have none. The Evan I have come to know would not hurt me.”
“Okay, so why are you angry?”
She waved a hand. “Helen Thompson wants me to go public with her in denouncing Campbell. When she learned I married Evan, she seemed to think my compliance was a shoo-in.”
“You told her no?”
“Of course.”
“Then there is no problem. Evan can’t make you do anything you choose not to do.”
“You saw Evan’s show this morning. They said he’s on leave.”
Bunny sighed. “I didn’t like the sound of that, either.”
“Think about it. Now that you know the truth about Matt, you can see that the newsman who uncovers a skeleton like mine in a presidential candidate’s closet would end up in history books.”
“Not to mention, become a hero for saving the country from a psychopath.”
“You and I both know that Evan gave up seven years of his life abroad to build his career to where it is now. He’s like a dog with a bone when it comes to morally righteous reporting.”
Bunny shook her head. “Well, then, there’s only one answer.”
“What’s that?”
“Ask him.”
She clasped her hands together. “But, that is my dilemma. Can I believe what he tells me?”
* * *
EVAN HAD JUST settled Matt and Jared with milk shakes in front of the TV to watch the latest Urban Hero video—again, when his cell phone rang. Steve’s number lit the screen. He debated whether or not to answer. After the third ring, he punched the button.
“McKenna here.”
“You know it’s me, Evan.”
“Hey, Steve. What’s up?”
“I’m calling to remind you that you can’t quit. You’re under contract with me.”
Evan scrubbed his face with his hand. “I know. I told you to take me to court.”
“I had the kids announce on your show that you’re on leave.”
He laughed at the absurdity. “So, getting bad ratings, are you?”
“Did I hear you’re married?”
“Are you ignoring my question?”
Steve laughed. “Answer mine first.”
“Yes. Kelly and I married on Friday.”
“How’s that going for you?”
“Shut up, Steve.”
“Are you really going to sit on the story of the year—heck, the decade? Buzz Campbell has been blazing a pretty solid campaign trail for at least that long. You can blow the man’s entire career up in smoke.”
Evan knew this. That’s why it was so damned difficult to walk away from this newsbreak when Kelly could get the job done and obtain justice by simply stepping forward. “And your point is?”
“I have my suspicions about the real story behind Kelly’s son. If they are true and you get her talking, the sky is the limit for you, Evan. Anything you want at NCTV is yours.”
“You used to like Kelly, Steve. Now you sound like a real jerk. See you in court.”
The minute Kelly stepped through the door Evan knew something bothered her. She hugged Matt hello and sat with him to hear about his afternoon with Jared before even looking up at Evan. Something happened at Neverland today. That probably explained why she didn’t answer his call earlier.
He watched her from the kitchen where he put the final touches on the salad. Homemade pizzas were already in the oven. The Chianti decanted. “You okay?”
She headed over to the kitchen. Matt climbed up on the stool at the counter. “We’re having pizza tonight, Mom.”
She tugged on his sleeve. “I can see you helped. You have sauce on your shirt.”
Evan grinned. “Matt twirls a mean pizza crust. Wait until you see the heart-shaped pie he made for you.”
She kissed her son, who was beaming at her. “For me? I can’t wait to eat the whole thing.”
Evan gestured to the wine. “Shall I pour?”
“Let me shower and change first. It’s been a long day.”
“I figured as much. You didn’t answer my question.”
“Which was?”
“Looks like something is on your mind.”
“That’s not a question.”
He laughed. “No, it’s not. I asked if you were okay.”
“Right now, I’m not so sure.”
“That’s what I thought. I’m ready to talk when you are.”
She glanced at Matt before speaking. “Helen Thompson paid a visit to Neverland.”
That raised his brow. “Let me guess...she’s trying to recruit you.”
She looked him squarely in the eye. “Yes. And left me with the impression that you’d accomplish the job in getting me to sign on.”
“Who’s Helen Thompson?” Matt plucked a slice of mozzarella cheese from the cutting board.
She held up a hand. “We can finish this later. I’m going to change. How much time until the pizza is ready?”
* * *
THEY’D BOTH TUCKED Matt into bed and Kelly felt like a complete hypocrite. There she was playing house with Evan