Page 62 of Broken
“You want some chicken?” Prescott asked.
“I can’t stay,” Z replied. “I need to talk to you.”
Prescott brought Z into the kitchen. “You remember Addison’s dad, Philip.”
Prescott’s dad rose and shook his hand. “You’re welcome to join us.”
“Thanks, but I can’t,” Z replied. “Sorry to interrupt your lunch, but I need to borrow Prescott for a minute.”
Prescott’s mom set a plate of chicken nuggets in front of Ethan.
Grinning, he said, “I loooooove nuggets. Fank you, Nana.”
“We have to ease into healthy food,” his mom whispered before buckling Ethan back into his seat. Then, she handed him a sippy cup. After several slurps, he smiled.
“We’ll be right back.” Prescott led Z into his home office and shut the glass-paneled French doors.
“I can’t help you, Philip.”
“Yesterday, you couldn’t wait. Today, you’re unavailable.”
“A lot has changed.”
“I’ve got an entire organization going into hiding and a killer on the loose. A killer who murdered your sister. You’re a ruthless man driven by revenge and anger. Where’s all that determination and fury when I need it? Whensheneeds it?”
“Did you see that child out there?” Prescott asked. “I told him his mom isn’t feeling well because I have no idea how to break it to him. No freakin’ idea.” Prescott gritted his teeth. “I’m his closest living relative, and now I’m responsible for someone I met three months ago.”
“He’s lucky to have you and your family.”
“Even if I agree to help you, then what? I’m an assassin, not a detective.”
“I lined up someone to partner with you to find the perp. Unfortunately, she refused the assignment, and I need you to persuade her to take it.”
Ethan toddled his way toward the office, his little fingers clutching a nugget. He pressed his face against one of the glass panes. “I give you a chicken.”
Prescott opened the door, knelt down, and bit into the nugget. Ethan giggled.
“You eatallof it,” Ethan explained.
“What about the chicken I made you?”
Ethan shook his head. “I like this.”
Prescott stood, then placed his hand on Ethan’s head. “If you couldn’t convince her, why should I? You know I’m not a team player.”
“Dammit, Prescott. It’s Jacqueline Hartley. She’s one of the best—and you know it. You weren’t the only one who failed on that mission. As RAC, the Bureau held her responsible. This is what she needs to get her career on track.”
“Why don’t you just bring her back?”
“She has to earn this, and you can help her… byencouragingher to work with you. She’s excellent at her job. You’re excellent at yours. It’s a win-win.”
“Let’s go see my Mommy and bring her my dinosaur picture,” Ethan blurted. “Let’s go right now!”
Prescott peered down at him, while reality took hold. He would avenge his sister. He would do this for ALPHA. And he needed Jack to learn the truth about what went down the night he took out the cult leader. So, he would grovel, beg, and plead with her to return to DC with him.
“How would you like to take a ride on an airplane” Prescott asked Ethan.
The child peered up at him. “Can Mommy come wif us?”
