Leverage

Chapter 11

Eliot and Ave concluded a silent pact not to talk about what happened and not to tell the others. Peacefully they went on preparing dinner.

Not much later Sophie came back, handing Eliot the spice she bought for him. In her other hand she carried a big shopping bag. When Nate, coming out of his office, saw the name of an expensive shoe shop on it he just grinned knowingly and bit back a comment. Parker on the other hand wrinkled her nose uncomprehendingly and was just about to say something.

But Sophie preempted her und said, declining: "I know, Parker, don't say it."

"Hey, you can't know what I wanted to say!", Parker retorted indignantly.

Sophie grinned. "Trust me, I can. I know you."

"Really? What did I want to say?", Parker asked defiantly.

"You wanted to say something like: 'Why do you spent all your money on boring shoes? You can't wear them all! I would buy cereal or a new harness!'" Sophie smiled contentedly at seeing Parkers dumbfounded facial expression.

Hardison laughed. "Don't let her lead you around by the nose Parker. Even a blind man would have guessed that!"

But Parker definitely wasn't convinced. She asked softly: "Sophie?"

"Yes, Parker?", Sophie answered patiently.

"We are friends, aren't we?", Parker asked.

"Yes, Parker, we are friends.", Sophie fortified her gently.

"And friends tell each other their secrets, don't they?", Parker asked.

"Yes, Parker, they do.", Sophie affirmed, but becoming suspicious. "Why do you ask?"

Parker ignored Sophies question and continued with absolute seriousness: "Then why, Sophie, why don't you just tell me that you can read people's minds?" Sophie looked at Parker, totally baffled. Then she burst out into laughter.

Parker said sulkily: "You don't laugh at people. That's not nice. Especially not at your friends."

Finally Sophie calmed down enough to talk but she still couldn't suppress the grin on her face. "I'm sorry, Parker, I don't mean to laugh at you. It's just… I cannot read people's mind. I'm just really good at interpreting people's behavior."

Parker answered stubbornly: "Maybe you don't want to admit it, but I know it's your superpower!"

Finally Eliot and Ave finished preparing dinner and Ave ran through the condo, announcing loudly: "Dinner's ready!"

Soon the team plus Ave said around the kitchen table, enjoying a delicious meal. "Hey Eliot, you cooked really well!", Hardison stated appreciatively.

"I helped!", Ave piped up.

"Well done!", Hardison added smilingly.

"Thank you.", Eliot answered and Ave smiled proudly.

"Don't speak with your mouth full!", Parker stated seriously and poked Eliot into the shoulder with her finger.

"Stop that!", Eliot grunted, annoyed, and pushed her finger away. "Are you my mother, or what?"

"Parker, please.", Nate went in calmingly. "Let the poor men eat his food the way he wants to."

"Remember, Parker.", Ave giggled. "The cleverer gives in!"

Parker rolled her eyes. "That's stupid. If the cleverer always gave in the stupid would rule the world!"

Ave laughed. "I never regarded it that way…"

"Okay, guys. I made a plan.", Nate started. "Tomorrow afternoon we will fly to Arizona, where the girl most likely is kept. I already booked the flights for us."

"For me, too?", Ave piped up hopefully.

Nate sighed, defeated. "Yeah, for you, too."

"Yes! Thank you!", Ave rejoiced happily. Sophie darted Nate a content glance.

They continued eating. But the later it got and the darker it got outside the more restless Ave became. Off and on she stared into the dark streets behind the windows, fidgeted almost nervously with her hands and tapped with her feet against the wooden chair.

Finally Eliot asked, annoyed from her fidgetiness: "What's up with you? Spill it!"

Ave looked up from her plate. "I… I have to go!", she blurted.

"Whereto?", Parker asked curiously and looked at her quizzically.

"I have to… sort out a few things… personal things.", Ave explained cryptically.

"Well well.", Eliot answered skeptically. "I guess you don't want to tell us more?"

"No.", Ave stated straightforwardly. "I don't plan to."

"Then go!", Eliot hollered impatiently, but also somehow understandingly. Ave jumped to her feet and smiled at him thankfully.

"Will you come back?", Parker asked worriedly.

"Yes, don't worry, I'll come back.", Ave affirmed hastily.

"Ha! As if I would worry!", Nate muttered under his breath. Sophie kicked him under the table. He added quickly: "Don't forget, I already paid your ticket!"

But Ave listened anymore. Without any more words Ave grabbed her jacket and bag and quickly left the condo. Eliot stared after her and heard the soft bang when the entry door closed behind her.

"What do you think where she goes?", Parker asked.

"No idea.", Hardison answered, shrugging helplessly.

"What do you think which things she talked about?", Parker wanted to know.

"Parker!", Eliot hissed. "How are we supposed to know?"

"I hope she is going to be okay.", Sophie worried.

"Of course.", Nate calmed her. "She grew up in the system, she comes to terms."

Suddenly Parker stood abruptly up. "I follow her and find out what's up with her!", she announced decisively.

"Parker, I don't think that's such a good idea…", Sophie gently tried to hold her back.

"Why not? She won't notice me!", Parker reasoned persistently.

"You would invade her privacy!", Hardison complained.

Parker rolled her eyes. "Since when does that bother you? You constantly rummage in other people's lives!"

Eliot sighed. "Go, Parker. Do what you want."

Parker grinned. "See you later!"

Then she disappeared.