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“The only story he has to tell is how he's a pretentious asshole who gets off on beating women. Then when he gets himself into a bind, he goes psycho and abducts women to extort money.”
“Rowan is no saint in this story,” she lashes back.
Her words are like a blow, rocking me to my bones, and leaving red-hot fury in their wake. Realization blisters to the surface. This is about Rowan.
“What did you say?” Ferocity is thick in my question.
“Rowan! Nashville’s new ‘it’ girl. The Women in Business Chamber has nominated her for Business Leader of the Year. The Business Journal is naming her Entrepreneur of the Year next month. She’s listed as the number one choice to speak at symposiums for entrepreneurs. She’s seen hobnobbing with the country’s hottest rock band, and is the face of Fire Station 26. Who would have guessed the city’s Golden Girl has such a sordid past?”
Ace rumbles again, but I’m too focused to give him a second look.
“There’s not a goddamned thing in Rowan’s past that’s sordid.”
“Craig says differently.”
Jealousy and greed bleed in her tone and body language. She’s working with Craig and his demented lies to shatter Rowan’s reputation. Whatever he’s feeding her is bullshit, but given the right chance and audience, the gossip rags and social media can do damage.
Another fact comes to mind. The incident with Rowan and Jewls wasn’t in the media. Robbie and Hayes Security ran the rescue.
“How’d you find Craig?”
She shrugs indifferently. “Research.”
“You did your research, you’d know this is career suicide.”
“No one ever got ahead by playing it safe. Rowan will have her chance to tell her story.”
“There is no story here.”
“Craig’s retelling is quite compelling. His therapist has made a breakthrough. Rowan will be given the chance to tell her side.”
Stupid fucking bitch is planning to back Rowan in a corner, forcing her hand. Rowan is the key witness in the State’s case. She talks, everything can blow up.
The last few months, she’s politely declined personal interviews, only giving professional statements on her business when contacted. All for this reason, she’s avoiding any situation that will open the door to her personal life.
“Craig’s arrest was public record, but most other details are sealed.”
Her eyebrows shoot up and her lips form a hard line.
“Whoever led you to him did you no favors.”
“It’s nothing personal, Ford. There are at least a dozen other ambitious reporters out there vying for a break.”
“The difference is morals. You will drag a good woman down to get noticed.”
“I’ll call her and explain.”
Ace hisses, inching closer to me. “This bitch is whacked.”
“As of this moment, you are barred from any contact with Rowan.”
“You can’t be serious.”
“Deathly serious. Your purpose and aim with Craig are a threat to Rowan. You follow through with any story, snippet, or morsel of lies that jeopardize the State’s case, we’ll sue your ass.”
“The First Amendment—”
“Tera, take this advice. Get away from this case while you can.”
