“I’m not surprised,” he said. “Clients are overreacting to Friday’s hearing.”
“They want reassurance from you.”
“We’re at Qualitation until approximately fourteen hundred. I’ll return calls when I get back.”
Dammit, this should not be happening.
Over the next thirty minutes, Qualitation employees filed into work while Maverick and Gunner kept a watchful eye. The party rental company readied the lobby with a podium and several rows of folding chairs. The catering company rolled carts of refreshments through the front doors and set up on tablecloth-covered tables.
“Time for me to head to the rooftop,” Gunner said.
“Let me know when you’re in position.”
“Always do.” Gunner flagged down a security guard.
Five minutes later, Gunner told Maverick he was at-the-ready.
“How is it up there?” Maverick asked.
“Hot.”
“Need a spotter?”
“I’ve got this.”
“Keep me posted.” Maverick stood along the wall, a silent sentry designed to blend in as everyone scurried about. While it would be easy to let his thoughts wander, he’d trained himself to stay on task. Years ago, he learned a skill called temporary facial recognition that allowed him to track most everyone at an event. In a sea of strangers, he watched for gestures, nervous tics, or even a sheen of perspiration dotting someone’s brow.
A young woman pushing an empty serving cart stopped in front of him. “Are you security?”
“Whatcha need?” Maverick asked.
She shot him a flirty smile. “I was just admiring your…um…your suit, and wanted to say hello.”
“Thank you.”
“The strong, silent type.” Then, she cocked her head. “Maybe I could give you my number, you know, so we could get together for drinks sometime.”
Maverick never let himself get distracted while on assignment, especially by a woman. That was the oldest trick in the book. “Thank you, darlin’, but I’m taken.”
“The good ones always are.” She rolled the cart outside.
Am I taken? Focus, dammit.
At zero nine fifty, Ella and her executive team returned to the lobby.
Gunner’s low, deep voice rumbled through Maverick’s earpiece. “Rough count puts the crowd at two hundred. It’s a big group.”
“Sixty or so in the lobby. I’m heading out.” Maverick slid on his sunglasses as he stepped into the bright morning sunlight.
Ella stood at the podium. She welcomed everyone, thanked the mayor, and acknowledged her special guests and VIPs. While the mayor spoke, Maverick continued his visual sweep. More people congregated in the courtyard, their phones outstretched.
“There’s an abandoned army-green backpack east end of the refreshment table,” Trevon said through the comm. “I’m going to scan.”
“Roger that.”
A few more government officials added their comments before Ella and the mayor cut the ribbon and the audience broke into applause. When finished, Ella led the energetic group inside.
Once the audience was seated, the overflow of guests stood in the rear of the lobby near the elevator banks. Acting as emcee, Ella introduced her executive team.
