Gated Prey (Eve Ronin #3)(48)

But he deserved an answer, so Eve gave him one. “I feel grateful to be alive.”

Grayson nodded. “So do I.”

She realized now that they would always have this private bond, a moment of violence they’d shared that would shape the rest of his life in subtle and, perhaps, profound ways. Maybe hers, too.

Sheriff Lansing came through the door. “I wondered where you two were hiding. We’re ready to get started.”

Eve smiled at Grayson. “It’s showtime.”





CHAPTER SIXTEEN


Eve and Duncan stood on the stage with Grayson Mumford, the Calabasas City Council, Ethan Dryer, Captain Shaw, and the sheriff as the backdrop for Mayor Maureen Stoker, the mother of six children and former president of the local PTA, as she spoke at the podium.

“We expect our law enforcement professionals to put their lives on the line for our safety, to run towards danger, not away from it, to protect us. We deeply appreciate that service and sacrifice, which they do every day. But it’s truly extraordinary when a civilian, someone who doesn’t wear a badge, does the same thing.”

Stoker looked over her shoulder and gave Grayson a smile, then continued with her speech.

“Three days ago, an armed, desperate man ran into a grocery store in the Commons with a detective in hot pursuit. Grayson Mumford was the security guard on duty that day. His job ordinarily consists of removing unruly customers and nabbing shoplifters. But Monday he faced a new challenge—an armed felon. Instead of fleeing or taking cover, he confronted the active shooter, risking his life to take him down. For that act of exceptional courage, on behalf of the City of Calabasas, I’m proud to honor Grayson Mumford with our Meritorious Citizen Award.”

Stoker reached into a shelf in the podium, brought out a plaque, and waved to Grayson to step forward. She handed him the plaque to the applause of everyone in the audience. Stoker and Grayson then posed for photos for the city photographer, a few press photographers, and Grayson’s very proud father. After everyone got their shot, Stoker quietly told him to stay where he was and then she went back to the microphone.

“Now I’d like to present Los Angeles County sheriff Richard Lansing, who has a few words he’d like to say.”

Eve knew it would be a lot more than a few words. Lansing loved a podium and a microphone.

“Thank you, Mayor Stoker. Grayson, your actions in the supermarket not only protected the employees and customers in the store but saved the life of one of our officers. You were in a uniform, wearing a security company patch, and yet you embodied all the qualities I expect from the men and women who wear this badge.” Lansing reverently touched his own badge. “That’s why I am proud to award you the Medal of Valor, the highest honor we can bestow upon an officer in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.”

He reached into the shelf, pulled out a medallion that dangled from a lanyard, and draped the award around Grayson’s neck.

“I believe this is the first time it has ever been given to a civilian,” Lansing said. “Making this a truly historic moment.”

Eve wanted to gag. Lansing was degrading the medal by giving it to a civilian purely as a publicity stunt to distract everybody from the monumental disaster that the grocery store shooting really was. If backup for Eve and Duncan had arrived at the sting house, Grayson wouldn’t have had to fire his gun and all three men might still be alive. But the public would never know about that, about Deputy Collier’s intentional dereliction of duty and his motive for it. That was a scandal that Lansing wanted to avoid at all costs.

Look over here at this bright, shiny medal, Eve thought, not at the smelly, disgusting corruption over there.

“You’re grimacing,” Duncan whispered. “Try smiling.”

But nobody was watching her. All eyes were on Lansing and Grayson, posing for photos.

“He shouldn’t be getting the Medal of Valor,” Eve whispered back.

“Now you know how everybody in the department felt when you got promoted to homicide.”

“It’s not Grayson I’m mad at.”

“It’s the sheriff, I know,” Duncan whispered. “You’re objecting to the cheapening of the award for the sake of the department.”

“That’s right,” Eve said.

“The same goes for your badge,” Duncan said.

When the photographers were done, Lansing shook Grayson’s hand. “Have you ever thought about a career in law enforcement?”

“It’s crossed my mind, sir,” Grayson said.

“Well, if that’s what you decide to do, I hope you’ll consider the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. We could use a man like you.”

“Would you write me a letter of recommendation?”

The crowd roared with laughter and Lansing clapped Grayson warmly on the back.

“Just wear that medal when you apply. It says it all.” Lansing returned to the podium again.

“Oh God,” Eve whispered to Duncan. “He’s not done.”

Lansing said, “Before we go, I am pleased to announce that the spree of home invasion robberies that terrorized Calabasas is over, thanks to the exceptional work by Detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone, who have conclusively linked the three dead assailants to those crimes.” He looked back at Eve and Duncan and gave them a thumbs-up. Eve forced herself to smile. The crime wasn’t solved yet, not as far as she was concerned. Lansing turned back to the audience, shifting his gaze to the handful of reporters. “Now I’ll be glad to take a few questions.”