Page 17 of Jep

“No, it’s not. Why are you here?”

“I remember you always being straight to the point.”

“Do you?”

“I’m not here looking for a fight.”

“That’s good.”

“My visit is…I was going to say positive, but the circumstances aren’t the best. There’s been an incident.”

“An incident?”

“Yes.”

Jep narrowed his eyes. “That wouldn’t happen to be related to the gas leak that leveled a city block last week?” He laughed when Pearce flinched. “You can keep the media in the dark, but anyone with half a brain can read between the lines. Did you lose anyone?” The smile slid off his face at Pearce’s frown.

“We lost four,” Pearce said. “Two more are in the hospital. We think they’ll make it.”

“Who’d you lose?”

“Nicholson, Gonzalez, Murati, and Gill.”

He knew Murati and Gill. Gill had been a good friend. “Did you come here to give your condolences?”

“No.” Pearce paused. “I came to ask for your help.”

“You looking for someone to pin this on?”

“Of course not.”

“There is no way you came here to get my help for the agency.” Jep took a step closer. “Tell me why you’re really here.”

Pearce didn’t back down as Jep moved in. “We both know you didn’t do yourself any favors while you were an agent.”

“I did my job.”

Jep’s eyes shifted when he saw the car door open, but he was surprised to see a blonde get out. She was fair-skinned and delicate looking. Her silk blouse pressed against her body in the breeze as she stepped from behind the door. She was a strange figure here amongst the tall weeds and rusted metal. A flower growing in the middle of a junkyard. An odd choice to bring for backup.

“Who’s that?” he asked.

“Emery Chapman.”

“NotAgentChapman?”

“She’s an analyst.”

“Why is she here?” When Pearce didn’t answer, Jep chuckled. “I get it. Now it all makes sense.”

“What does?”

“She’s pretty. I can see why you chose her.”

“She happens to be an excellent analyst.”

“But that’s not why she’s here. Doessheknow why you brought her? To soften the blow? You expected me to erupt? I should after the way I was treated.”

“I’m not here to fight with you.”

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