had almost everyone patting purses or pockets.
“It’s mine,” Maya said. She frowned and answered, putting the phone on speaker after Elliot asked her to do so.
“Maya, are you okay?” Chandler Kates’ voice was breathless.
“I answered the phone, Chandler. One would imagine I’m alright.” Maya closed her eyes and shook her head.
“Darling, let me come get you. I’ll take you to my home, and you’ll be safe.”
Maya’s eyes popped open. “What makes you think I’m not safe?” Elliot’s eyes met hers in the rearview mirror.
“Tracking that smarmy ass son of a bitch,” Con rattled out over the comms. “He left the building after my mom kicked his ass to the curb. He could be our shooter.”
“Well, there was a bomb threat,” Chandler groaned. “I’ll take care of you. Come home, babe.”
“Home? I’ve never been to your house. We had one date, Chandler. One. Whatever you think happened between us didn’t.”
There was silence on the other end of the line. Finally, Chandler laughed, a menacing sound. “Maya, honey, you're just upset. You know we have a connection. I just want to take care of you.”
Olivia rolled her eyes and put her hand over her mouth, clearly trying to resist the temptation to say something. Elliot knew the feeling. He was biting his tongue. The son of a bitch was delusional.
“No. That will never happen. I don’t like you. I have never liked you. Do not call or come to my apartment or place of business. If you do, I will file a restraining order against you and leak it to every business publication in New York and beyond.” Maya rubbed her forehead.
“Don’t be so emotional, honey. I know you're upset.”
“Yes, I’m upset. At you , you son of a bitch!” she yelled.
“Got his location.”
“Hang up,” Elliot said, and Maya hit the end button. The phone immediately rang again.
Charley extended her hand. “Here. I’ll turn it off.” She took the phone, turned it off, and then handed it back to Maya.
“A restraining order is a damn good idea. You didn’t tell me he was such a nuisance.” Olivia patted Maya’s hand.
Maya shook her head. “He’s persistent.”
Elliot turned his attention back to driving. Persistent and obsessive, but he hadn’t threatened Maya. Was he the person trying to frighten her? Was that what the rats were? A play to get her to come to him? And of what importance, if any, was her father to the situation? Another thing that no one had mentioned was the guns could have been zeroed in on Olivia. He glanced back at Maya through the rearview mirror. She was pale, her eyes were wide, and he wanted nothing more than to pull over, take her out of the back seat, and hold her until she knew she was safe. But he couldn’t. He cranked his jaw down hard. Was she the target? Was Olivia? Perhaps … But then why would they take a shot at him after Olivia and Maya were in the vehicle? There were far too many questions and not enough answers.