Different Paths

11. No More Elliot

"Oh no, he's been real lovely," Emily forced a smile.

"We should sit down, Y/N, come sit over here."

I walked over next to him and took a seat, I was across from Derek.

"So, where are you both from?" Elliot began to say.

"I'm from the South Side of Chicago," Derek replied.

"Ukraine, France, Italy, and various countries in the Middle East. My Mom moved around a lot due to her job. And you?"

"Born and raised here in Minnesota. The little missus here is from Las Vegas."

"Funny, I have a friend from Vegas," Emily said.

"Let's eat? The food's gonna get cold," I say in an effort to steer the conversation somewhere else.

Everyone nodded silently and began to eat. What was their big plan? How are they going to let me out? Especially with his guard. I don't know if they know, I need to let them know without drawing suspicion.

"Hey El?"

"Yes, my dear?"

"Where's Jeffrey?"

"I sent him home for the day. He deserves a break."

"Oh, okay," I say with a slight smile.

"Who's Jefferey?" Emily questions.

"He's my guard, he makes sure everything's in order, and he's my protection if I need it."

"So, how long have you two love birds been married?" Derek interjected.

"For a while now, right, Princess?"

"Yep. For a couple years now," I force a small smile.

I need to act normal. He cannot suspect anything.

"What happened to your face? It's all red," Emily pointed out.

"Oh, must've been the shower. I basically cook myself in there."

"It's been a couple minutes though?"

"Oh silly me, I was walking up the stairs and accidentally slipped."

"Yeah, she's always been such a clutz."

"Hey, Elliot, could I ask you a few questions? Privately?" Derek spoke.

"Well anything you can ask, you can ask in front of the missus, and your fine gal here too."

"It's more of a man-to-man question, if you get what I mean?"

"Ah, of course, sure," he said to Derek, he then turned to me, "I'll be back, okay?"

"Okay."