Page 8

Em smiled at Gardener as she entered her office but could feel Jep’s eyes on her. She didn’t have time to contemplate his motives or why he wanted her to change her clothes. Did he want her to don leather pants and a tight top? He might be comfortable dressing like a slob, but she never would be. At least she’d said how she felt. Whatever it was about Jep that gave her the courage to speak her mind, she’d welcome it. God often used fire to refine his children. She’d take the challenge head on.

“Sorry to interrupt,” she said when Gardener looked up. “I just need a minute.”

Sylvia leaned back away from her computer. “Is everything okay? You look upset.”

“Do I?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you mind if I sit?”

“Not at all.”

“It’s about the new agent. Jep Booth.”

“I haven’t had the pleasure,” she said, not hiding her disdain. “Not this time, anyway.”

“I didn’t even think of that. You’ve been here long enough. You would have worked with him before.”

“Yes, but fortunately, we didn’t have a lot of contact. He was a very divisive figure in the office, from what I remember. I was surprised not only that he was asked back but that he agreed to come.”

“Yeah, well, he made some stipulations for his return. One of them was that he could choose his own partner.”

“If he can find one who will agree to ride with him. I can’t imagine there would be many.”

“Pearce would have if he was asked.”

“Who’d he choose?”

“Me.”

“Pardon?”

“Out of all the competent agents in the office, he chose me.”

“But you’re not an agent.”

“I know!” Em threw her hands in the air, then collected them back in her lap. “Sorry.”

Gardener huffed. “How’d he take it?”

“Take what?”

“When you said no.”

“He said he’d leave if I wouldn’t be his partner, so I’ve agreed.”

“What? No. That’s out of the question. He can’t coerce you into accepting. Lawson wouldn’t hear of it. Does he even know?”

“He was there. But I offered to go along with it because we need Agent Booth. Or at least, that’s how it appears.”

“Do we need him that badly?”

“You heard Truman.”

“I did.” Gardener pressed her lips together. “So, this is where we’re at?”

“I’m afraid so. You’re going to be down an analyst for now.”

“Then the only thing we can do is make the most of a bad situation.”

“How do we do that?”

“We use your position to our advantage.”

“I’m all for that, but I don’t see how. I don’t even really understand why he would choose me over someone like Pearce.”

“Maybe it doesn’t matter. Whatever made him choose you, it means you’ll be there on the front lines. You’ll have access to information we only get after the fact in reports from the agents.”

“I hadn’t thought about it like that.”

“It could turn out to be a significant benefit. I’ve known you long enough, Em. You can handle the pressure. And you’ll see firsthand what you’ve always only read about.”

“But will that make a difference to our analysis?”

“Absolutely. It’s a dream come true having one of my best on site. There’s no middleman.”

“I guess that’s true.”

“It was a good move going along with this. I want you to report back to me everything you and Agent Booth discover. Every detail. I want to know your movements and what he’s thinking. Get inside his head if you can, but be careful. I expect he’ll put his own spin on what he finds, which makes this even more crucial.”

“Wow, yeah. That’s true. I can make sure he’s bringing back the facts.”

“We don’t know if he has another agenda, but if he does, we’ll know immediately. Em. this is the best thing that could have happened.”

“Thank you. You’ve really helped me get my head around it. I do wish I understood why he chose me though.”

“My best guess is it’s because you’re pretty. He probably thinks you’ll be a nice distraction while he’s back. And also you’re an analyst, so you won’t have any input. He expects to act like he’s working alone. He’ll walk all over you if you let him, and he’ll probably attempt to charm you. It’s up to you to resist.”

“You don’t have to worry about that. But if he crosses a line, I’ll report him.”

“Of course. And that’s the right thing to do. But better if it doesn’t come to that. If he knows you’re not interested, I doubt he’ll pursue that line. All you have to do is be a fly on the wall. If he forgets you’re there, even better. Be all eyes and ears. And remember, I want to know everything.”

“Yeah. I won’t miss a thing.”

“Good. And don’t forget, I’m behind you one hundred percent. You have any trouble, you come to me first. Let me deal with it.”

“Thank you.” She had been anxious about telling Gardener the mess she’d gotten herself into, but her boss had turned everything around. And it was the most positive interest she’d gotten from her since starting with the task force. She’d been praying that their relationship would strengthen.

Your ways are higher than my ways . She smiled as the verse came to mind.

“I would hope it goes without saying,” Gardener said, “that you’re still under my charge, even while you’re with him. I consider you to be my responsibility.”

“I understand.”

“Good. Now go out there and do what I know you can.”

“Thank you. Again. You’ve been very helpful.”

After collecting her purse from the back of her chair, she stopped by the bathroom and checked the stalls to confirm she was alone before she called her aunt.

“Everything okay?” Carla said.

“More or less. I’m being sent out into the field with a man I don’t trust.”

“Wait. What? I didn’t know you did work outside the office.”

“I don’t. There’s this new guy—actually, he’s not new. He used to work here. Then he was asked to leave. Long story, but he’s been asked to come back because we need the help, and I’ve been stuck with him as his partner.”

“That sounds…unconventional.”

“It is. Analysts don’t go out into the field. He’ll probably leave me in the car while he does whatever it is he’s going to do.”

“Then why partner with you if he’s not going to use you?”

“Good question.”

“Is he cute?”

“Did you seriously just ask me that?”

“You know how I like to lighten the mood when you’re tense.”

“People’s appearances change as you get to know them.”

“So he is then?”

“Most women would probably find him attractive, yes.”

“But not you?”

“He’s not my type. Besides, you’re the one always saying stupid things like, ‘find someone with whom you are equally yoked.’”

“You think that’s stupid?”

“No. But it sounds weird when you say it.” Em reapplied her lipstick, then rubbed her lips together.

“But it’s true.”

“Yes. And it is what I want. However, Jep is definitely not that guy.”

“I didn’t ask if you were going to marry him. I asked if he was good looking.”

“He rides a motorcycle, and he’s got a couple of tattoos. He’s dark and brooding and demanding, and he thinks he can have whatever he wants.”

“Sounds sexy.”

“Oh my goodness. I can’t believe you said that.”

“What? I’m just trying to establish if he’s attractive, and you’re making it difficult.”

“Why? What difference does it make?”

“It doesn’t, but your life is more interesting than mine.”

“My life is not that interesting.”

“That’s not how it sounds from where I’m standing.”

“I don’t expect it will last long. The assistant director doesn’t even like him. They had some kind of falling out years ago, although I don’t know why yet.”

“Yet?”

“I’m hoping to find out so I know how bad things really are.”

“Now I’m confused.”

“About what?”

“Why is he even there?” Carla said.

“It came from the top. The deputy director. But this guy could be the only answer to the difficulties we’re facing in our latest case. That’s why I’m determined to make the most of it.”

“Good for you. But make sure you stick up for yourself. Let him know where you stand from the start. If he thinks he’s going to get you into bed with him?—”

“Carla.”

“What? You said he’s not a great guy. That goes with certain connotations. It’s in your best interest to make sure he understands from the start that that is not a road he should even contemplate taking.”

“I understand what you’re saying. I need to be on the offense with him. Not the defense.”

“Exactly.”

“I haven’t had any trouble speaking my mind before. I’m not going to start now.”

“Since when do you speak your mind at work?”

“I do with him.”

“Really? You’ve already had words?”

“I don’t know why, but as intimidating as he seems, I’m always on the front foot with him.”

“Wow. The new you. Sounds like God’s opening the right doors. You’ve been too comfortable sitting at your desk anyway. It’s the perfect time to try something new.”

“I could use a positive change. But please be praying for me because I am way out of my depth.”

“Definitely. And good luck.”

“Thanks. I’ve gotta go. He’s probably waiting.”

“Let me know how things go.”

“I will.”

Jep started the car and looked down at Emery’s lap, where her fists were kneading her legs.

“Everything okay?” he said.

“Yeah, I just…” She took a deep breath. “I won’t sleep with you.”

“Excuse me?”

“I wanted you to know that from the start. In case that’s why you chose me as a partner. If you thought you could have a bit of fun while you’re here, you chose the wrong person.”

He had shifted into drive, but he put it back into park. “Look, Em. Emery. I know there’s a lot of gossip around the office about my time here before. Some of it’s probably true. But I have never treated any woman disrespectfully. You can ask Lawson if you don’t want to take my word for it. He doesn’t like me for a lot of reasons, but that’s not one of them.”

She chewed on her lip for a second.

“What is it?” Jep said. “You want to say something? Let’s hear it.”

“Why me?”

“Ah yes. The question on everyone’s mind.”

“If you think I’ll sit quietly and let you do whatever you want. If that’s your reasoning…” Her face reddened. “I will. You can consider me invisible. I won’t complain about anything as long as you don’t put me in a compromising position. But do me the courtesy of being straight about your motives. Other than that—” She zipped her lips.

Jep sighed. He knew she wouldn’t believe him if he told her. She’d made that clear the other day at the park. He’d have to show her.

“You want to know why I chose you?” He put the car back into drive and pulled out of the parking spot. “I’ll show you.”

“Where are we going?”

“Downtown.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see when we get there.”