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Magnusson’s face hardened, and Jesse stiffened.
“I think you’re trying to provoke me. It won’t work.”
“Why would I wanna provoke you?”
“You’re like your friend,” Magnusson said, his voice soft. “You’re worried I’m going to hurt you, so you’re trying to make me do it on your terms. At least then you’re in control.”
Jesse stared hard into the fire. His skin was hot. His heart thumped against his ribs. The touch of a finger under his chin sent a jolt through his body. Magnusson turned Jesse’s head so he was looking into his eyes.
“So much fear, Jesse,” he whispered. “And anger. And pain. You want me to add to it. I’m not going to.”
It was like an iron band was clamped around Jesse’s chest. He was caught between a desperate urge to crush himself against the haemophile’s body and an equally desperate one to run for the door.
Magnusson dropped his hand, and the spell broke.
“I think you are the best person for this job,” he said. “It means a lot to me. And I know I can trust you. You can turn me down. I just hope you won’t.”
Jesse stared at the address on the paper. “It’ll take a few days to plan,” he finally said, his voice hoarse.
“Anything you need. Though there is one more thing I have to ask of you.”
“Anotherthing?”
Magnusson’s eyes flickered. “I must ask you not to read the case file yourself.”
Unease tightened Jesse’s chest further. “You say that there’s nothing dodgy in these files, but you’re telling menotto read them?”
“I’m not telling you. I’m asking you.” Jesse bit the inside of his cheek and made himself hold the measured gaze. “You will have your explanations, Jesse, I promise. When the time is right. I’m asking you to trust me until that time comes. Can you do that?”
Jesse’s throat was aching. It was like he was teetering on a tightrope, trying to decide which way to fall.
Chapter Six
“Hey, are you okay?”
Jesse looked over at Tom. He sat at the next workstation with a concerned frown on his face.
“Huh?”
“You’ve been quiet all morning.”
“I’m fine,” Jesse said, gulping coffee. “Just didn’t sleep well, that’s all.”
“Everything all right?”
Jesse stared hard at the code scrolling on his screen. “Course.”
“It’s okay if it’s starting to freak you out,” Tom said after a pause. “My first few weeks working for the baron were hard. It took me a while to get my head around it all.”
“I said I’m fine.” Tom blinked, and Jesse rubbed his face. “Sorry,” he muttered, dropping his hands. “I’m just shattered.”
Tom gave him an uncertain smile. “You need a break. Have you got your day with your nephew tomorrow?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, don’t hurry back.”
“But the fingerprint scanners arrive tomorrow night.”
