Deadly Testimony (Safeguard #2)(64)

“Sure.” Actually, she really could use a drink. And seeing as the food tables had been set up on the outer edge of the ballroom, it was a good direction.

He tucked her left hand into the bend of his right arm again. She wasn’t sure what proper etiquette was, but she was glad he was leaving her right arm free. If something did come up, her gun was on her right thigh.

She could shoot with either right or left, but when it came to handguns she was better with her dominant hand.

As they walked toward the buffet table, she recognized some of the staff. “Huh. My idea would’ve worked out after all.”

“Hmm?” He had snagged another glass from a passing waiter. This time it was champagne.

She took it from him and they continued. “The caterer is a friend of mine.”

“How many caterers do you know?” He sounded amused.

“Only the one. I know a couple of restaurant owners too.” It was how she picked up food downtown when Maylin wasn’t within easy contact. Knowing where you could get food prepared by people you trusted was a part of the reason she’d decided to stay downtown and not elsewhere in the Seattle area.

“So this is the person who cooked the excellent Korean meal.” He picked up their pace a little.

She smiled. “Yes.”

“I’d like to thank her.”

“Maybe not tonight.” It could come out odd if anyone overheard. “But from what I gather, the best way to thank her is to enjoy more of her food.”

Maylin loved to cook for people. And as awkward as Lizzy was with people, it was easier to do things that made Maylin happy than it was to try to express it in words. Diaz didn’t get why Lizzy was so hesitant to try telling people things, but Maylin got her.

Besides, everything Maylin made was good. More than good. Amazing.

“Unusual food selection.” Kyle brought her attention back to the table. He handed her a small plate.

Rather than have both her hands full, Lizzy let go of his arm so she could carry the plate in her left hand. “You think so?”

“A lot of catered buffets have ‘safe’ food choices. Roast beef, chicken breast prepared with a white sauce and a choice of pasta.” He ticked off the list on one hand before taking up a plate of his own. “This has variety and smells phenomenal.”

The buffet was set up with a selection of grilled foods. There was beef and chicken, as he’d mentioned, but there was also lamb and pork. There were also a few types of sausages. All of it had been prepared Brazilian barbecue style, seasoned and presented with a few of her favorite side dishes.

“I’m not familiar with this.” He had stopped by a dish of rice and black beans.

“Feijoada con arroz.” She supplied the name for him. “Next to it is fried polenta.”

“Ah.” He took a small amount of each.

As he did, she snagged several small, round puffs of bread.

“I take it you like those?”

“I never miss out on p?o de queijo if I can help it.” She popped one in her mouth.

There was no way Maylin had done this for her. The coordinator of the event chose the menu. But if anyone ever wanted to lure her somewhere, Maylin’s p?o de queijo might do it.

When they reached the end of the buffet, Lizzy caught sight of an empty table. The raised tabletop meant people had to stand to eat there. Considering most women were already in chairs, probably regretting their shoe choices, it wasn’t odd for this one to be unoccupied.

Plus, Diaz was standing near it looking intimidating.

She went ahead and claimed the table for herself. Kyle was a step behind.

“Some party,” she said to no one in particular.

Diaz didn’t respond but he did manage to loom closer.

Kyle looked out onto the dance floor. “Should I wander away?”

“No,” Diaz said at the same time she did.

“Ah, I wondered when we were going to start talking then. I guessed this sort of thing was supposed to be kept brief.”

Diaz groaned. “This is overly dramatic.”

“And yet, not as bad as it could be,” Kyle replied.

“There’s a few complications.” Lizzy took a sip of champagne.

“We saw the interview when it ran on the news.” Diaz sighed. “Combine that with two explosions on the same street and the police calling us demanding to know where you were, I figured.”

“Yup.” Not much explanation required. “Shooter was Edict, but not our old friend.”

A pause. Then Diaz responded, “Good to know. I’m also curious as to why the US Marshals aren’t asking me where you are.”

She lifted a shoulder delicately instead of shrugging. Victoria would be so proud. “I met with Nguyen once before the shit hit the fan, once after. He’s trusting me to handle things for now.”

“Okay,” Diaz said slowly. “I should be happy to hear it but I’m wondering why.”

“A question for another day.” She meant for it to come out lightly, but it really was something to worry about later. They had more urgent tasks. “We’ve got an appointment at oh-two-hundred hours and I’d appreciate help.”

“Where?” Diaz asked.

She told him, plus the rest of what had been on the microSD card. It took a split second for that bit of information to sink in, even for Diaz. They’d all seen a lot and this kind of thing, innocent victims, hit hard. It wasn’t more than a moment, but it was still there, because they were still human.