"Nothing." she says, shrugging her shoulders.
"Just ask, Elsie." I demand.
"So the cabin? That's not a safehouse, is it?" she asks with a careful tone.
"Why do you say that?"
"You just admitted to having a house here, and if I were to choose one for you, it would be that cabin."
I let out a sigh. "The cabin is technically a safe house, but I've been known to use it when I'm here in Rose Valley," I mumble, not really wanting to admit anything.
"Ha. I knew it." She boasts, pointing at me.
Thankfully, we're pulling into the gym parking lot. "That's enough, baby girl. We're here. Stay put until I come around."
Opening the door, I hop out of the SUV, making my way around the front to get to her. Of course, Elsie doesn't listen, she's got the door open, already hopping down. She is going to be the death of me.
I stop right in front of her, with my arms crossed, lips tight. She needs to see my displeasure. "I told you to stay put until I came to get you."
"I'm a big girl, I can get out of the truck myself." she says, not looking at me, instead she's adjusting her top, bringing my eyes to her breasts.
Focus, Matt. Leaning closer to her, I whisper in her ear, "You know bad girls get punished. And Elsie, not listening to me when I'm trying to keep you safe is a reason for me to have your ass. This is your first warning."
Taking a step back, I can't help but smile when she shivers but doesn't say anything, she glowers at me instead. "Now let's go to the gym and workout."
"Fine." She snaps, marching toward the front door to the gym. I'm right behind her and when we enter we're greeted by Mateo himself, "Hey, Matt. How are things going?"
"Good. Can I get a guest pass for my friend here?" I ask, tilting my head toward where Elsie is standing.
"Are you Elsie Woods?" He asks immediately.
My hackles go up, but I try not to let it show. Glancing around the room, it doesn't seem like anyone is paying attention to us. Elsie steps toward the front desk with a professional smile, responding, "I am Elsie Woods. Are you a fan?"
"My daughter is. She loves watching you play."
"Aww, that's wonderful. Is she into basketball?"
"Yep. She started playing in our town's rec league last year. Could I get your autograph?"
"Of course."
I watch the whole exchange and am in awe with how well she handles him. I mean it helps that Mateo isn't trying to do anything nefarious, but she's so friendly and professional. Asking questions about him and his daughter. I bet whoever sent her that message is someone she has interacted with. It's probably a fan who she talked with and they took it as more.
Glancing over at Elsie and Mateo, they're still talking and she's signing a few things for him, giving me time to let Meyers know some of my theories.
Me:Hey, can you check to see if Elsie did any fan meet and greets. I'm thinking this might be someone who she interacted with recently.
Meyers:Sure, but that's going to be a lot to look through if she did, they don't actually have an easy list.
Me: No, but they require tickets. If we look at the names, maybe they'll be recognizable.
Meyers:Got it. I'll keep you updated.
"Ready to work out?" she asks.
"Yep. Let's do this." I tell her, putting my phone away and we make our way into the gym.
Chapter eleven
