Page 85 of Jep

“It wasn’t, but that doesn’t mean I won’t use it for leverage.”

“And you think I’ll be willing to put you in danger again?”

“I won’t be in danger.”

“That’s what you said at the park.”

“This is different,” Em said. “There is no danger. I promise. Are you going to meet me at the car or not?”

Jep paused before leaving the room. “Tell me what you have, or I’m not going.”

“Fine, then I’ll go on my own.”

He groaned. “You’re the worst.”

“Does that mean you’re coming?”

“I can be there in ten.”

He gave his phone a dirty look once he’d hung up, but really, he was proud of her. When they’d first met, she’d been timid about trusting herself. That had all changed. Hopefully for the better, but he’d reserve his judgment on that until after this next outing.

Em was leaning against the car when Jep arrived.

“Where are we going?” he said, holding his thumb on the key fob but not pressing it yet.

Em pulled on the handle, then lifted her eyebrows. “You going to unlock it?”

“Tell me where we’re going.”

“When we’re on the road.”

“Why can’t you tell me now?”

“Because I want to make sure you don’t leave without me.”

“I knew it.” He unlocked the car.

“Knew what?”

“That this was a bad idea. I’ve created a monster.”

“You’vecreated a monster?”

“Yeah. I take full responsibility. I opened that can of worms.”

“Yup. And there’s no way to put them back.” She tucked her shoulder up to her chin in a cheeky gesture, then got in the car. He rolled his eyes and followed suit.

“At least you’re smiling,” he said when he started the car.

“It helps when you feel like you’re getting somewhere.”

“So you really do have a lead?”

“I do. And it’s big.”

“For the last ten minutes,” Jep said, pulling out of the parking spot, “I’ve been wracking my brain, trying to figure out what you could possibly have that no one else has figured out yet.”

“You don’t think I could come up with something the others couldn’t?”

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