Page 68 of Ride the Lightning

“Is this a bad time?” Deputy Director Malcolm asked.

“No,” Jonah and Avery said at once.

“I’ll just get started on the assignment you gave me,” Avery said before hurrying from the room.

Malcolm chuckled when Avery closed the door.

“Sir, I can explain.”

Malcolm held up his hand as he dropped into the chair across from Jonah. “No need. I just stopped by to see if you were doing okay, but I can see you’re just fine.”

“I’m a little embarrassed,” Jonah admitted.

“Don’t be. I won’t be able to attend your cybersecurity microchip presentation this afternoon. I was hoping you could give me an advance peek at the data.”

“Absolutely,” Jonah said, pulling out the report Avery had prepared in his absence.

Malcolm took his time poring over the extrapolated information. “This is very impressive, Jonah. Your microchip will greatly reduce the risk of hacking, spamming, and data mining.”

“I had a lot of help, sir. Avery assisted with development and continued to run the trial testing while I was out last week.”

“He’s clearly an asset to you and the bureau. I’m glad I listened to Ellen’s recommendation, although I doubt she saw the full potential there,” he said with a wry smile.

Jonah’s face heated.

“You do great work here, Jonah. Your skillset is valued and needed. Guys like you and Avery play a critical role in crime solving as the world becomes more digitized. Keep your head in the game and your priorities straight, okay?”

“Yes, sir.”

Malcolm gave him one of his Uncle Charlie smiles. “It is my hope that you and Butch can find some common ground to stand on. It’s in the best interest for you personally and the bureau as a whole. I’ve told Butch the same thing.”

“I will do my best, sir.”

Malcolm nodded and rose to his feet. “I won’t keep you any longer. Good luck at the meeting.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Malcolm left and Jonah started counting the seconds until Avery popped in. He made it to ten.

“Jonah, I’m so sorry,” he said in an agonized voice. “I shouldn’t have sat on your desk.”

“You should’ve sat on my lap.”

Avery’s mouth fell open on a soft gasp.

“Have a seat.”

“On your lap?” Avery asked hopefully.

“I wish,” he replied. Heeding Malcolm’s advice, Jonah gestured for the chair the deputy director had just vacated. “We have some work to do before we make our presentation this afternoon.”

“We?”

Jonah nodded. “You’ve worked your ass off on this project and have earned a spot at the table,” Jonah said.

“Oh, I’m not prepared.”

“You will be,” Jonah assured him.