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Eliot Spencer knew something was wrong. He couldn't put his finger on what, exactly, was happening, but something was wrong. And it had to do with Parker. There'd been a glistening, almost like she'd had tears in her eyes.
She wasn't here now. That was wrong.
Something was wrong with Parker. Not the usual things that made him roll his eyes and try not to smile. Something was wrong, and he needed to make it right.
Parker didn't cry. Ever. Somebody must've made her cry. Dammit! Nobody made Parker cry! Not while he was around.
But...There were tears. Eliot was certain. Somebody must've hurt her... Upset Parker. He felt his anger rise. That would never be ok. Nobody hurt Parker. She was under his protection. Somebody'd have to pay. He'd see to it. Bones needed breaking. But whose?
He needed more intel.
The first member of the team he saw was Harry. The lawyer was just across the room. Spencer called out, "Harry! Dammit, man. Something's wrong with Parker!"
The lawyer smiled at the hitter, "No. She's OK, Eliot. I saw her take a blanket up into the vents. Just needs a rest. She'll be back in a bit."
Eliot frowned. Parker disappearing into the vents never meant anything good. She had to be really upset. Obviously, he needed to break somebody's head. He growled, Harry was no help. He was no closer to solving the problem.
The hitter shouted, "Breanna!"
She raised her head from her phone and slowly looked at him, blinking.
Damn, the kid was always buried in a tablet or laptop. Bad for her eyes. Girl needed to get out more, he thought. He'd take her out soon, do some outdoor training with her. Get her some fresh air. She was a good kid. Took after her brother.
"Why's Parker upset? Who hurt her?" Breanna's mouth opened and closed like a fish. She didn't know, either. Dammit! How could these people be so unobservant? Unbelievable.
The thief wasn't talking to him, and neither Harry nor Breanna seemed to know what was wrong. He'd have to call in some serious help. "Call Hardison," he ordered, "Tell him..... tell him Parker needs him. She'll talk to him."
"Already done, Eliot. He'll be here soon," Breanna answered him, her voice strangely soft. The hitter was confused by her tone, and wondered if everyone was upset. No, he couldn't have missed something that big. She must just be worried about Parker. He nodded, acknowledging her response.
It was several hours later when Hardison appeared suddenly. "Hey, Man," he said. "I talked with Parker. It's cool. We got it covered. Nothin' for you to worry 'bout. No heads to bust. I'm here now. I'll take care of her."
"Good... Good.... That's good," and Eliot held out his fist for Hardison to bump. "Good to see you, Man."
The hitter relaxed. Hardison was here. He'd never let anything hurt Parker. Between them, she'd be just fine. She'd be ok.
The door opened, and Eliot was almost blinded by the light outside it. He was about to growl for somebody to turn the damn thing off, when he saw a figure in the doorway.
Confused, he whispered a name, heard Parker gasp. Almost a sob.
Sophie grabbed his hand and whispered in his ear,
" That's right, Darling. Go with Nate. He's got a plan."
Eliot smiled. 'Nate always has a plan,' he thought, 'This'll be good.'
And he went.