Killian (Hope City #8) - Kris Michaels Page 0,57
time off, you know.”
He grunted. “How’s your face?”
“Bruised, thank you.” Although there wasn’t much of the bruising left and makeup would cover what remained.
“I’ve been fielding calls from Councilman Davis’ office. The city is doing damage control. He wants to meet with you one on one—which means no camera—to apologize for his actions.”
Bekki snorted, “No, thanks.”
“The big boys at the network think you should go. They think showing you as forgiving would boost your public profile. Frankly, I agree. You grilled this guy pretty hard.”
She leaned forward. “Excuse me? I think the station got plenty of mileage off that interview.”
“I agree, but the Mayor is closing down access and put the word out not to give our station exclusive access.”
“That’s bullshit, Landon. We never had exclusive access. Channel Six has done numerous stories on the city government.”
“Yes, but they were positive stories, unlike yours, which has dropped not only Davis’ approval rating but the Mayor’s. Double digits, Bekki. You’re jeopardizing the Mayor’s bid for reelection. He is not happy and is requesting you and Davis bury the hatchet.”
“Bury the hatchet? No. He’s a criminal, and if the Mayor is worried about corruption under his administration, perhaps he should be doing the work I’ve done.”
“Bekki, just go and hear the guy out.”
“Don’t make me do this. I won’t. I’ll quit first.”
Landon sighed. “You don’t want to do that, and you know it. Stop the hysterics and meet with the guy.”
“Hysterics?” She hissed the word and Killian looked up.
“Okay, not the word I meant to use.”
She drew a deep breath and exhaled it, counting to ten before she spoke, “I’m going to do you a favor, Landon. I’m going to hang up now.”
“King, just hold on. We’ll have him come to you. He’s the one wanting the meeting. Are you at your condo?”
“No, and I wouldn’t want that man near my home. He’s a criminal, Landon.”
“He hasn’t been convicted of anything.” Landon sounded as exasperated as she felt. “But on another topic, how is that special investigation you’re working on coming?”
She took the phone away from her ear and flipped him the bird but drew a breath and answered. “Some progress, but nothing worth reporting.”
Killian lifted an eyebrow. Yeah, she was getting perilously close to revealing information. “I’ve got to go.”
“Give Davis’ offer a moment of thought, King. He’s apologizing to you. You won.”
“I’m not keeping score.”
“Of course, you are. We all do. Answer your phone the next time I call.” Landon hung up.
“What the hell was all that about?” Killian leaned back in his desk and stared at her.
“Landon wants me to meet one on one with the illustrious Councilman Davis so he can explain and apologize.”
Killian leaned forward; the myriad of emotions that ran across his expression was impressive. He cleared his throat and spoke in a clear, modulated tone, “I would never tell you what to do, but I would advise you to tell your boss that you are disinclined to consent to his request and walk away from any employer that would want you to meet alone with a man who had already caused you grievous bodily harm.”
Bekki burst into laughter. “Mr. Ivy League Education is back! How about I just tell him to shove it? Because I basically did that. Unfortunately, I can’t leave my job. It pays my mortgage.”
A small smile kicked up the corner of Killian’s mouth. “Please, for my sanity, don’t change your mind about telling him to shove it.”
“Not a chance. Hell, Landon wanted to give the man my condo address so he could meet me there. I mean, who does that?”
Killian’s eyes narrowed and he growled, “Someone who wants two broken legs?”
She laughed and got up, glancing at the clock. They had about twenty minutes before Garret usually came in for his evening check-in before he left for the day. She slipped from behind her desk and then sidled between Killian and his desk. She stepped over his lap and straddled his thighs, wrapping her arms around his neck. She stared into his eyes. “Is someone getting possessive?”
She caught her healed bottom lip between her teeth and watched as his eyes followed the movement. They’d made love every night, several times a night, since they’d taken up residence in the tiny trailer. He nodded and replied, “Very possessive, it would seem.”
“I think I like that.” She leaned forward and brushed her lips across his. Her phone rang again, and he groaned. She smiled against his lips and stood, leaning to one side