Page 106 of Forever Gone

“Jesus, Connor.”

“The money isn’t the part that worries me most. Morimer made it clear he considered the arrangement the beginning of a debt. The money was just to get things going. The real payback is yet to be decided. Morimer will think he can make Connor do things for him. A compromised sheriff is valuable.”

Jessie glanced toward the windows as though Connor might appear outside.

“And now you’re worried this Mortimer will come to collect?”

“Morimer.”

“Whatever his name is.”

“Yes.”

“What kind of favor would he ask?”

“I don’t know. Connor hasn’t said Morimer contacted him.” Selena thought of the phone in Connor’s hand and the way he had left the station. “I don’t want to worry you. I just want you to know, in case Connor says anything or you think he’s under pressure. Please let me know.”

Jessie’s thumb moved around the chip’s raised edge.

“All right,” she said. “I will.”

“Hopefully it’s nothing.”

Jessie took another bite of waffle, though some of the earlier pleasure had gone from it.

After a moment, she said, “Connor told me you’re working with Kelly Voss.”

Selena gave a quiet groan. “Don’t remind me.”

“I remember that bitch.”

“Jessie...”

“What? That girl was a menace in high school, Selena. A grade-A asshole.”

“That was a long time ago.”

“A long time doesn’t make it imaginary.”

Selena cut another piece from the waffle. “Aren’t you supposed to be forgiving and peaceful with all those yoga classes you’ve been taking?”

“That only stretches so far.”

The answer drew a smile from Selena despite herself.

Jessie pointed the fork toward her. “What’s she like now?”

“It’s only been a couple of days, but she seems like a capable agent.”

“And that annoys you.”

Selena exhaled. “A little.”

“Why?”

“I suppose you think school bullies will end up washed up, and the people they hurt get rewarded for being kinder.” Selena moved the syrup bottle away from the edge of the table. “But here we are, and Kelly and I have the same rank in the FBI. Who would’ve seen that coming?”

“Has she apologized?”