Page 38 of Jep

“Then analyze.”

She relented. “Uh…” Scanning the faces, she looked for one that stood out. “That girl over there.” The prostitute was petite with bleached blonde hair and purple eyelids heavy with eyeliner.

“Which one?” Jep said.

“With the tasseled skirt, who doesn’t look like she’s old enough to be out here.”

“I see her.”

“I think she’s pregnant.”

His eyes shifted from the girl to Em. “Why?”

“I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do.”

She huffed. “I guess it’s because of the way she holds herself. She’s touched her stomach a couple of times, and when she does, her face changes.”

Jep looked back, and he watched for a minute. “I see what you mean. Do you think she wants to keep it?”

“How would I know that?”

“I asked what you thought, not what the absolute truth was.”

“Then Ithinkit’s complicated.”

“How so?”

“Why are you asking me all of this? What does this have to do with the case?”

“Nothing.”

“Then why are we here?”

“You wanted to know why I chose you.”

“This isn’t answering that question.”

“It won’t if you keep interrupting.”

“You said I couldn’t fail, but I don’t believe you.” She crossed her arms.

“You think I brought you out here to prove that you aren’t cut out to be my partner?”

“Maybe.”

“Then why would I pick you in the first place?”

“I don’t know.” She huffed again. “Fine.” Then she looked back at the girl. Her plan to be strong was quickly disintegrating.

A car pulled up in front of the girl, and a homeless man standing in the alcove of an empty building straightened, watching the exchange.

“Are you this difficult with Pearce?” Jep said.

“What?”

“Pearce. Do you give him a hard time too?”

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