by MK Schiller
“You’re right, enough small talk.”
Dear God, this is her idea of small talk?
“I’m in love with Brad.”
Kyle was thankful he wasn’t drinking his whiskey. Her bombshell confession would have made him choke. “What?”
“Yes, I love Brad, and you’re Brad’s best friend. Or at least a close friend and maybe you could help me.”
He took a deep breath. For once, she had all his attention. “Does the loony bin know you’ve escaped or should we call them?”
“I know it’s very strange, but here’s the thing. I’ve worked with him for almost two years. We’re compatible. Like I said, I’m an observer, and he’s the kind of man who fits all my needs.”
“Huh, too bad he’s busy fitting all your sister’s needs.” It was impossible for him to look away now. This was a date for the record books.
“That’s just it. I’m not some kind of boyfriend-stealing bitch like you’re thinking. I love my sister, but I’ve had much longer to observe her. Brad doesn’t fit her ideal criteria.”
“Why is that? Because he belongs to you? I pegged you for a stalker, and I was right. Journalists have some pretty strong observation skills too.”
“Nothing like that. I’m not obsessed with him. What I’m proposing is a long shot, but many of the cases I’ve won have been long shots. I was successful because of my preparation, and this circumstance is similar.” Lanie bit her lower lip, looking a little nervous for the first time. “Cassie likes Brad for all the reasons I like him. He’s strong, handsome, sweet, and successful.”
“Right. What’s not to love? I know you’re a lawyer, but Jesus, don’t you have any scruples?”
“I do. I love my sister. I do not intend to steal Brad from her. I’m just going to wait until she breaks up with him.”
“And if she doesn’t? In case you didn’t know, Brad’s really into her.”
“Oh, I know he is. That’s one of the reasons I like him too. He’s not the cheating type, but unfortunately, Cassie is. She also gets bored easily. You guys would get along well, although she’d probably break up with you even faster than Brad.”
Was she serious right now? Kyle wondered if he should start recording the conversation so Brad knew exactly what kind of nut job his girlfriend’s sister was. Fuck, they were also coworkers. Kyle made a mental note to encourage Brad to file a human resources complaint.
“So you just know she’s going to break up with him?”
“I don’t know, but based on her history, my observations, and her list of criteria, I think she is. Cassie doesn’t like skeletons, and we both know that Brad has some.”
Kyle sat up straighter, wondering for the first time in his life if he could get away with slapping a woman.
“You’re talking about his dad. That’s none of your business.”
“It’s public record. His dad was convicted of embezzlement, and although Brad has distanced himself, it’s still a stigma. I don’t think my sister knows because she would have broken things off by now.”
“Why don’t you tell her then? It would clearly be to your benefit.”
“Like you succinctly stated, it’s none of my business.” She looked down at her hands, as if she was struggling with her own statement. “I know you don’t understand this, but I’m not trying to sabotage their relationship. I’m just waiting for the inevitable to happen, and when it does, I hope she’ll give me her blessing to pursue Brad, and he’ll be interested.”
“What are the other criteria? You said this sister of yours has a list?”
“Yes, not an actual list, but just things she looks for in a guy. Cassie’s been groomed to marry rich, and although Brad is successful, he’s never going to be a millionaire, which is what Cassie wants.”
“But that doesn’t matter to you, right? ’Cause you’re the good sister? The one who get all the hand-me-downs without complaint?”
Lanie winced. She was actually reacting appropriately for the first time. “I have a different set of criteria. Like I said, it’s a long shot, but if I even have a chance, I’ll have to be diligent in my research, and that’s where I need your help.”
“How the fuck could I possibly help you seduce my friend, and why would I want to?”
She took a deep breath and put on a wide smile. It was too wide, as if she might be more nervous than she appeared. “Two very good questions, Kyle. I can see why you’re a top-notch journalist. Well, first off, I don’t want to seduce him. I want him to love me the way I love him. You can help me because you know the things about him I can’t easily observe.”
“Sounds manipulative as hell, and I guarantee it will never work.”
Lanie shrugged, popping the cherry from her froufrou drink into her mouth. “Probably not, but I’ll never know if I don’t try. My career is all about playing fair and by the rules, but you know what they say, ‘all’s fair when it comes to—’”
“Lady, you’re a fucking psycho. I need to call Brad and tell him about your fatal attraction obsession before you start stewing up rabbits.”
She didn’t seem fazed by Kyle’s vicious words. “I’m not a psycho. Trust me when I say it’s not a situation where if I can’t have him, no one can. He can break up with Cassie tomorrow and start dating another girl the next day. He is quite a catch, after all.” She stared at Kyle hard, and her words came out stronger, with more emphasis. “However, if there’s any chance he might find me worth loving back, then I want to be prepared for it. If you choose to tell him about our conversation, you certainly can. I figured you might, and it was a risk I was willing to take. Before you do, I think you should hear the other reason you may want to help me.”
“What makes you think anything you could say would convince me?”
The waitress came, and they ordered more drinks. Kyle noticed the leggy blonde was still at the bar. Unfortunately, this girl was so interestingly crazy that he felt compelled to hear out her scheme. After all, as a friend and journalist, it was Kyle’s duty to extract as much information as possible. It would be helpful when they were at the police station later. He frowned at the thought of spending the evening at the police station. Oh, flaxen blonde and red-haired vixen, one or both of you would have been so good tonight.
Lanie smoothed back a loose strand of hair. “There are a total of three reasons you should help me. First, my intentions are not malicious. I’m blunt but honest and caring.”
Kyle snorted audibly.
“I know it’s hard for you to see that, but I love my sister. I would never do anything to jeopardize her relationship. It will self-destruct in a matter of time. I just want to be prepared to start my pursuit of Brad when that happens. Second, I know you’ve been friends with Brad since elementary school. I also know that there’s some part of you that dislikes him.”
Kyle narrowed his eyes, dreading what Lanie knew. “What did he tell you?”
“Nothing at all. Brad and I are just friends and colleagues. We haven’t had any real personal conversations, but as I said, I’m a good observer. Brad twitches slightly when he talks about you, and you tend to grit your teeth when you talk about him. I don’t know why you had a scuffle. I assume it’s over a girl, but I really don’t care. The point is, I think part of you doesn’t like Brad, and that works in my favor.”
“He’s my friend. I’m loyal to him, not you.”
“I know, but you can’t be that loyal if you’re still talking to me. Face it. As much as you hate to admit it, you’re interested in what I have to say.”
Goddamn, she’s right. “Look, I wouldn’t wish your brand of crazy on my worst enemy, let alone my best friend. Those reasons are bullshit.”
“The third reason is probably the deal maker. Another thing I observe about you, Kyle Manchester, is that you take pride in your work, and you covet recognition for it.”
“Doesn’t everyone?”
“Not everyone is as ambitious as you. It’s true that I do read your articles, and
I am very impressed by the sincerity of your stories. Do you know Melinda Hayes?”
Kyle almost snorted again. How did Melinda Hayes get in this conversation? The only balls Lanie knew how to throw were curve balls. Melinda Hayes was a household name, the reclusive ex-wife of Senator Hayes and one of the most hated women in America. She had been arrested several years ago for running one of the largest and most successful brothels in the state, best known for employing underage girls.
“Of course I know who she is. What about her?”
“Some of her victims are my clients, and they tell a very different story than she does.” Melinda Hayes had always maintained her innocence, and despite overwhelming evidence, she was never convicted. The whole thing smelled of government conspiracy and bureaucracy. It had been five years since the not-guilty verdict, but people still wanted blood. The victims had never spoken out publicly, leading to wild assumptions they were paid for their silence.
“And what does that have to do with me?”
“My clients are ready to tell their story. I’m handling their civil case.”
“Isn’t there a gag order to prevent them from speaking out?”
“No, there never was. There was a different reason they remained anonymous.”
“What?”
Lanie laughed, shaking her head. “Do you honestly think I would throw down my cards like that?”
Kyle sighed in frustration. “So what are you saying, Miss Lanie? You’re offering me an interview in return for my help? Quid pro quo?”
Lanie didn’t directly answer his question. Like a good lawyer, she skirted around the issue, stimulating his interest just enough so he didn’t insist on an answer. “I’ve been working with them a long time, and they trust me. There are certain things you can’t ask, but if you follow my instructions, you can have the scoop.”
“It’s pretty fucked-up that you’d sell out your clients for a chance to maybe make it onto some guy’s radar.”
She breathed an irritated sigh, showing at least one of Kyle’s statements had its intended effect. “First off, Brad is not some guy. He’s the guy…at least for me. Secondly, I’m not selling them out at all. They are going public anyway. Their story is inspirational and tragic, and people need to know it. I think you’d do a good job telling it.”
“And if I don’t help you?”
“I like your work. It’s good, but Thomas Watkins’s work is equally impressive, and I’m sure he’ll agree to my terms.” At the mention of Watkins, Kyle downed his second drink and motioned for a third.
“Oh…so Thomas Watkins will help you sink your hooks into Brad? I didn’t know they knew each other.”
“No, not those terms, but he’ll respect what’s off the record.”
“I don’t make the news. I just report it.”
“Bullshit. You can still report it and respect my clients at the same time.”
“Like you are? Selling them out by bribing me?”
Lanie actually looked offended. He had insulted her looks, her mental stability, and her personality without any reproach from her. Yet mention her integrity and she was upset. Lawyers…go figure.
“I’m not selling them out. I’ve read everything you’ve written and researched the hell out of it. Barbara Walters wants this interview and Oprah’s willing to come out of retirement, but I want you to tell it. And it’s not just because you’ll help me, but I know you’ll do a good job. This story requires the thoughtfulness that only the written word can provide and the integrity that a diligent newspaperman like you can offer. I’m doing this case pro bono, and my main goal is to protect them while making sure that the parties responsible are held accountable. If I fail in the physical courtroom, then at least we can prevail in the court of public opinion.”
Kyle was impressed by Lanie’s speech, although he tried not to show it. “Nice sermon, but we both know you are no Mother Teresa.”
“No, not her, but if a comparison were to be made, I would associate myself with Gandhi.” This time Kyle did choke on his drink. He gaped at her with a mixture of amusement and skepticism. “After all, we are both lawyers,” she said, smiling brightly.
Kyle laughed heartily, appreciating her joke. She was assertive and mousy, but at the same time, she definitely had a sense of humor. Lanie Carmichael was a total paradox in his book.
“Sorry, Counselor, you make a good argument, but I’m not selling out my buddy.”
“You wouldn’t be. Like I said, I’m not out to do anything malicious. I know I’ve intrigued you enough that you’re considering it.”
“Why do you say that?”
Lanie leaned in closer to Kyle, dropping her voice to a whisper. “Because this story is the road to the Pulitzer, something you covet very badly. I’m willing to bet that just the idea of this story is making you harder than the blonde at the bar.”
Kyle shifted uncomfortably, wondering if her powers of observation materialized from reading minds. He was genuinely thinking of her insane offer, and it made him feel guilty. After all, he wasn’t deceitful. He was a sex addict, but he was always honest with the girls he slept with, and he thought himself a decent friend. The fact that he was even out with this girl proved that on some level.
He turned to her, deciding he’d heard enough. “Listen, psycho, there’s no way I’m helping you. Really, the most decent thing I can do is burst your insanely large bubble. Stop kidding yourself. As nice as Brad is to you, he’ll never be into you. He likes women who are soft, curvaceous, and…well, feminine. You make the average librarian look like a runway model. It’s a damn shame that you’re not pretty like I’m sure your sister is. It’s worse that you weren’t even blessed with a good personality.” She remained stone-faced while he said it, which just irked him. “By the way, 1980 called and wants its shoulder pads back.” Kyle ended his tirade by slamming his glass down.
To his disappointment, she didn’t flinch, and her lower lip didn’t quiver. He had expected her to be in tears by now. Instead, she did the most astonishing thing of the night. She started laughing. Not a sarcastic or uncomfortable laugh, but a throaty, good-natured laugh as if they were sharing a joke.
“Well, no kidding, Sherlock. I planned to give myself a makeover, silly! That’s one of the things I hope you can help me with. And trust me, I’m not really this aggressive.”
“Then you’re a damn good actress,” Kyle grumbled with irritation.
“This is business, and I’m a professional. I have to act this way. Otherwise, you’d never take me seriously”—she held a hand up to Kyle’s open mouth to quiet him—“and despite what you’re about to say, I know you’re taking me seriously. I’m blunt and brash because I have to be at work. Unfortunately, I’m pretty lost when it comes to personal stuff.”
“Shocker,” Kyle whispered, wishing for another drink.
Lanie stood, walked over to get her purse, and pulled out a few bills from her wallet. “I’ll pay for your dinner,” Kyle offered, realizing what little chivalry he had was creeping up despite his repulsion for this girl. He was being a total jerk and felt somewhat remorseful, but it upset him even more that her reaction was so strange.
“No, I’ll pay for yours. It’s the least I can do after I’ve distracted you from the leggy blonde all night.” She turned and looked toward the bar. “By the way, the Bears lost like I said, but the blonde’s still here. Good luck to you.” She put on her coat and gathered her large purse.
Kyle almost said good luck back to her, but then he realized how absurd that sounded.
“I’m telling Brad to get a restraining order on you.”
She shrugged. “Go ahead. I’m a damn good lawyer, and it’s your word against mine. Besides, I know I’ve piqued your interest tonight.”
“You haven’t piqued anything.”
“Keep telling yourself that, but we both know it’s not true. When she’s crying out your name”—Lanie gestured to the leggy blonde—“you’ll be crying out Pulitzer.”
She walked off, leaving Kyle speechless, rattling the ice cubes in his empty glass.
Chapter Four
Lanie had been nervously contemplating the results of her crazy meeting with Kyle Masterson all day. She knew she’d made him uncomfortable, which was no small feat in light of his reputation as a composed journalist and suave heartbreaker. She was pleased she’d pulled it off without breaking a sweat. Lanie would have given Kyle the article no matter what, but in any negotiation, she had to use whatever leverage she could. Her plan appeared to be working when Kyle texted and asked her to meet for lunch. She returned his text, stating that she usually ate lunch at her desk, which was true. He replied back that if she wanted his help, she’d better meet him at Joe’s Café in an hour. Lanie was anxious at the prospect of a second meeting with Kyle. She was having second thoughts. She didn’t ever play games, and she wasn’t now. She just felt a connection with Brad that she’d never felt with anyone. She owed it to herself to explore the possibility of her first and only crush. She finally agreed to meet with Kyle. After all, she’d already started this crazy roller-coaster ride. She couldn’t just abruptly end it.
Joe’s Café was close to her office, and Kyle was waiting at a secluded table in the back. Lanie took a seat across from him this time, nervously adjusting her hair. The first time they’d met, she’d been prepared to present her case. This was cross-examination time, and she had no idea what was in store.
Kyle looked cool as a cucumber in his charcoal suit and purple tie that contrasted with his green eyes nicely. It was a damn shame he was such an egotistical man-slut. Were arrogance and good looks cause and effect traits in all people? It was true with her sister too. Cassie was conceited and selfish, but men vied for her attention. At least Brad had a sweet disposition. In Lanie’s estimation, Brad Jansen seemed to be one of the only exceptions to the rule.