Page 12 of Jep

Pearce glanced at Lawson briefly before he said, “Jep Booth.”

Lawson shook his head. “Out of the question.”

“Wasn’t he fired?” Truman said.

Pearce looked at Lawson again. “Not exactly.”

“He should have been,” Lawson said. “For all the trouble he caused. He’s as good as fired. We can’t bring him back. It’s too late. He was asked to leave. Lucky for us, he complied.”

“So he wasn’t fired?” Truman said.

“His methods were unconventional,” Pearce said. “And he didn’t fit in, but he was better than anyone at his job.”

“This task force was successful despite Booth,” Lawson said. “Not because of him.”

“He had the contacts, and he was always two steps ahead,” Pearce said, turning his attention to Lawson. “I know you didn’t like him, sir, but you have to admit, he was very good.”

“Likehad nothing to do with it,” Lawson said. “This isn’t a playground. Jep posed a threat.”

“Not enough of a threat to fire him,” Truman said with a nod. “That’s what we need right now, because that’s what the enemy has been doing to us. I remember him. Only met him a few times, but he was exceptional. He got the job done. All right.I’ll give you a reprieve. I’ll delay shutting you down and give you time to see if you can bring in Jep and turn things around.”

“But—” Lawson said.

“Unless you can offer me a better solution?” He lifted his eyebrows, waiting.

“I’d prefer if we talked about this in my office.”

“From what I can see, there’s nothing to discuss. I’ve made my decision.”

“He doesn’t have the agency’s best interest in mind. He never has.”

“Does he have America’s best interest in mind? Because that’s all we need right now. Once we catch the terrorists and bring them to justice, we can reevaluate.”

“I still object.”

“Nevertheless, I want you to do whatever it takes to bring him back. This group is on its last legs. You’ve all done your duty, but we need better. Jep Booth is your last chance. Good luck. Keep me updated on your progress.”

Lawson waited until Truman left before turning on Pearce and dragging him aside. They were close enough to Em’s desk that she could hear them despite their lowered voices.

“What were you thinking?” Lawson said.

“I know you never liked Jep, but Truman was going to shut us down. Would you rather that?”

“Jep’s a bomb waiting to go off.”

“I’d say time has tempered him.”

“You weren’t here long enough to know how he was.”

“Would you rather we all get transferred?” Pearce said.

“I can’t believe Truman did that to me.”

“He didn’t give you any indication before coming here?”

“He’s been threatening me for a year to shut us down. I thought it was all for show. He knew I wouldn’t say much with my entire team watching.”

“At least we have a stay of execution.”

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