Page 43 of Play the Game

“So, to save us—what, a few hours? Half a day, at most? Your savior complex risked the entire operation, not to mention ruined your friend’s shot at proving she can be a leader at HEAT.”

That sent a chill down my spine. “It’s not her fault.”

“It’s ninety percent yours.” TJ glanced at her. “But ten percent hers. Sparks, that percentage is too high.”

“Penn’s coming back early, isn’t he?” Tam asked Bond. “That’s what X signed off on.”

Bond nodded. “I’ve been monitoring his recovery remotely and staying in touch with his husband. Another HEAT doc will see him in person tomorrow for a full exam. Assuming that goes as I expect it will, Penn will be here by Tuesday.”

“It won’t hurt his long-term recovery, will it?” Tam spoke so softly and sounded so defeated, but her concern wasn’t for herself, it was for her mentor, her friend. Because that’s how true friends should behave.

“I won’t let him do anything beyond his current limitations,” Bond answered. “You’ll still be in the field. He’ll manage from the sidelines.”

And there it was, the fallout from my recklessness etched in disappointment on Tam’s face.

“We can talk more about this tomorrow,” Bond said. She glanced at TJ, who nodded. “I think you should get some rest now.” She pushed back her chair and stood.

Tam followed her out of the barn.

I stood to leave, as well, but TJ motioned for me to sit.

“We’re not done, Jensen.”

Tam closed the door behind her, and TJ and I were alone. This was my chance to plead Tam’s case. I opened my mouth to do just that, but TJ spoke first.

“Alder’s been following behind you, cleaning up your mess.”

I leaned forward, confused. “What mess? There was no one in the warehouse, and I didn’t leave any trace.”

“You tripped an alarm.”

I shook my head. “No, she’s mistaken. I did a scan before I went inside.”

“Where you then got trapped.”

Well, sure, if he was going to get picky about it.

“You didn’t think to take along a decoder for the cipher lock because you assumed they wouldn’t go to the very minor trouble to change it,” he said.

That was true, but I wasn’t being as arrogant as he’d made it sound.

“That kind of lock is actually a total pain in the ass to change,” I started to explain.

“And they’ve had five days to do it since the competition ended. That’s also plenty of time to install a good old-fashioned, old-school burglar alarm.”

Fuck me. I’d said it myself many times, most recently on Saturday morning when I’d realized Sarah Bee had been contacted. The Carbonados were down for some old-school shit, spy craft and otherwise. My myopic, tech-centric view of the world had led me down a fucking primrose path and right off a cliff. “They’ll realize someone’s on to them and move Pasco.”

“Most likely.” His eyes bored into me. “Despite popular opinion around here, one regrettably bolstered by my past inaction, no one on this team is irreplaceable. That includes you, Jensen. When this mission is over, there will be disciplinary action taken against you. I’d do it sooner, but I’m going against my better judgment—and X’s—and cutting you some slack because I understand what’s happening.”

“You do?” Sweat pricked my neck. He couldn’t possibly know about Tam and me. I’d been careless with my actions regarding the operation but not in guarding our secret.

“This mission hits close to home for you. First, you cross paths with your high-school-era nemesis, then he disappears, and you’re the only one who can figure out how to track him, and then you find out he’s been working for your dad.”

“That last part’s not surprising,” I said. “My dad wanted the best, but I wasn’t available.” I didn’t state it arrogantly. It was just a fact.

“Let’s keep it that way, for everyone’s sake. Get your shit together, Jensen, or you’ll suddenly be very available because you’ll be kicked out of HEAT.”

* * *

---