Lose Control (The Jewel Project #5)

23.2|| Compromise

Herrison scratched his head, his lips moving soundlessly as he read the report before him.

Sam slouched in his chair, wishing he'd go through it faster. To be fair, it was past midnight and Herrison looked freshly awaken from sleep, but he was cold, tired and felt that, for the first time, he might get some proper sleep if he closed his eyes.

Next to him, Skye shifted in her seat, hugging herself tighter. She'd thrown on an old jacket Sam had in his backseat and bought a pair of flip flops from a Seven Eleven just so she could be here and give her input. It wasn't necessary and Sam wasn't sure why she hadn't just gone home.

"Okay." Herrison put down the report and rubbed his eyes. "What really happened?"

"Hannigan showed up and started acting all chummy with that Eye Patch fellow," Skye said. "So that's the first thing you should look into. If he was supposed to be there or not."

"Hannigan?" Herrison frowned which wasn't very encouraging. "I don't recall anything about him being dispatched, but that's more Keeves' territory. All I know is that he's supposed to be leaving with Jimmy and Jerry for training."

Sam straightened in his seat and leaned forward, his shoulders tensing. "I hope you'll verify this before sending him into outer space with my brothers." Though Jimmy would probably own him in three moves and keep him tied up for the rest of the trip.

"Of course, I'll look into it at once." Herrison glanced at the report again. "But there's more to it. What pulled you into action? Because I don't really buy this whole 'Hannigan was in danger' story line."

Sam glanced on Harrison's desk, at the small square box which Herrison used to scramble anyone potentially recording their conversation. Herrison shook his head.

"It's late enough that I can have all surveillance switched off and file the report later. It's going to take some clearing up anyway since Kyle was supposed to do the surveillance. So yes, it's safe."

Sam let out a deep breath. "Ron showed up."

The weariness seemed to seep out of Herrison and he blinked. "Why? What happened?"

"My report is correct. Eye Patch was waiting for Snitch Gravel. Ron wants answers out of him about his mom and why Dad lied to him about her being dead and..." The whole thing was giving him a headache. "Since Dad disappeared, Ron wants answers out of Snitch Gravel."

Herrison leaned back in his seat, chewing on his lower lip. "Makes sense. Who else would have it?"

"Do you..." Sam wasn't sure he wanted to know, but it would be stupid not to ask. "Do you know anything about it?"

Herrison shook his head, which was expected. "Only what Freider told me which is what he told you, I'm guessing."

"What? That Ron doesn't exist?"

"No. I knew your grandmother was committed after your grandfather died and I knew Ron ran away as soon as he turned eighteen. I just never knew he thought both his parents were dead." Herrison took in a deep breath. "Your father is full of secrets. It's hard to keep up."

"Tell me about it," Sam mumbled. "Any idea where he is?"

Herrison just shook his head and picked up the report again. "So Snitch Gravel is back in town. This is very useful information. Good job, Sam." He raised his eyes to Skye, looking a bit confused. "Both of you."

"I also believe the assignment was a success," she said. "And I believe that, under further observation, he can go out into the field again safely."

Sam pulled back in his seat. "Furher observation? You mean with you?"

Skye squared her shoulders. "Yes, I mean with me."