Page 83 of Cakes for the Grump

“Since Luke Abbot always hires the best,” says Dmitri. “We were hoping to get a little sampler.”

The two goons are already standing, experiencing an obvious weighing of odds, trying to sense whether leaving or staying will be more profitable for them.

Elevator Man hasn’t moved.

“Rita is right. Let’s go home,” says Sistine to Luke, parking herself by the exit. “I tire of this lame party.”

“Or the women can go,” says Elevator Man. “Why don’t we have a drink together and catch up, Abbot?”

My hand darts over to the drugged cocktail sitting on the bar top. The liquid tips over and pools everywhere. “Oops. Sorry. Hand cramp. Didn’t mean to do that.”

You aren’t drugging him, creep!

Elevator Man hisses.

Before he can react further, I decide it’s finally okay to abandon my corner. Out in the open again, both my hands are visible. I know because Luke is now absorbed by one of them. I look down. Oh, right. The knife I’ve got gripped as a weapon. He’s seen it, his expression turning to stone.

“Your chef is clumsy,” says Elevator Man. “She must be in training. I should say my secretary has tried to call your office numerous times,but you haven’t returned any of the calls. Must be another one of your employees in training. Either way, it’s good we can connect.” Elevator Man is smiling. “I’m not sure if you know this, but our grandfathers knew each other quite well?—”

Luke walks over to stand in front of me. “Did anyone touch you?”

“N-no.”

My eyes twitch over, so briefly and automatically to Elevator Man, before I force myself to look away.

Does extreme intimidation count? Because he’s definitely done that. And repeat coercion to consume drugs.

“No,” I repeat. Details are not worth delaying our departure over.

Luke frowns. “You’re lying.”

“Not really.”

“Hey, I’m talking to you,” Elevator Man snaps. “Don’t turn your back on me.”

Luke’s finger gently skims over my wrist. “This knife?—”

“Precaution.”

“Okay. Go stand by Sistine. She will get you out of here safely.”

“What? Why? What are you going to?—”

Luke takes off his suit jacket and drops it over the arm of an empty couch. He’s uncuffing his sleeves and rolling them up.

“Don’t do this,” begs Sistine.

Do what?I wonder, frozen in my spot.Surely he’s not going to…

“Why?” sputters Elevator Man.

Luke’s answer is short. As if three words explain everything that is about to happen next. “You scared her.”

“Yeah, but she’s your cook. Who cares about someone like her? She’s beneath our station. Beneath everyone. Not worth anything, let alone you fighting over me harassing her?—”

Luke strides up to Elevator Man, and gracefully rams his fist upward. A broken nose starts the fight. Elevator Man swears, retreating backwards. Dmitri comes out of nowhere, launching his own attack on Luke. Daniel has fled, apparently clutching onto self-preservation.

Dmitri gets a few gut punches in on Luke, before Luke’s foot targets his knee cap so he crumples to the ground. But then a knife is bought out. Switchblade.