AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“An old rerun of Columbo. The one where Johnny Cash murders his nagging wife.”
That episode was my all-time favorite Columbo. “I’ve got to make a phone call and then I’ll watch it with you.”
“Okay,” she replied, and then stared fixedly at the TV screen.
I used the kitchen phone to call Alyssa.
“Hello?”
“May I speak with Alyssa, please?”
“This is she.”
“Alyssa, it’s Jackie Blue. Are you all right?”
“I’m hanging in there, Jackie.”
“Paul gave me your number. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No. It’s kind of you to call.”
“I’m really sorry about what happened, Alyssa.”
“Thanks. I feel badly for Davina. She was really psyched about the project.”
I didn’t tell Alyssa that Elaine Garner had already stepped in to fill her shoes.
“Is there anything I can do?”
She laughed. “Do you know anyone who needs an editor?”
I thought for a moment. “Not offhand, but I’ll keep my ears open.”
She sighed. “Okay.”
I had a sudden brainstorm. “Alyssa, I’ve got piles of unread manuscripts in my office right now. Do you want a couple of freelance jobs until you find something?”
“Love to!”
“Good. Let me pull some stuff together and I’ll call you on Tuesday.”
“Jackie, don’t get into trouble on my account.”
“What are you talking about?
“Marlene Rashker fucked up big-time, so she is covering her ass. I’ve heard some strange lies about myself over the past few days. Don’t get tainted with my brush.”
I was curious. “Are you going to sue them?”
“My parents want me to but I really shouldn’t have blurted out Davina’s instructions in the meeting that way. I could have told Marlene in private.”
“And without witnesses, she would have taken that project away from you.”
“You’re right, but I really don’t want to get tied up in some big, legal circus.”
“Well, don’t worry about me, Alyssa. I am going to help you regardless of what anyone thinks.”
“What about the rest of the Black Pack?”
