“I thought you could handle it,” Tracey’s voice jumped in chaotic sympathy and then flashed to anger. “If you had just done page 31 like I told you, this wouldn’t have happened to begin with.”
“Do you think there’s a hospital here that can—”
“What? No!” Tracey snapped. Her voice cracked. “No, because you’re not going to tell anyone about this.”
“But—”
“No, Jioni, listen,” Tracey welled up in tears. “My job is hard enough. Ok. I have to deal with everything in this city. From resources to morale.”
Tracey wiped her face with her clean hand.
“Then, on top of that, I have to train everyone to become Agents and Junior Agents. I made that promise to your parents, to everyone’s parents. I can’t—you can’t tell anyone about this, or I’ll get fired. Who would help then? Do you want me to get fired?”
“No,” Jioni said softly.
“Thank you. I’ll get you what you need. Ok? So stop staring at me like that.” Tracey continued to wipe Jioni’s face. “You’ll be an Agent, ok? Because you’ll hide your damaged face. Please tell me you understand!”
