"In short," Elana said, "only through the crucible of fire will a person's true character manifest. But with systems and protocols in place, groups can fall back to their training in times of uncertainty and stress. It is essential to have these protocols in place. Thank you for your time."
Resounding applause filled the ballroom.
I couldn't help but smirk.
Of course, Elana was mobbed by CEOs when she came off the stage, all looking to probe her for deeper insight. They were giddy schoolboys, handing out cards, angling forone-on-onecounseling.
I hung out for a bit and waited for the crowd to thin before approaching. "Seems like it was a success.”
Elana gave me a surprised look as she gathered her things. "It seems to have been well received.”
"Nice touch at the end."
“I told you I would use it. Were you checking up on me?”
"I had to run a few errands and found myself back here. I thought I'd stop by and see how it went.”
"Well, you saw," she said, still in that aloof tone.
"I might like to see more."
She lifted a salty eyebrow. "I guess you’ll just have to attend my next lecture.”
"When is that?”
"I'm not sure yet.”
I dug into my pocket and handed her my card. "Let me know when you schedule it."
"Are you really interested in what I have to say? All your experience is in the field. My knowledge is just academic. I can’t imagine what you’d benefit from it.”
"Let's just say I like to keep my mind open to learning new perspectives."
She didn't buy it.
Elana marched toward the door, and I followed. Not in a stalkerish kind of way, but we were both heading in the same direction.
"How long are you in town?"
"Well, I’ll be in the area for the next month.”
"More lectures?”
"That and other things.”
"What other things?”
She gave me another saucy eyebrow. "Is that any of your business?”
I smiled. "I'm inquisitive by nature.”
"I suppose that's fitting in your line of work. What exactly do you do, Deputy?”
"Special Crimes.”
"What constitutes a special crime?
"Something that demands expert resources. Murder, kidnapping, terrorism.”
