Page 20 of Jep

“We haven’t agreed on much over the years, but on that we certainly do. Which is why I hope and expect that you will take this offer with the utmost care and consideration. If you’re looking to settle scores, now is not the time.”

“If I agree to come back, my sole purpose will be to find whoever is responsible.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

“I do have a couple of conditions, however.”

Lawson’s sigh was loud. “I don’t believe you’re in a position to require anything of us.”

“No? I seem to recall that, a few minutes ago, Pearce turned up at my door to inform me that you require my services. You either need my help or you don’t.”

“Fine. I’ll hear you out, but I’m not making any promises. What are your conditions?”

“The first one is, I get to choose my partner.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem. We have a group of highly skilled and effective agents on the team. I’d be happy for you to work with any one of them.”

“Great. The other condition is that I have full control over any ops that we carry out.”

“That’s out of the question, and you know it.”

“You won’t even consider it?”

“No.”

“Okay then. Best of luck to you all.”

He held the phone out for Pearce to take when Lawson said, “Wait. I had hoped I could appeal to your sense of duty to those we lost, but I can see now you’re still the same old Jep.”

“I guess some things never change.”

Em turned her face away so he wouldn’t see the disdain. She was curious to find out Pearce’s take on all of this. He wasn’t giving anything away, and she had to commend him on his patience.

“I will give you control of any operations you are leading,” Lawson said. “But I retain ultimate authority.”

“That won’t work for me. I’m sure you know why.”

“That was years ago.”

“You’re saying you wouldn’t do the same again if given the option?”

“I stand by that call.”

“Even though it was wrong?”

“You disobeyed a direct order, and lives were lost.”

Em glanced at Pearce, who remained blank-faced. If he’d known about whatever mission Jep was referring to, he hid it well. But she still had the files on her desk that she needed to return to the archives. She’d do a little more digging on her own and find out what happened.

“That’s where you stand?” Jep said.

The line was silent for a moment, then Lawson said. “Fine. You have complete control over the ops that you are directly leading.”

“Great. Then I guess I’ll see you back at the office.”

Em thought she noticed a wince on Jep’s face when he hung up, but then he smiled smugly as he tossed the phone back to Pearce. “I guess we’ll be working together.”

Em waited for him to add a smart quip to her as well, but he didn’t.

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