They'd made it into the inner sanctum of Ellis, where the main nest of crazies were congregated. With the element of surprise on their side, it hadn't been much of a challenge getting in. Elliot's mind was focused on his task. Getting in, killing everyone. Getting to the leader. Those were the only thoughts he allowed to stay in his mind. Anything else would only distract him. He'd barely given pause when he got off the boat and made his first kill. It would come back to haunt him later, probably. But right now, that wasn't important.
Once inside, Elliot decided to forgo using the crossbow Rae had given him, in favor of his knives, which were far better for close combat. He didn't let himself think that all the people he was killing were actually living people. They were, but they weren't. These people were murderers and deserved to be killed. Forty-two deaths on Liberty Island needed to be avenged, and that's what he was doing.
As Charlie had said, the leader wasn't easy to get to, but they were making progress. Like working their way up the ladder to the strongest baddie. Elliot didn't spare the leader much attention. Not when he was engaged in a fight with two men, one with a sword, the other bulky enough to only be relying on his fists. Both required all of his concentration.
However, when the leader stepped down from what must have been perceived as a throne, the two men Elliot was fighting backed off. As they did so, Elliot spared Evan and Charlie a quick glance, just to assure himself that they were still alive, before focusing his full attention on the man who'd stabbed him and left him for dead.
There was no need to ask if the man recognized him. He gave the answer freely, as if taunting Elliot with the nightmare. Elliot stiffened and raised his chin, but kept a tether on his anger this time. There would be no rushing in this time. No burst of rage that ended with him on the ground bleeding. No. This time it would be the cult leader.
"So you remember me. Good. I'd hate to be just another notch on your belt." The sarcastic retort came without any real intent. Elliot didn't want to talk. Talking was a waste of time.
The baton no longer intimidated him. Evan had seen to that. Elliot calmly reached for his second kukri, flicking his wrist and feeling comforted by the now familiar weight of both knives.
"Only person you'll be disappointing is yourself, when I kill you," Elliot said.