Page 76 of Pervade Montego Bay

“Was that why you kept us apart in London? Because you didn’t want me to go through the same pain as you, in case they…hurt Emily?”

“I’m busy.”

“You’ve eradicated every threat.”

“It would be naïve to think so.”

“You think that kid on the jet ski tried to kill you deliberately?”

“Akmal is looking into it.”

My frustration rose. “That’s what I do.”

“Your judgment is compromised right now.”

“What makes you say that?”

“You’re in love. It’s a weakness. You may continue to work for the firm—”

“I am the firm.”

“You deserve a life that isn’t complicated.”

“Are you firing me?”

“I’m adjusting the leadership.”

“In this current state you’re not fit to rule, Ballad.”

“Careful.”

“You’ll apologize to Emily and then you’ll call Louis and tell him we’ll attend his party tomorrow. We need to drag your dark soul out of its cave and throw a little light on it with some music and dancing. We’ll drink rum and listen to the steel drums playing. You love steel drums.”

“How about this? I go fuck Emily in way of an apology. Then I’ll call Louis and advise him he will no longer have any contact with you.”

“You suspect there’s a hit out on you, don’t you?” I read him all too easily. “That’s why you’re sending us away.”

“I’m following protocol.”

“You wrote the protocol.” I rounded his desk and stood over him. “This is about the three of us. We can make it work.”

“And what then, Xavier? Whose baby will she carry? Mine? How would that make you feel?”

“We’ll have one each.”

“If only it could be that simple.”

“It can.”

“And what would we tell the children?’

“The truth.”

“Let’s keep the insanity to a minimum.”

“You promised when I came back that you and I would be together again. I came back. I rejoined the team. I’m saving the world again right beside you.”

“But now there’s three of us.” He glanced at my mouth and gave himself away.