"Mmm," Jason’s blue eyes trained on Alex’s for a moment but then they fell, finding the floor aimlessly. Trust wasn’t something that came naturally to Jason and, regardless of whatever anyone else might say, his confidence in M did not extend that far. "Of course." Quirking his brows, his indifference to Alex’s words on M clearly did not hit the mark. "Yes, yes, of course. Every choice she’s made regarding the two of us has certainly been stellar." Fixing his friend with a pointed look, Jason turned and crossed to the desk, again, hovering on the brink of speech but pausing, pausing to look.
Alex was tidy, of course. Polished shoes, one slightly more worn than the other; clean pants; a neat jacket over a creased shirt. There was nothing at all that might hint at another life to any ordinary observer, save perhaps the cane upon which he so heavily leaned. Jason saw more, however. So much more. There was evidence of his pet, of the way his clothing had been stored prior to use, the detergent he used, when he’d last showered…The injuries were there too - both the debilitating wound and other more minor nicks - he saw the orderly life, the route Alex had taken in getting there…and he saw the exhaustion that hovered in his eyes, the way he couldn’t seem to draw a breath. Jason knew that well enough. What he didn’t know was how to help. For all the monumental tasks he’d tackled, to simply give comfort to a friend was a greater challenge than he knew how to confront.
Clearing his throat as Alex continued on about K, Jason’s brows leapt upward. Shock scrawled across his face and, irritably, he shook his head. Jason felt sure, if anyone ought to have absolute confidence in him upon this - or any situation of the kind - it was Alex but now, even his once partner sighed and shunted off his points - Jason resolved to look further into the case.
"No. Alex, you of all people know there’s nothing of chance in my methods.” Offense registered in Jason’s eyes, arching his brows and pressing his lips into a thin line. ”What’s the use in having a brain if everyone consistently refuses to make use of theirs? Of course I can size people up in an instant. The very act of breathing is a self-portrait to anyone with eyes that can see, Alex. I happen to have two.” Waving his hand, he exhaled.
"Surprise. How quaint," Jason’s exasperated sigh was pronounced. "Whatever strength K might have clearly goes into pulling off her wardrobe. She’s no T and she’s certainly no R, though I must admit, numbers suit you better than letters.
"As for my pre-approved list," Jason paused, raising his chin, insolence glittering in his eyes. "I researched all the possibilities. Aside, even, from my more obscure suggestions, there are some obvious choices that ought to come instantly even to your mind, but this…Kaitlyn," he waved a careless hand, unable to remember the rest of her name and not caring to bother doing so. "She does not appear on anyone’s list. Not anyone at all, even Felix Leiter’s,” he added with an obvious note of derision. ”Naturally she’s not as good as T. She’s utterly unqualified for the position!”
Jason groaned. ”Dull. Why would I go to that little blonde piece for a debriefing when I could just as easily consult you?” he demanded, spreading his hands as if in question. ”Afterall, if M’s judgment is as sound as you suggest, clearly this entire assignment debacle was simply a clerical error.” Seating himself in the chair opposite Alex’s desk, he added, “As far as I am concerned, you are my quartermaster, now. Afterall, it was M’s idea to pair us in the first place. Where’s the logic in resolutely ignoring that moment of brilliance to part us?”
