“I’m sorry.” He covered her hand with his. “At least it’s not because of anything you did wrong or didn’t doright.”
“True.” Her expression fell. “Honestly, I don’t understand how Max gets away with it time and timeagain.”
Gavin drained his water glass. “Bad karma always catchesup.”
“Well, this is a slow-movingone.”
He chuckled. “Crockett called me. Max infuriated the hell out of him.” Max slid the thumb drive across the table. “He had the foresight to ask me for a copy of your interview. Honey, that man is akeeper.”
Her heart bloomed. “He sureis.”
After lunch, Alexandra headed over the 14thStreet Bridge into Virginia. While relieved she no longer worked for Max, the sting from getting fired burned in herstomach.
Since her freshman year at USC, she’d always worked in a news station. Though she felt rudderless, she was certain she’d land another reporting gig. While she circulated her resume, she’d spend more time with her mom. And she’d help Crockett flush out the saboteur. He might not be convinced there was one, but shewas.
She found parking in a nearby garage and hurried into the busy Crystal City building. When she entered Wilde Innovations, Larry Berry was speaking with the receptionist and abrunette.
“Hey, Alexandra, we got word you need more info for your story,” Larrysaid.
“Did Crockett send out anemail?”
“He sure did and I’m happy to comply. I like being in the spotlight.” He grinned. “This is my wife, Roberta. This is Alexandra Reed, the reporter who interviewed me for the techstory.”
Wife?Her thoughts flashed to Larry huddled on the sofa at the coffee shop with theblonde.
“Do you know when the show will be on?” Robertaasked.
“No air-date has been set,” said Alexandra. “I’ll make sure Crockett knows so he can get the wordout.”
“We’re going to throw a party. I’m so proud of him.” Smiling sweetly, she caressed Larry’sshoulder.
Though Larry smiled, he leaned away from her.Not into PDA?Or not into yourwife?
“Alright, honey, I’ve got to get to the airport,” Roberta said. “I wish I didn’t have toleave.”
Larry saidnothing.
How awkward.“Headed somewhere warm?” Alexandra asked, feeling like she should fill thesilence.
“I’ve got a business meeting in Florida.” She pouted. “I’m bummed Larry can’t joinme.”
“You know I’m super busy here, Roberta,” Larrysaid.
His wife rolled her eyes. “This guy’s been burning the midnight oil. I had to arrange for my folks to take our kids for a fewdays.”
“Next time,” Larrysaid.
“Have a safe trip,” Alexandra said. “Excuse me.” She stepped over toreception.
“Walk me to the elevators,” Roberta said and she and Larryleft.
A moment later, Ellen bustled around the corner. “Crockett is at an off-site meeting, but we can get started withouthim.”
Before leaving reception, Alexandra glanced over her shoulder as Larry pecked his wife’s cheek before she scooted inside an elevator. As soon as the doors closed, Larry pulled his phone from his pocket, his thumbs flying over the keypad.Who couldn’t you wait to text,Larry?
The two women entered Crockett’s office and Ellen closed the door. “Before you begin, I’ll need your signedconsent.”
“Forwhat?”
