Page 80 of Jep

“What people?”

“Around the office. About my sister being a terrorist.”

“You’re worried about what people think? No one blames you, but now that we know she won’t speak to you, you need to distance yourself from the investigation. Otherwise, Lawson will have your head.”

“I can’t do that.”

“Em, come on. You don’t have a choice. Besides, it’s for the best, and you know it. I was in there, remember? I heard what you two said to each other. You’re too close to this. You can’t separate your emotions.”

“Being close is not always a bad thing.”

“It is in this case. They have rules about personal involvement for a reason.”

“I can’t give up on her. And Lawson can’t keep me away. He has to do what Jep asks. So I can always come at it from that angle.”

“Are you listening to yourself?”

“You know what I mean.”

“I’m afraid I do. You’re going to attempt to use Jep to get what you want. But it won’t work.”

“What else can I do?”

“Go home if you have to. No one will stop you. Take some time off. Travel. Do whatever it takes to distance yourself from this before you get into trouble. You’re not thinking straight.”

“If it wasyoursister in there, what would you do?”

“Not this.”

“You say that, but we never know how we’ll respond to situations we aren’t prepared for.”

“That’s what my training is for,” Pearce said. “That’s why we didn’t want you in the field. There is no agent here who would be as emotionally unstable right now as you are.”

“I’m emotionally unstable now? Where’s Jep? At least I know he’s got my back.”

“Does he?”

“Don’t even start.”

“I’m not starting, Em. I’m concerned.”

“Jep’s a fantastic agent.”

“It’s not about that.”

“I already told you it was my call to stay in the park.”

Pearce looked at the floor. “Sometimes when a civilian has a life-altering experience, they can become…” He sighed.

“What?”

“I’ve seen it happen before.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“The way you feel about Jep, it’s not real. It’s been brought on by your circumstances.”

“The way Ifeelabout him? What are you saying?”

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