Page 62 of Jep

“This has nothing to do with emotions.” At least he would never admit that it did.

“One look.”

“One short look, and you’ll leave it alone? You’ll come back here and sit for the duration without any more requests.”

“Unless things get ugly, and then I will run as fast as I can away from here.”

“Promise?”

“Yes.”

He caught sight of Bailey biting into a hotdog as he walked into the park. Cramer was already past the rise, and Pearce’s team would be entering soon from the other side of the park. More eyes would be good, but he was beginning to regretbringing Em. She was a good asset to have on the team, but her presence made him jumpy.

He stood and took her hand but made her drag him for the first several steps. “You’re a lot more work than I expected.”

She grinned, pulling him forward. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

He continued to resist, forcing her to slow down. “If we’re doing this,” he said. “Then we’re going to make it count. Pay attention to everything.”

“I am, but I was also thinking.”

“About what?”

“You’re leaving me at the bench when we get back, right?”

“Yes.”

“What’s your motivation? You wouldn’t leave your girlfriend on her own at the park when we’re on a date. Maybe I should slap you. Give you a reason for your actions.”

“You need a slap to sell it?”

“Oh, absolutely.”

He laughed freely as they reached the top of the rise, telling himself it was all for show. Then he put an arm over her shoulder and gave her a squeeze. “Whatever you think is necessary.”

“It will have to be a hard one.”

“Why?”

“It won’t work if there’s no red handprint.”

“You’re enjoying this too much. What happened to your nerves?”

“I’m hiding them behind amusement.”

“Well, you had better be paying attention too. I won’t bring you up here a second time.”

“I haven’t stopped my inspection. But we have to maintain our cover. I wonder what we’re talking about right now that makes me angry enough to drive you away.” Her eyes swept across the grounds as they bantered.

Jep kept a steady lookout. He wouldn’t make the same mistake he made with the homeless guy. In here, everyone was a possible threat.

“Maybe I’ve told you I want to see other people,” he said.

“No, that’s no good. Anyone looking at us knows you’re lucky to have me.”

“Is that so?”

“It would make more sense that you’re smothering me. I think I need space.”

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