Page 32 of Jep

He skirted around Pearce, but Emery tripped forward, blocking his way. “I’ll do it,” she said before clearing her throat. “If that’s the only way to get you to stay, then I’ll do it. But only for the good of the agency. I’d like my objection noted and that Agent Booth acknowledges that I am not trained to perform the duties required of an agent.”

“Noted,” Jep said. “And yes, I acknowledge you have not been trained as a field agent and further add that I do not require your skills as such.”

“Em, you don’t have to do this,” Pearce said low.

“I know.” She shifted stiffly.

Lawson’s sigh rumbled into a low growl. “Fine, but you watch yourself with him, Miss Chapman. And let Gardener know she’ll be down an analyst.”

He gave one last scowl to Jep, his eyebrows merging into one, before returning to his office.

“There’s time to back out if you want to.” Pearce said to her. “No one’s forcing you to do this.”

She looked at Jep. “We all have to make sacrifices.”

“Excellent,” Jep said. “I’m glad we’re finally all in agreement. Pearce, weren’t you going to see about organizing a car for me?”

“Yeah.” He looked more miserable about this arrangement than anyone. “I’ll get right on that.” He glanced at Emery before walking away.

“So,” she said to Jep. “What now?”

He looked down at her outfit. “I don’t suppose you have a change of clothes?”

“What for? We’re not riding on your motorcycle.”

“We could if you want.”

“No, thanks.”

“Still, you might be more comfortable in something a little more casual.”

“I’m a professional. I like to dress like one.”

If her barbs hadn’t all been fired in his direction, he would have been impressed. He just wished she’d stand up for herself to the others like she did to him. He was secure enough to let her practice on him if it gave her confidence.

“Okay,” he said. “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Thank you for your concern. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to inform my supervisor that she’ll be short staffed for the foreseeable future.”

“Don’t worry. It’ll be worth it. I promise.”

“I won’t hold my breath.” She turned on her heel and walked away with her back straight.

Jep was sure she’d stopped breathing. And now that he was on his own again, he began second guessing his choice. He had his reasons for singling her out, and they were good ones, but they would all be for nothing if she didn’t trust him.

It was clear Pearce had expected to be the chosen one, and he wouldn’t have been a bad pick. In fact, he was the obvious choice. But obvious wouldn’t cut it in this investigation. Pearce was on the team that had been hunting these guys, and they’d made no headway. He needed a play from left field. If the enemy was reading them, he needed to change the language.

He continued to watch Emery until she reached Gardener’s office and turned to look at him.

He lifted his eyebrows in question, and she lowered hers into a frown before turning back.

This would be an interesting experiment.

Chapter 8

Em smiledat Gardener as she entered her office but could feel Jep’s eyes on her. She didn’t have time to contemplate his motives or why he wanted her to change her clothes. Did he want her to don leather pants and a tight top? He might be comfortable dressing like a slob, but she never would be. At least she’d said how she felt. Whatever it was about Jep that gave her the courage to speak her mind, she’d welcome it. God often used fire to refine his children. She’d take the challenge head on.

“Sorry to interrupt,” she said when Gardener looked up. “I just need a minute.”

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