Page 11 of Girl, Unmasked
Ella took a step back in the hopes that physical distance might reflect her disagreement with Ripley on this issue.Pop psychology said you formulated your opinion of someone within the first ten seconds of meeting them, and for once, pop psychology was right.She hadn’t gotten bad vibes from Vernon, and hopefully, Ripley was just being her facetious self.
To Ella’s shock, Vernon just laughed.‘Well, my wife would agree with you for one.And you know what?I like people who speak their mind, and I’ve heard that you do just that.’
‘Is that so?’
‘Yes.Edis told me everything about you.’
‘I hope not.’
‘He did, and I might not have your background, but I’ve learned that the best leaders surround themselves with people who know more than they do.Was retirement not all it was cracked up to be?’
Good deflection, Ella thought.Vernon had taken Ripley’s criticism and turned it into a compliment for both of them.
‘Something like that.My family came first.’
‘And I love that.I imagine it must be challenging, coming back to a changing Bureau.All those years of experience, and suddenly everything’s different.’
‘Experience adapts,’ Ripley said.‘That's why experience is valuable.’
Ella felt the temperature drop about ten degrees.Around them, conversations continued, but she caught people glancing their way.She was sure a few of them moved closer to eavesdrop.Really, she couldn’t blame them.
He spun to Ella and gave her a wicked smile.‘Agent Ella Dark.Edis sang your praises too, and I personally know of you, as it happens.Last year I handled the prosecution in the Ramsey Coolidge case.You know it?’
‘The Gemini Killer.’
‘Correct.We utilized some of your testimonies to secure a life sentence.I checked your resume and it’s mightily impressive.I understand you prefer working alone?’
‘I work with Ripley.’
‘When she lets you.’Vernon's eyes crinkled.‘I've read your files.Both of you.Impressive solve rates, unconventional methods.Also a notable number of incidents that should have been disciplinary actions but weren’t.’
‘We get results,’ Ripley said, apparently having recovered some of her equilibrium.
‘You do.Which is why I wanted to speak with you both.’Vernon glanced around the room, then leaned in slightly.‘Could I see you in my office in ten minutes?’
‘Your office?’Ella asked.
‘Edis’s office.My office.Forgive me, I’ve only been on the job for an hour.’
‘If you insist,’ Ripley said.
Vernon started to turn away, then paused.‘Oh, and Agent Ripley?You're right about white collar and blue collar.My father worked construction for forty years.Put me through law school laying pipe in hundred-degree heat, and I helped him out every weekend.So maybe I understand the bottom better than you think.’
He moved away before either of them could respond, gliding through the crowd toward Janet Turner from Cyber Crime.Ella and Ripley watched him go then regarded each other.
‘That could have gone worse,’ Ripley said.
‘Could it?’
‘I could have punched him.’
‘Mia, he seems… fine.I don’t know what your problem is.’
Ripley shook her head and sighed through her nose.‘Dark, you know what I’ve realized?You've got a blind spot when it comes to pretty boys.I’ve always thought this.’
‘What?Are you saying I’m a whore?’
‘God no.You’re a million miles from that, but you see a pretty face and you bend over backwards.’
