Page 71 of Jep

“We won’t know until we talk to her. But whether or not she changed her mind in the end, she was there. She was part of it, and there wasn’t a lot of remorse that I saw besides herfrustration with you being present. She said it messed up their plans.”

“I don’t remember.”

“You were pretty out of it.”

“Make sure Lawson knows that. That it was because I was there that more people weren’t hurt.”

“I don’t know he’ll see it that way.”

“He has to. If I hadn’t been there, you could all be dead.”

“Don’t worry about Lawson. I can handle him. You rest, but call me if you need anything.”

“I will. Thank you.”

Jep went back to his car, frustrated by the sense of disappointment he carried with him. He had no doubt he’d done the right thing in stopping any kind of intimacy between them, but that didn’t erase the feelings that lingered. She’d needed him there to comfort her while she was shaky, but that was it. It was her vulnerability that had presented the opportunity for more.

After starting the car, he sat and stared at nothing. He’d never let anything like this happen before. But he’d never felt anything like this before. He’d thought partnering with Em was a masterstroke at the start, but it had backfired on him in ways he never could have imagined. Lawson had been right, and he was prepared to take a hit to his pride and do what he was asked. He’d take Pearce on as a partner and finish the job. It was the perfect time for it. Em wouldn’t be allowed close to the investigation anyway, not with her sister was in the picture.

With the decision made, he pulled into traffic, feeling a sense of relief that he could get himself back on track and finish the job he’d been brought here for.

Chapter 16

After a fitful night's sleep,Jep was grumpy and disheveled. Lawson had sent him on a pointless errand after he’d returned to the office, and the word was that Jade wasn’t in a cooperating mood. Hopefully, with a little time locked up, that would change.

When he entered the office, he saw Emery at her desk, running her finger back and forth across the side of her temple. He went over to see her.

“Hey,” he said.

She jumped. “Sorry, I was lost in thought.”

“I didn’t mean to scare you. You do okay last night?”

“Yeah. I slept pretty well, actually. Surprisingly.”

“You didn’t want to take time off? You can, you know. In fact, I’m surprised Lawson let you back into the office.” He dragged a chair from a nearby desk and sat.

“All I got from him was a frown. Then he sent Pearce over.”

“To do what?”

“Be the nice guy. Tell me I look tired, and I should go home for the rest of the week.”

“It’s not bad advice.”

“Oh yeah? Go home and do what? Wander around my house? Stare at the wall as I endlessly pace? If the tables were turned, I’m sure you would jump at the opportunity.”

“Good point. Work is better.”

Em fidgeted with her pen. “Did you hear they’re bringing my aunt in for questioning?”

“I did, yeah. Have you spoken to her? Do you know how she’s taking it?”

“No idea. They didn’t want me to have any contact with her.”

“I’m not surprised.”

“She’s tough. She’ll be okay, although I’d be surprised if she has anything helpful to add. Neither one of us knows much about Jade at all.”

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