Page 12 of Reaper & the Lioness
“Eva!” His voice boomed, full of its usual enthusiasm. “How’s life in the Lone Star State? Are you line dancing in a cowboy hat yet? Maybe joining a rodeo?”
I laughed, picturing myself stumbling through a crowded dance floor with my two left feet. “Definitely not. There isn’t enough tequila in this state for me to try line dancing. But I’ll keep rodeo clown as a career option if my consulting business fails.”
Matt chuckled. “Have you found yourself a cowboy yet?”
His tone was less teasing, and I rolled my eyes. While only a friend, Matt often seemed all too concerned about my romantic interests.
“No, Matt. No cowboy.”
Just a sinfully hot, tattooed biker with a bad attitude, I added mentally.
I shifted the conversation, not wanting to get into my new association with the Mavericks with my friend. He’d ask far too many questions.
“Listen, I have to fly to Houston soon for a few interviews. I’m digging into some tips about corruption at one of the big oil companies. I’ll be in town for a few days. We could meet for lunch.” His excitement was palpable.
I double-clicked on my desktop calendar. “Sure, I’m flexible almost every day next week. I think we have enough that we can map out the story.”
“I like the way you think. We’re getting close. I can feel it.”
My adrenaline surged at the thought of finally bringing Hale’s crimes to light. Matt’s story in the Washington Post would expose the pattern of violence and abuse I knew all too well.
“I wanted to let you know I’ve turned up a new source. We have a call scheduled soon, but …” I hesitated, knowing Matt would be irritated at this next revelation. “She only wants to talk to me. And only on background. We won’t be able to use her in the story, but I think she could shed light into the patterns we’ve uncovered.”
Matt paused on the other end of the line. When he spoke again, his voice had lost some of its zeal. “Who is she?”
“I can’t tell you. She insisted on complete anonymity. She’s terrified of what might happen if word gets out that she’s talking.”
“Come on,” Matt said, frustration creeping into his tone. “You know my editor won’t let us use her if we can’t identify her.”
I rubbed my temples, a headache brewing. “I know, I know. But let’s see what details she shares first. She worked for Abell Enterprises for a long time. Longer than most. She’s probably seen a lot of women come and go. Maybe we can find a way to corroborate her information without revealing her identity.”
Matt’s sigh crackled through the phone. “Fine. Just don’t make any promises.”
“If she has good information, I’ll see if I can convince her to go on the record,” I promised. “Maybe we could use a pseudonym in the story.”
Matt groaned. “We’ll need to validate the facts before we publish. Hale’s lawyers are going to be on our asses when this gets out. Everything has to be by the book. I can’t let your little side project end my career.”
I ground my teeth at his comment. “I’ll update you later, okay?” My response came out tighter than I intended as I ended the call.
Heat prickled at the back of my neck. When he’d offered to partner with me on the story, Matt thought it could elevate his career. Now, he acted like it was a favor.
I hooked the leash onto Hawk’s collar. I needed a walk as much as he did. My phone rang as we stepped out the door, and I tensed—until I read the name on the caller ID. I fumbled to answer the FaceTime call while juggling my keys.
“Do you miss me yet?” Kenna asked immediately as I answered.
I laughed, feeling the tension releasing from my shoulders as the familiar face of my best friend filled the screen. “I do. I’m sorry I haven’t called. Between my new client and the story with Matt, I’ve barely had time to sleep.”
“You need to make time for a personal life,” Kenna chided, tossing her auburn hair over her shoulders.
I laughed, squinting at my screen in the bright Texas sun. “You’re one to talk.”
“Valid point. It’s not the same here without you,” she said, her voice softening. “Are you moving back?”
“Nope. Maybe you should move here,” I joked. “The weather is better, and so are the tacos. Plus, you need to come meet my foster pup before he gets adopted.” I pivoted my phone down to show Hawk trotting alongside me with his nose to the ground.
“Cute!” she squealed. “But you had me at tacos. Tell me about this new client.”
I hesitated. “They aren’t exactly mainstream corporate.”
