Page 120 of Jep

More of the team appeared, carrying boxes and loading them into the back of an SUV. It would be brought back to base, analyzed, and catalogued. She’d be a part of pulling the pieces apart and putting them back together. Organizing the information into a readable report. And there would be no Gardener there to delete any part of it.

“I hope this op hasn’t pushed you farther away from the idea of being a field agent,” Lawson said on his way past.

“I was standing here thinking about how traumatized I am after everything I’ve been through.”

“We train you how to manage that.”

“I know. But I did lose my supervisor, so there’s a position vacant.”

“You want to supervise? Really? Even with the danger, I thought you liked being hands-on.”

“Do you remember when I came to you back before that first explosion that killed some of our guys?”

Lawson dropped his head. “I do. But even then, what could we have done?”

“Nothing. Unless I had listened to my gut in the first place. And if Gardener hadn’t sabotaged the reports. I think I can domore good behind a desk. Although, feel free to bring me in when the guns have stopped blazing. I’m good with that. I just don’t think my heart can handle much more of this.”

Lawson nodded. “As long as I get to keep you on my team.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Jep jogged up to them, and Em held her breath. “Sir, we’re conducting some preliminary interrogations.” He glanced briefly at Em but kept his focus on his boss. “It looks like this thing goes deeper than any of us thought. There are several terror cells involved, engaging in what they’re calling guerrilla warfare. Taking us apart piece by piece. Not a bad tactic.”

“It worked well for a while.”

“They’ve recruited a lot of US citizens. The ones they couldn’t radicalize, they offered whatever it took. Money, power, influence. We’re already compiling a list.”

“That’s good work,” Lawson said. “It was well organized and executed. But for now, let’s focus on the imminent threats. Do you have any more details about the bombs?”

“Two days is what they said. They’re armed. I can go with Cramer. We’ll head to the site?—”

“No, we’re evacuating the area as we speak, and we’ve got a team en route.” He looked at Jep’s chest. “Where’d it get ya?”

Jep tapped the bullet still lodged in the plate. “I’ll have a bruise.”

“You might have more than that. I want you to get checked out.”

“It’s not that bad.”

“It’s been two days since you were cleared of the concussion. I’m not taking any chances.”

“Yes, sir. Then I’ll head back and help out with the interrogation.”

Lawson clapped Jep on the shoulder. “Why don’t you take a beat?”

“I’m fine, sir.”

“Still.” He looked at Em and smiled. “We’ve got everything under control.” He turned toward an agent who was passing by. “Hey, Farris,” he said, leaving Em and Jep alone.

“You enjoy the show?” Jep said with a smirk to Em’s frown.

“That was awful. I thought you were dead. Again.”

“After everything we’ve been through?”

“Your camera went off, and someone was yelling ‘man down’. What was I supposed to think?”

He slipped off his jacket and removed the vest, groaning as he pulled it off.

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