Page 107 of Jep

“That’s ridiculous,” Em said. “She’s the one?—”

“Everyone calm down,” Pearce said, but he kept his weapon drawn.

“She knew about Jep and I going to the apartment,” Em said.

“You were at the apartment?” Pearce said. “Jep told me he was alone.”

“He didn’t want me getting in trouble. I asked Gardener to cover for me, and then we were attacked at the apartment because she told them we would be there.”

Pearce looked at Gardener, who scoffed. “You don’t actually believe her.”

“Yes, actually. But that doesn’t mean I won’t do my due diligence. Gardener, if you’re telling the truth, you will be exonerated, but for right now, Emery’s not the one holding the weapon.” He nodded toward the statue, and she set it on the desk.

“I was defending myself,” she said.

He pulled a pair of cuffs and tossed them to her. “Cuff yourself to the desk.”

“Pearce,” she said. “I’m not going to handcuff?—”

“Now,” he said, aiming a hard stare at her along with his gun until she complied.

“Fine. But you’re making a mistake.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

After she was secure, he went to Jep and checked his pulse.

“We have to call an ambulance,” Em said.

“He’s alive.” He pulled a pair of cuffs from Jep’s belt and cuffed him to a leg of the desk as well.

“What are you doing? He needs medical attention.”

“I know. And I’ll get it.” He took Jep’s gun and secured it in his hip holster. “But as much as I trust you, I have to do this right. It’s still your word against hers right now. I need to make sure everyone’s secure until I confirm what’s happening.”

“You going to cuff me to the desk as well?”

“No, you’re coming with me.”

“Where?”

“To check on your sister.”

“She’s fine. Jep needs a doctor.”

“He’s been hit harder than that before. He’ll be okay.”

“That doesn’t even make sense.”

He pulled out his phone. “Hi, I’ve got a medical emergency in Sylvia Gardener’s office. Please send up a medic, but keep him cuffed. He’s a suspect, and so is Ms. Gardener.” He hung up. “Let’s go.”

“I’m not going to leave him like this.”

“Em, I’m sorry. Someone will be up soon. This is too important. If you’ve been involved in Jade’s escape?—”

“I’m not.”

“Good. The faster we confirm it, the faster we can clear all this up.”

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