The spacious room had two sofas, a conference table, phone and computer chargers, a cot tucked against the wall, and a television mounted on the wall, along with two private restrooms. People sat huddled on the sofa, a man rushed into the bathroom, and the woman who’d fainted lay down on the cot.
“An ambulance is on the way,” Maverick said to the group.
“We’re okay, but you aren’t,” Ella said. “I would suggest you get that gash on your hand looked at.”
Maverick hadn’t noticed his blood dripping on the floor. Anne entered with a roll of paper towels. Maverick unrolled several and jammed them against the wound.
“Penelope, can you help our guests get settled?” Gunner asked.
“Of course.” She slid her gaze to Maverick. “Go.”
“Let’s get you to the hospital,” Gunner said.
“Can you excuse me for a moment?” Maverick said. “Gunner, join me.”
Maverick found the super glue in the break room drawer and washed his hand beneath the faucet. After drying the gash, Gunner examined Maverick’s hand. “I’m not sure this’ll work. I vote for stitches.”
“I’m fine. Close it up.”
“So stubborn.” Gunner sealed the wound shut with the super glue.
“This year is kicking my ass.”
“Just stop dislocating your shoulder.” Gunner rubbed his own. “I’m starting to have sympathy pain.”
As the two men returned to the safe room, Maverick’s phone rang. The lead officer at the scene needed an update on the whereabouts of the Qualitation execs. Maverick gave her their address as Anne escorted the paramedics into the room.
“How’s everyone doing?” Maverick asked Ella.
“I’ve got a tough crew. We appreciate you and your team for jumping into action.”
“That’s what we do.”
Maverick addressed the group. “You’ve been through a lot today. Take it easy for a few days. Post-traumatic stress is common after an event like this. If that happens, please tell your healthcare professional. We’re here if you want to talk.”
“Thank you,” Ella said and her team echoed her sentiments.
At sixteen hundred, a detective called with an update. Casualties were limited to cuts and bruises. The Qualitation building had been cleared of any explosives, but the building and courtyard were now considered a crime scene.
“I’m relieved no one was seriously hurt,” Ella said. “It’s all over the news.”
Anne popped her head in. “Two reporters are holding. Lines one and two.”
“Excuse me while I take those calls,” Maverick said.
“Hott here,” he said from his office.
“It’s Alexandra. How are you doing?”
“All good.”
“Let’s see if we can reverse some of the bad press you’ve gotten over the past few days.”
“Here’s my quote: ‘Qualitation hired us to protect them. Mission accomplished’.”
“What specifics can you tell me about the alleged terrorist?”
“All I can tell you is ThunderStrike and the local security team worked in tandem to ensure the safety of all civilians present. Check with Metro Police for anything else.”
