Don't Let Go

Trust and Betrayal

CORDELIA POV

We had an incredible lunch of baked potatoes with my favorite cheddar broccoli soup while relaxing in the kitchen. Janet peppered Elliot with questions about French pastries as the croissant dough he put together was resting in the fridge, allowing us the chance to unwind  while eating our meal.

It was fun to participate but I mostly watched my new bodyguard.  His arms flexed and hands kneaded in a way that proved he knew what he was doing. Elliot made it look easy.

My Dad made a really good decision in hiring him.  I was impressed at the way Elliot handled himself this morning, especially considering the idea we discussed to switch movie plans on Lewis.  Those private conversations in Dad's office were a brainstorming session.  They have always respected me and gotten my take on what was being planned, especially as I got older and more capable in training.  Elliot easily slipped into his role without missing a beat.

I had reason to be concerned.  The Resistance had been teasing something in the media for the last 2 months so Dad knew it was necessary to increase surveillance.  It was a relief to all of us that Elliot signed on then jumped into our routine immediately.  The estate is huge but with a bit of exploring I knew it would be no problem to get our new bodyguard up to speed.

Lewis joined us in the kitchen then seemed annoyed that he was not alone with me.  His actions lately had been suspect.  Getting confirmation from Elliot that he also saw something off helped me feel less paranoid.  While I could understand needing time to adjust to a new team member, Elliot was really easy to work alongside.

Once the pastries were laminated again and resting I headed back to my sitting room while Elliot went to get some training with Hector in the control room.  Lewis came along with me and I couldn't help but feel nervous at the idea of being alone with him.  We have done this hundreds or thousands of times.  Now that Elliot sees the same shadiness I do, though, my fears were validated.

Good thing I have a poker face.

"How was town?" I asked after grabbing us each a Coke from my kitchenette.

He shrugged, "The usual. Those museum meetings are always so boring but Aidan and I trade who stays by the room and who wanders the building. How was art class?"

I snorted a laugh, "Guy was not happy that Elliot was here but he didn't say a word so the asshole can get fucked.  Elliot was not impressed by him, either."

Lewis chuckled and shook his head, "That guy is such a tool." He paused before asking, "Uh, so, what do you think of the new guy?"

"He's really nice and is willing to learn all we can teach him. Honestly it's easier than if he was a military guy with his own idea of how to change everything.  When Dad asked me what I hoped to find in this employee I mentioned it would be best to get someone fresh that won't try to change everything we do.  Someone that is easy to get along with who can adapt to the guidelines we follow."

"That's a good point. Hadn't considered how weird that would be since Aidan runs a tight ship."  He sighed before looking around my turret sitting room from the couch.  "If one of his Army buddies took the job it would be a way different vibe."

We do this basically every day.  I get college work done or read or create art or watch YouTube and he bums around when Aidan doesn't need him elsewhere.  Lewis may have been my best friend since childhood but as an employee of our family he has had to change perspective.  He loves having control  The fact that my Dad chose to get a new bodyguard specifically for me in this way bothered him more than he admitted.

I smiled then grabbed my sketchpad while Lewis scrolled his phone. We were quiet for awhile before he sat up and asked, "What's going on, Cordy?"

My brow furrowed as I looked toward him with surprise.