Page 53 of Jep

“Yeah. Quietly. But I’m the newest member. Everyone else on the team has a long record of service.”

“That doesn’t mean someone hasn’t been turned.”

“I know. But they’ve been vetted, and now they’ve been re-vetted, so if someone is dirty, they’ve hidden it better than our searching can find.”

“It’s happened before.”

“You really think someone in our office is behind this?” Em shifted uncomfortably.

“We have to consider all the possibilities. Does anyone stand out?”

“No. No one.”

“You sure? You haven’t noticed anything? No matter how small. Think back to everyone’s actions throughout your time with the unit. You’ve never had a suspicion?”

“No. But I don’t know everyone that well. Even my supervisor. And I have to be careful that my personal feelings don’t interfere.”

“Meaning there are some you don’t like?”

“It’s not a matter of not liking. Lawson’s not the easiest person to get along with, and my supervisor can be cold and dismissive, but that’s not enough to raise a red flag.”

“If it’s not someone within the task force now, maybe it’s someone who has been before. Someone with a grudge maybe?”

“You mean like you?” She smirked.

“Yes. If I wasn’t me, I might put myself under suspicion.”

“No one else has suggested it. You’re supposed to be our knight in shining armor.”

“So I can get away with anything?”

“You’d have to come back first to get away with anything.”

Jep’s chair squeaked as he leaned back and rocked for a moment. “I’ll have to think about it.”

“I was hoping you’d just say yes.”

“I want to.”

“What’s stopping you?”

“Wisdom.”

“It’s hard to argue with that. But don’t think too long, okay? We need you back there. Even if some people don’t recognize it, the important ones do. And you said you trust my judgement, right?”

“Did I say that?” Jep grinned.

“It’s why you still want me for a partner.”

“Right.”

“So you have to believe me.”

“I’m more worriedyoudon’t trustme.”

“I do. But while you ponder your next step, I should get back.”

“I’ll walk you out.”

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