“She risked everything to help me,” Sophia said, clinging to her mom anddad.
With tears streaming down her cheeks, Linda embraced Alexandra. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you for bringing our Sophia back tous.”
“You’ve made our family whole again,” Ron said before hugging Alexandra. “We’re so grateful toyou.”
“Your strong, amazing daughter was worth the risk,” Alexandra said. “But I didn’t do it alone. Crockett was with me every step of theway.”
For the first time in thirteen years, Crockett Wilde was happy. And through the tears, hesmiled.
34
Dream Job
Four days later,Alexandrasigned in at the network news affiliate in Arlington, Virginia, spoke briefly with the receptionist, and took a seat in the waiting room. Unlike her first meeting with Max, she couldn’t wait to speak with Meryl Hastings, the TV station’s newsdirector.
No sooner had Alexandra sat down than Meryl walked into reception and greeted her with a bright smile and a firm handshake. The executive suggested they chat in heroffice.
“I just got off the phone with your boss, Rick Schwartz,” said Meryl after relaxing into her desk chair. “I understand he’s holding a spot on his investigative team foryou.”
“He is.” Alexandra crossed her legs. “I’d planned on returning, but I’m hoping you’ll make me an offer I can’trefuse.”
Meryl laughed. “Your email piqued my curiosity. Sounds like you’ve got one hell of a story. The local stations are still leading with that sex trafficking operation and it’s been four days. Did you receive a tip while working at CableFifteen?”
Being out from under Max’s thumb made her happy. “Working there wasn’t the right fit. I found the story on my own, based on ahunch.”
Meryl nodded. “Spoken like a true professional. For the record, I can’t stand Max. His loss might be my gain.” Leaning back, she crossed her legs. “Why investigative journalism? From what Rick told me, your news magazine show topped the ratings board everyweek.”
“I loved hosting my show, but there’s something deeply fulfilling about pursuing and uncovering the truth, especially if it brings value to someone else. Did you enjoy your investigative reporting career before seguing intomanagement?”
“I loved it for the same reason. Working something from a simple hunch.” She adjusted her black-rimmed glasses. “Pitch me yourstory.”
Twenty minutes later, the color had faded from Meryl’s cheeks. “Horrific. What’s your working title for thispiece?”
“The Faces ofEvil.”
“I’d be a fool to let you leave my office without a verbal offer.” Meryl extended her hand. “I’d like to bring you on board as an investigative reporter. I’ve got a midday anchor spot that’s going to open up in late spring. That might be a good fit foryou.”
Alexandra beamed. “I would love that, Meryl.” The two women shookhands.
* * *
Crockett stared at Danny,sitting across from his desk. “Is thisconfirmed?”
“Unfortunately,” said Danny. “I read the policereport.”
“This has got to be amistake.”
“It’s accurate. You want to tell Alexandra or shouldI?”
“I’ll do it,” Crockettsaid.
“I was hoping my good news would overshadow this,” Dannysaid.
“Justice was done when the FBI arrested Ruth Lizzard for corporate espionage and sabotage,” Crockett said. “I’m thrilled the FBI reinstated us as the front-runner for Round Two. My team deserves this win. But the bomb you just dropped upstages all ofthat.”
Danny rose. “I hear you and I’msorry.”
“Thanks for making the trip to tell me in person.” As Crockett walked his cousin out, Danny asked aboutSophia.
