Killian (Hope City #8) - Kris Michaels Page 0,58

to extract herself from his lap. “Later.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

She picked up her phone and winked at him. “Hi, Walter.”

“It is about time you answer your telephone. When you cover a story, you give it your all, don’t you? The station is still getting mileage out of your report.”

Walter’s tease made her smile. “That’s me, a team player. I’ll do anything for a story, up to and including bodily injury.”

The silence that followed was unusual. “Hello?”

“There is nothing lighthearted about what happened to you, which is why I called. I hope you are pressing charges against that man.” Walter’s voice held an edge to it she rarely heard.

“The police are doing that all on their own. I gave my statement.”

“He had no right to touch you, let alone spin you around like that. Are there any lasting repercussions of the event?”

“No. Bruises, which are almost healed. How have you been, Walter? How are the pups?”

“Irish Wolfhounds are not pups. They are miniature horses who have teeth and bark.”

Bekki laughed. Walter’s dogs were legendary. He took them everywhere with him and the college made an exception so he could keep his dogs in his office while he was on campus. “The questions need not be turned in my direction as I am an old man who lives with two mammoth, slobbering bundles of energy. What are you doing? I noticed you haven’t had a report for over a week now.”

“Aww, how sweet, you watch the news to see me?”

“I watch the news to critique the talking heads that lie to the universe every night. Now, what have you been up to, my young protégé?”

“Not much, actually.” She sighed and looked at the stacks of information she’d tarried over.

“Hmmm… I doubt that. Remember, I know you. Where are you on that construction company angle with the ad problems?”

Bekki blinked and then chuffed a laugh. “Wow, that is so convoluted, I know you did it on purpose. You know I cleared the subcontractor angle, and the ad thing is still a work in progress.”

“Oh, that’s right. How are things going on your search for corruption?”

She glanced over at Killian. A solid brick wall of muscle, and sex appeal, and… yeah…

“… dropping it?”

Crap, she’d tuned out again. “Ah, I’m sorry, Walter, I didn’t hear that last question.”

“I asked if you were dropping the investigation.”

“Ah, no. Just going at it from another angle.” She hoped Jewell would have time to work on the information she’d sent soon. Until then, she was basically twiddling her thumbs and waiting.

Walter sighed. “How did I know that? You never give up on a story once you latch on, do you?”

“You taught me to track every lead to the end.” She leaned back in her chair and put her tennis shoe-clad feet on her desk.

“As if you needed encouragement. Was my contact at the Hope City Journal able to help you with your questions?”

“Yes and no. She answered my questions and gave me more to look into. You know how it is.”

“I do. Why don’t you share, and between the two of us, maybe we can figure out answers to the questions you have.”

“God, I’d really like to do that Walter, but I’m late for a date and I’m just about to leave to meet him.”

“A new beau? Congratulations.”

“Thank you. I promise to call when I have time and we’ll have a long talk.” She offered the olive branch, but she wasn’t going to break the promise she’d made her father and Killian. She wasn’t discussing the case with anyone, even her mentor.

“I’m working at the office all weekend. Mid-term, you know. So many red marks to make on hopeful journalists’ work.”

“You should get a TA.”

“Pshhh… and have the students miss my charming wit and insight on their precious work? Never. Stop by this weekend and I’ll put you to work.”

“I’ll see what I can do. No promises.”

“Such is the life of a young, vibrant soul.”

“You’re not that old, Walter.”

“I’m older than dirt and just as useful.”

“Now you sound morose.”

“Then show up and cheer me up.” There was a voice in the background. “I am afraid I must go. Office hours, you know.”

“I do know. We spent quite a bit of time talking during your office hours. Take care, my friend.”

“Until we meet again, my dear.” Walter hung up and she put her phone down. He sounded… lonely?

“Everything okay?”

She snapped her attention to Killian. “Yes. My mentor from college.” She nodded to the phone. “I felt horrible lying to

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