Page 31 of Jep

He drummed his fingers on the desk, then looked at his watch before checking Lawson’s door.

He didn’t have to wait long before Lawson marched out of his office with Pearce following. “What’s this I hear about your choice of partner?”

“You said I could choose, and I did,” Jep said. “I don’t understand why there’s a problem.” He remained composed, a look of confusion rather than anger on his face to keep things civil.

Lawson’s already pink face reddened. “And I told Agent Pearce that he must have misunderstood. There’s no way you asked for Miss Chapman as a partner.” Lawson’s voice boomed. “That would be absurd.”

“You may want to choose your words more carefully,” Jep said as he glanced at Emery. She was staring at them. He nodded in her direction, then looked back at Lawson. “I think she heard you. And unless you have more than one Emery Chapman in the office, she’s the one.”

“I’m sorry,” Lawson said, “but that’s out of the question. She’s not trained for the field. Are you trying to make a mockery of this organization?”

“Miss Chapman is very professional. I highly doubt she would be an embarrassment.”

“You know what I mean.”

“She’s had no training whatsoever?”

“She’s had no experience in the field.”

“I don’t need her to do any acrobatics.”

“What’s the point of having her for a partner if you have to babysit?”

Jep pushed his tongue into his cheek. He hoped Emery hadn’t heard that.

“What about Pearce?” Lawson said. “You two seem to get along well. Or at least better than the others. Miss Chapman will be uncomfortable with this arrangement.”

“Why don’t we ask her?” Jep had no way to know how she’d react. She’d probably refuse, but as far as he could see, she was the best person for the job even if they couldn’t see it.

“Miss Chapman?” Lawson called her over with a wave of the hand. People in this office liked to wave at her to give orders. If it bothered her, she didn’t act like it.

Emery hurried over but remained as far from Jep as possible. “Yes, sir?” She clasped her hands behind her back.

“Mr. Booth?—”

“Agent,” Jep said with a smile.

“Agent Booth was given permission to choose his partner.”

“Yes,” Emery said. “I remember him asking.”

“He’s chosen you.”

Jep didn’t know how she managed it, but her expression remained unchanged besides the color of her cheeks tinging with pink.

She looked at him. “While I appreciate the offer, unfortunately, I am not a field agent and must therefore decline.”

“Need I say more?” Lawson said.

“You told me I could have whatever partner I wanted,” Jep said. If he budged on this, they’d expect him to fold on everything else.

“Whateveragentyou chose,” Lawson said.

“That’s not what we agreed.”

“I’m sorry, but there’s no way around it.”

Jep pulled his helmet from under his desk and stood. “Thank you for this opportunity, but if you can’t keep your word, I can’t help you.”

---