Page 47 of Jep

“What happened to you only being his partner because it was the only way to make him stay? Surely he doesn’t expect to continue with that arrangement.”

“He doesn’t. And maybe he won’t want me anymore. I doubt he does. But I’m okay with it if that’s what it takes to get him back.”

“You’re a tougher woman than I ever gave you credit for. What about Gardener? She may refuse to let you out of her sight.”

“She won’t. She turned out to be quite agreeable to having one of her analysts in the field.”

“That doesn’t surprise me. Well, if your boss is okay with it, then I guess I have to go along with it.”

“Then we’re agreed?”

“If you’re sure.”

“I am.” She tugged at her skirt. “When do you think I should go?”

“The sooner the better. What are you up to now? If Gardener is on board, you won’t have any trouble getting out of work. And you can take one of our cars. I’ll clear it.”

“Thanks. But?—”

“What?”

“What do I say to a man like Jep to convince him to do something he doesn’t want to do?”

“You’re assuming he doesn’t want to come back.”

“Isn’t that why he left?”

“He left because Lawson took away his freedom. He came to work here because he wanted to. You just have to remind him of that.”

“Right.”

“Any more questions?”

“A million but none you can answer. I guess I’ll wing it.”

“Good luck.”

So that was it. She was going to go see Jep. A man she barely knew, but who seemed to know her. And she was going to convince him to come back. Unless she couldn’t.

God, what have you gotten me into? Or is this my own doing?It was impossible to tell.

Chapter 11

Emery was drivingout of the city when her phone rang. “Aunt Carla. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“You want to know the real reason I want you to drop the ‘aunt’ part?”

“Why?”

“Because it makes me feel old.”

“You are old.” Em laughed at Carla’s sputter. “Kidding. Carla. It’s nice to hear from you.”

“I won’t keep you long. I know you’re working, but I wanted to see if you have time for a lunch date. We haven’t seen much of each other lately. I need some time with my favorite niece named Emery.”

“You’re worried about me?”

“A little. You get into those phases where you work too hard. Let me see you to reassure myself.”

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