She cracked a smile. “Yes, sir.”
“You okay?”
“Better.”
“Ready to rock this?”
She squared her shoulders. “Definitely.”
The team reconvened out front.
“All clear?” Maverick asked.
“Affirmative,” Trevon replied.
In addition to employees arriving for work, two catering vans and a party rental truck had parked out front. After clearing the vehicles, the ThunderStrike team went inside and introduced themselves to the security guards. Wall-to-wall windows on three sides of the building made the lobby a fishbowl. Not the best situation, but Maverick and his team would remain vigilant.
At eight fifteen, Ella Kayson walked through the front doors. Her vibrant red suit was as bold as her personality. “Good to see you, Maverick.”
“How are you, Ella?”
“Excited the big day is finally here.”
After introducing his team, Maverick explained that, going forward, Ella would be escorted by a ThunderStrike employee at all times.
Ella acknowledged all three. “I’m happy to see a female amongst the ranks.”
“I’m a big fan,” Penelope said. “I’ve read both your books.”
“When my next one comes out, be sure to call my office for a complimentary copy.”
“How many are you expecting today?” Maverick asked.
“Around a hundred and fifty, but reservations weren’t required. The good weather and free food might bring in foot traffic. We heard back from the mayor’s office. She’ll be here, along with several other government officials.”
Maverick curled his hand into a tight fist. Internado better not show up.
Ella reviewed the agenda with the team. Following the outside ribbon-cutting ceremony, they’d move into the lobby. Four Qualitation executives would speak, she’d finish with a short keynote address, open the floor to questions, then leave an hour for networking. “I like to call it power-mingling.”
“And we’ll be right there alongside you,” Maverick said.
“I’m heading upstairs to my office,” Ella said. “Who’s coming with me?”
“One more thing,” Maverick interjected. “Four SUVs are parked in the rear of the building, adjacent to the exits. In the event of an emergency, we’ll escort you and your executive team into those vehicles. We’re each responsible for five of you and we’ll find you. You’ll be taken to a secure location until it’s safe to return here.”
“You’ve thought of everything. I caught the evening news Friday. Internado is putting you through the paces. He’s barking up the wrong tree if he wants you to roll over and play dead.”
Maverick’s stomach roiled. “My thoughts, as well.”
“If I could help you, I would.” Then, she leaned close and whispered, “He reeks of rotten fish.”
He sure as hell does. Despite wanting to voice his opinion, Maverick got back to business. “Penelope, Trevon, please escort Ms. Kayson to her office. Radio us when you’re on your way downstairs.”
“Understood,” Penelope replied.
The three took off toward the elevator bank. While Gunner retrieved his rifle from his vehicle, Maverick called his office.
“Good morning,” said Anne, his office manager. “The phone hasn’t stopped ringing.”
