Brick was aware of Sterling turning to watch them with interest.
“Why aren’t you with the client?” he asked Elias.
“Because that’s your job.”
“Not anymore,” he replied.
“What does that mean? Damn it, look at me,” Elias snapped.
Sterling looked between them with wide eyes.
“I need you to take point with the client, Elias,” he explained. “I should have done that from the beginning. She’ll find it easier to be around you.”
“I think you’re wrong. She wasn’t at ease with me at all after you left.”
“What do you mean? Is she all right? Did you bandage up her hand?” he asked.
“Yeah, I bandaged up her hand, but she was nervous around me. Jittery.”
“What’s going on, Brick?” Sterling asked. “It was pretty obvious that she preferred you to the two of us when she grabbed onto you in the foyer.”
“You gave her a fright and I was closest,” he grumbled. “She’ll be more comfortable with Elias.”
“Fine,” Elias sighed. “I’ll go grab my stuff and get back in there, then. But I think you’re wrong. I think she’d be more comfortable with you.”
Brick didn’t agree. He thought it was best that he kept some distance from her.