Page 3 of Jep

“I’m not hurt. I completely understand.” Em stood. “But I had to try.”

“For what it’s worth, I know you did your best. You were thorough, as you always are. I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

“Thank you. I won’t take up any more of your time.”

“Would you do me a favor?”

“Of course.”

“You said you spent hours in the archives. I’ve been down there. I know what it does to you. All that frustrated searching you’ve been doing would have blown your fears way out of proportion and twisted you in knots.”

“I came out with the same concerns I had going in.”

“Be that as it may, I want you to take a walk and clear your head. In a few hours, the team will return, hopefully with more answers. And your fears will be alleviated.”

“I’d rather get back to work.”

“Then I’m ordering you to take a break. Go get a coffee. It’s a beautiful day. Take it in. Refresh. I don’t want to see you back here for at least an hour.”

Em wanted to protest, but the fight had gone out of her. “Yes, ma’am.” Her legs were stiff as she walked to the door.

“Oh, and Em?”

She spun. “Yes?”

Gardener was holding out the files. “Take these with you. I don’t envy you putting them back.”

“Thanks.” She collected the pile and hugged them to her chest again, this time in defeat.

On her way out, she stopped at her desk long enough to drop the files there before walking to the elevator. Her eyes remained locked on the floor until the doors opened, and she looked up to see a man in his early sixties give her a once over because she stood in his way. His lips pursed in their usual frown.

“Assistant director.” Em nodded as she shifted sideways to give him room to exit the elevator. “Wait.” She quickly added.

“Yes?”

“Uh, it’s—uh—the mission. I’m worried about it.” She got the words out before she could chicken out. “I think the information we gathered was too easily come by. I’m worried it’s a setup.”

He crossed his arms. “Aren’t you an analyst?”

“Yes, sir.”

“I read Gardener’s report. I didn’t see any issues listed. Not that it’s the analyst’s job to identify operational concerns.”

“No, I’ve…I’ve only brought this up now. I wanted to put together more?—”

“Have you spoken to Gardener?”

“I have, sir.”

“And what did she say? Was she as concerned as you?”

“No, sir. But I believe?—”

“How long have you been with us?”

“Over eighteen months.”

“Do you know how many successful operations Gardener has been with us for?”

---