Michael Prescott: Mortal Faults

“How can you be sure?”

“Because last night I had the opportunity to shoot Jack Reynolds in the head. I wanted to. I mean, I really wanted to. But I didn’t do it. I’m still in control. I’m still me.”

“Then you’re okay with yourself?”

“Yeah. But I’m not okay with you.” Abby knelt and started stacking books in neat piles. “I’m not blaming you. Your response was predictable. But that’s the problem. I know you. I know you’ll put what you see as your duty above any personal loyalty.”

Tess took a moment before asking, “Is that wrong?”

“I don’t know. It’s not my way. And it complicated my life a lot, and nearly got me killed.”

She went on stacking books, not trying to organize them, just needing something to do.

“So what are you saying?” Tess asked. “You can’t trust me?”

“Yes. And no. I can trust you to always do the right thing-as you see it. I can’t trust you to see eye to eye with me on what the right thing is.” She looked up from the fourth pile of books. “Which means we’re not going to be working together anymore.”

“I hadn’t expected us to.”

“And it means-we’re not friends, Tess.”

“What are we, then? Enemies?”

“Not yet. But if you ever come back to my town and get mixed up in my business again-we will be.”

“I hope that day never comes.”

“Me, too.” Abby let the words settle into the silence of the room. Then more brightly she added, “So are you flying back to your nest in the Rockies?”

Tess hesitated, then knelt beside her and started stacking books herself. “On my way to the airport. Michaelson even arranged a driver.”

Abby wrinkled her nose at the mention of Michaelson. “He’s a piece of work, huh?”

Tess grunted. “There’s definitely something to be said for working alone.”

“You’ve gotta watch that guy. He’s still gunning for you. Probably now more than ever. He’ll sink your career if he gets half a chance.”

“I know.” Tess paused to examine one of the books, which was, Abby noticed, a sex manual, and a darn good one. Tess added it to the pile without comment. “And he’s still rising in the ranks. Could be the director someday.”

“Remind me to move to Mexico if that happens.”

Tess smiled. “I might be moving there with you.”

Abby found herself smiling, too. “I have to say, I’ve enjoyed our two little outings.”

“I can’t say I have. Sorry to put it that way, but-”

Abby waved off the apology. “I’d be disappointed if you said anything else. It would be disturbingly out of character.”

Tess sighed. “Well, as much fun as this is, I’d better get to the airport.”

They rose together. Tess walked to the door and stepped into the hall, then turned, her face serious again.

“I don’t plan on coming back to L.A. But I don’t always have a choice about where I go-or the cases I work. You know that.”

“I know.”

“It’s not impossible we’ll cross paths again. And Abby, if that day ever comes-I’ll be ready.”

Abby met her gaze. “So will I,” she said, and slowly she closed the door.