Page 50 of Ezra
“No reason,” Deion says. “Except now you’re getting defensive, and usually you don’t unless you’re invested in something. Or someone.”
“Can we focus?” I ask. Deion knows more about me than anyone else, but this isn’t the time or the place to get into the discoveries I’ve made about Kat. About myself. “Iamtrying to do a job here, even though everyone seems to forget that.”
“Well, I guess the assignment was a good thing if it got you into that museum, second-guessing that footage. As it stands, Jacobs is worried too much exposure to these TerraPura investigations might make you vulnerable to attack. LikeInvasion of the Body Snatchersor something. You ever see that movie?”
“You made me watch it. I wasn’t entertained,”I reply. “If the chief is that worried, I can visit Dr. Taylor in Lab 317. She can outfit me with better security measures.”
“As wonderful as that’d be, Dr. Taylor isn’t in the States right now. She’s enjoying some well-earned maternity leave abroad.”
“Is that safe, considering the current state of events? Bionic engineers have gone missing while abroad.”
“Victor’s with her. I’m not concerned. Not now, anyway.”Deion rests his hands on his hips. “Don’t worry. Truth is, we’ve all gotten used to having you around. Even Weaver seems to miss you, and that’s something I never thought I’d say. We’ll wear the chief down the longer this goes on. I’m unfortunately stuck in meetings throughout the day today, but I’ll ask Rose to keep you updated on any findings while I’m tied up.”
“Detective Washington?”
We both turn, finding Katrina dressed in blue jeans and a baggy white T-shirt. She ruffles her short hair, looking sheepish.“I really hope you didn’t give Ezra a hard time about the museum visit. It was my idea.”
Deion glances from her to me and back again with a knowing smile I’m not sure I like. “It wasn’t wise, Miss Carson. We don’t know if TerraPura is watching the place. If they were, it’d be easy for them to track you back here.”
“I know there’s a risk, but I thought it was necessary. Especially when you’ve got your best player on the bench.”
Deion blinks in surprise and rests his hands on his belt. “Best player.” He looks at me. “Surprised you have someone so outspoken in your corner, Detective.”
Suddenly, I want him out of here, fast. “Don’t you have some reports to read?”
He smirks and nods to Katrina. “Keep our best player out of trouble there, Coach. I’ll be in touch.” He winks at me.
I refrain from rolling my eyes; a human action, but one I’ve grown accustomed to doing when the time is right. Without a doubt, he’s going to give me shit about that when we get home. I didn’t anticipate Katrina speaking up on my behalf that way—and with a sports reference, nonetheless, something Deion enjoys.
After he’s gone, Katrina clears her throat. “Hey.”
I face her. “Hmm?”
“I didn’t mean to get you in any trouble,” she says. Charlie is in her arms. I run diagnostics on her. Elevated heart rate. Am I making her nervous right now? “I chose to break protocol. The accountability is mine to take.”
“It’s both of ours, then. Partners in crime,” she says.
Partners in crime. An odd turn of phrase, but one I can appreciate. Ironic, as I never thought I’d be partnered with a Carson for anything. “Deion won’t say anything. You don’t have to worry.”
“Fair enough,” Katrina says. “Iwas thinking.”
“About?”
“You were right about taking small steps, changing directions. I’m going to try.”
You were right. My gratification drive surges at her acknowledgment. I’m at a loss of what to say.
“I know it’ll be tough.”
“Because of your father?” I ask curiously, folding my arms.
“Not just him. Because I want people to listen, and I realize they won’t.” She lowers her head humbly. There’s distress in her face.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, perplexed.
“Nothing. It’s just—” She rubs her arm. “I’m ashamed. I kept silent when others called for shutdowns. Obliterations. I condemned the violence, but what good does that do? Even though I was in the public eye, I was still in a bubble, and if I’d just taken the time?—”
“Katrina,” I interject gently. “I don’t blame you for their actions. And I understand.”
