Page 108 of Hidden Ascent

“I didn’t have to. I let her off on an invisible leash, and his building was the first place she went. I knew it would be. It’s not the first time I’ve spotted them together.”

“I hope this isn’t all you have?”

“No.” Jay laughed. “There’s a lot more where that came from. It got pretty hot and heavy from there.”

“Where’s the rest?”

“I’d like something from you first.”

“You want my guarantee that you’re hired? You got it.”

“Actually, what makes me so good at my job is that I know a lot about what’s going on behind the scenes. For example, with this favor. I knew of Whitlock’s dirty little secret from a reliable source, so I was able to deliver. What would help me out a great deal is if you’d let me see what you have on the others.”

“Others?”

“You must have a lot of dirt in order to get what you want.”

He shouldn’t have been surprised that Jay wanted to squeeze him for what he could. But he wouldn’t let Jay have any power over him. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

“Of course you do. You’re not a man who pretends to be something he’s not. I want to see what you have. I want to know what I’ll have at my disposal to get your work done. It’s to your benefit that you show me. I can do a lot for you.”

“Sounds to me like you’re trying to manipulate me into sharing information.”

“Manipulation is such a strong word. I would simply like us to work together on a deeper level. This must be the most valuable asset you have. Would it hurt you to show me some of your lesser material?”

“I don’t blame you for asking, but no, I won’t share anything with you.”

“You’re making a mistake.”

“Thanks for your concern, but the only reason I haven’t kicked you out already is because you got Whitlock. If you keep pushing, the deal’s off.”

“That’s too bad. I’m sure there is a lot more I could have done for you with that information.”

“I’ll get over it. Now, I’d appreciate it if you’d hand over the rest of what you have.”

“You must have misunderstood. If you want the rest, I want to see those other files first.”

Jay was a hard negotiator, buthewas harder. “That’s not the agreement.”

“It is now.”

Sharpe leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk while he pressed his fingertips together. “I don’t know if anyone has warned you about making an enemy of me.”

“I have no interest in making you my enemy, Mr. Sharpe. That is not my intention. But I’m an independent contractor. I don’t workforyou. I workwithyou. I will continue to deliver above and beyond your expectations, but not for nothing.”

“I like you, Jay, so I’ll tell you what. If I have a job for you to do that requires the assistance of someone in a position of importance that I have sway over, we’ll discuss it then. In the meantime, bring me the rest of the photographs, or I’ll have you cut into tiny pieces.” He didn’t expect Jay to flinch, but he was surprised by the confident smile.

“That’s how you want to play this?”

“It is.”

“That’s your final offer?”

“That’s my only offer.”

“Very well. I have to respect that you play a hard game.”

“The best always do.”

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