Page 16 of Jael

She tugged on her braid, then flicked it to her back. “I wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t important.”

He took his time responding. “It couldn’t be because you want my help with another case.”

“It is.”

He laughed lightly and scratched his head. “You can’t be serious.”

“You know me well enough to recognize this look on my face.”

“Yeah. It’s the one that says you won’t take no for an answer. But you’ll have to start because I paid for my crimes. Nothing’s changed since the last time we spoke. I’m done with all that.”

“Are you?”

A shout came from the field, and Deborah’s attention was drawn to the team. She took a few steps past Danny to watch the boys as they continued their drills. “Looks to me like you’ve still got sins you’re atoning for.”

“That’s not what this is.”

“No? You’re not trying to pay back your debt to society?”

“I’ve found a better way to live, that’s all.”

“Well, some of us still have responsibilities.”

“And mine are here.”

She huffed a frustrated breath. “There must be something you want that I can give you to make it worth your while.”

“I doubt it.”

“I’m the deputy director now. I have more influence.”

“From what I recall, you had a lot back then.”

“Idoknow how to get what I want. Keep that in mind.”

“Sorry you wasted your time, but I’m not interested.” Danny called out to the boys. “Davu, watch Imani’s feet. Work on your ball control.”

“You don’t even want to hear what the job is?”

“It wouldn’t make any difference.”

“So you’ve cut all ties to your old life?” she said.

“Yes.”

“Including the Hebers?”

It wasn’t a big jolt that hit him, but it was enough. He hadn’t thought of them for years and wasn’t prepared for the memories to surface so easily.

“What do you want with them?” he said, hating that he couldn’t stop himself from asking the question. “I thought Gregory went straight.”

“It’s not the Hebers I’m after. Gregory was always a small fish anyway. It’s the Siseras I want.”

“Artus and Christopher?” Danny shook his head. “No way. There’s no way in with them.”

“That’s what Barak said.”

“I’m surprised he’s still kicking around. I thought you would have gotten rid of him by now.”

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