Page 130 of Statler

“It only took finding someone who trusts me, treats me like an equal, and appreciates what I bring to the table, to make that come true,” she gushed.

Granny smiled broadly at Statler. “Yes indeed. I do believe he’s absolutely the right man for the job. So what happens from here?”

Statler cleared his throat. “Uh, Eliza and I haven’t had that discussion yet. She insists we wait until all my business is taken care of before we talk about our future.”

“Because she’s a smart girl,” Granny stated. “She doesn’t want any crap left on the table that will color or influence your decisions.”

“Hello,” Eliza barked. “She is right here, and she definitely wants to get this whole show moving. Which means, let’s get those thumb drives so Statler and I can be on our way.”

“Oh. You mean these doodads?” Granny pulled them from her jacket pocket, holding them aloft as if they were catnip, and Eliza the interested feline.

“Nice, Granny,” Eliza snickered, reaching up to easily grab them. “But thanks. Now we’ll get out of your hair.” She turned and…

Oh,” she paused. “Can I leave my car here?”

She didn’t want to be anywhere but glued to Statler’s side for the rest of the night.

“Of course,” Granny nodded. “Now you two kids get yourselves gone, and after your business is complete, please have some fun.”

“I plan on it,” Statler agreed gruffly, and gave Eliza what could only be interpreted as a scorching stare.

Every nerve ending in Eliza’s body lit up.

It was quite a promise.

And she was going to make him keep it.

* * *

Four hours later, having drunk at least a gallon of coffee while listening to the proceedings and all the minutia that the FBI demanded in order to wrap things up to their satisfaction, Eliza looked at the clock. It was going on five in the morning. And rather than being sleepy, she was wired.

When the large group once again pulled Dark up on a conference call, along with some big-wigs in Washington, Eliza knew things weren’t going to wind down any time soon.

But she was done.

“Bathroom,” she whispered to Statler, who was holding her hand while listening to the proceedings; often adding his insight and opinions

He let her go with a nod and a quick squeeze to her digits.

Eliza took herself off down the hall, used the facilities, then as she looked out the window where the skies were beginning to lighten, she made a quick decision.

She knew what she had to do.

Her first foray was to the bedroom, where she bundled up what she thought she’d need, leaving her purloined goods in front of the back door.

Then hurrying to the kitchen without drawing anyone’s attention since they were all still so absorbed, she dashed off a quick note.

Statler, you know where to find me. E.

Eliza quietly made her way down the hall again, picked up her bundle, then snuck out the back door.

Once free of the solemn proceedings in the house, Eliza raised her head and breathed deeply of the brisk morning air before her feet took her toward a path with which she was very familiar.

The climb was invigorating after hours of sitting still, and as Eliza’s blood began to pump, she made plans.

She didn’t know how long she had before the meeting finished up, but she was going to make the best of whatever time she had.

* * *