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William shook his head. “Nope. Front desk lady stealing stuff.”
“Sweeps week is coming soon.” His father lifted his briefcase and tucked it under his arm. “Hope you found something you can use.”
Yeah. William rubbed at his neck. “I’ve got some ideas.”
His father leveled a stare at him. “Stories aren’t always organic. Good reporters know when to push boundaries.”
William raised an eyebrow at him. “Better reporters know that pushing boundaries doesn’t mean testing the waters of journalistic ethics for the sake of ratings.”
Yeah, William had been the victim of pushing ethical boundaries on television once. It had cost him years of his life to repair his image because the producer of a stupid reality show wanted better ratings.
“Ratings mean money. Money pays the bills. It’s all about the ratings, son.”
“Journalism is supposed to be about truth, not ratings, Dad.”
Dad stared at him for a long beat before he smiled nearly imperceptibly and walked away.
William stared into the blank space his father left behind. What had that whole thing been about anyway?
“So, tell me, how’s life in the lion’s den with my dad? Sounds like you two are pretty chummy with him asking about Allie. You never talk to anyone about her.”
Parker visibly tensed. “It’s not like that.”
“What is it like then? You’re supposed to be my friend, but you kicked me out because he promised you a promotion. A promotion he’s no longer in a position to give.”
William clenched his teeth against the years of friendship Parker had tossed away over job advancement. “Now?—”
“It’s my sister.” Parker signed the bottom of the form.
William paused. “What about her?”
“There’s a rehab program in the Springs that can help with her rehabilitation. I need to get her there. I need to get us there.” Parker hooked the clipboard back on the wall.
William grabbed his suitcase from the floor. “This whole thing is about Allie?”
“You should know by now my life is about taking care of Allie. I’m not being a prick. I’m getting her where she needs to be. It’s the least I can do for her.” Desperation leaked through the words.
When would the guy give himself a break? Everyone knew the accident wasn’t his fault.
Parker started to slip past him.
“I’ve got money,” William said to his back. “I’ll set you both up in Colorado Springs. However long you need.” What was the use of having money if you couldn’t use it to help?
Parker turned. “I’m not taking charity. If you can’t make this acquisition happen to get me to Colorado Springs, I’ll figure something else out. I always do.”
William blew out a breath. Looked like he had to learn everything about the merger in a night so he wouldn’t blow the transaction tomorrow.
For Parker’s sake.
A heavy pause settled between them.
“How good is the story you got? At Twin Lakes?” Parker asked, finally, clearly ready for a subject change.
William leaned against the shelf. “We got good video, and they double-booked our room. The front desk clerk broke into our stuff and took cash. I’ve got a load to work with.”
Parker thought on that. “Can I see?”
William nodded, led the way to an editing bay, and loaded the video. He explained everything as they watched. But then they watched past when the front desk attendant had left. The door to the cabin opened once more and William’s heart dropped.
