Page 56 of Jep

“How could that happen?”

“Just don’t let him drag you too deep, okay? I can’t force you to change your mind about remaining his partner, but I want to know you’ll be safe. Don’t let your personal feelings get in the way.”

“What personal feelings?”

His lips pressed together. “Any.”

“There’s nothing going on between us if that’s what you’re implying.”

“I didn’t say there was.”

“And there won’t be. Ever.”

“Good.”

“I have my head screwed on. My purpose in all of this is the same as everyone, to find out who’s responsible for these deaths.”

“Okay then, I’ll leave you to it.”

“Have a seat,” Lawson said to Jep, his own chair squeaking as he leaned back.

“I’m okay to stand, thanks.”

“Suit yourself. As I’m sure you’ve discovered, you have some weight to bandy around, but I warn you, it isn’t much. I will concede that you have your strengths, and if I have to sacrifice a bit of pride to get the job done, then so be it. But one more mistake and you’re finished, do you understand?”

“Can you define ‘mistake’?”

Lawson splayed his fingers on the desk and studied them for a moment. “I’ve already lost too many good men and women. I expect you to put the safety of our people ahead of any personal ambition or drive.”

“I always have, no matter what you think.”

“As long as I have your word.”

“You do.”

“Once you know your course of action on this, I want you to give me the full picture before we bring it to the team. And I hope you will do me the courtesy of listening to any advice I have to offer.”

“I can do that.”

“Good. Then my first piece of advice is that you should choose Pearce as your new partner.”

“Emery has said she’d like to continue.”

Lawson tipped his head back. “Not this again. Jep, this is a dangerous game we’re playing here. You say preserving life is high on your list, but you’re talking about sending an analyst into the fire. It’s irresponsible at best, and if anything were to happen to her, I’d call that murder.”

“I get it. You still blame me for Agent Taggart’s death. But you can’t tell me you weren’t letting your emotions interfere with the team on that assignment. I’ve never spoken to anyone about it, but I can’t work under you when you insist on preserving illusions.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I know about the affair you were having with her.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

“She told me. And it was her decision to go into the building that night, not mine.”

“You were leading the op. You made changes without my authorization and against my better judgement.”

“But your judgement wasn’t better, was it? You were trying to protect Taggart, and she knew it. We all knew it. In the end, saving her life would have cost many others theirs.”

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