"Doesn't she realize she can push this crowd in the wrong direction. These people are truly frightened for their children."
James's jaw was clenched. "If she does realize it, I don't know that she cares. She's found a hot button, and it's irresistible."
The crowd roared approval again and the woman stood at the podium, her smile wide and welcoming. "We can fight this together," she said. "We must make a world where our children are safe."
"And the government controls everything we read, watch and think," James added under his breath.
Jennifer cast him a quick glance. She'd been so busy thinking of Eugene and his books that she'd failed to realize that in this issue, James Tenet and the newspaper stood to lose as much, or more. Freedom of the press was the first principle of democracy, and though Anna Green hadn't proposed muzzling the press, it wouldn't be far behind in an attempt to control the air waves and the publishing business.
"Let's go," James said.
"Where?" Jennifer asked, startled by his sudden decision to leave.
"I want to be backstage as soon as Anna Green steps down. I have a few questions for her."
Jennifer scrambled to her feet and followed James through the rows of chairs and then among the groups of men and women who were standing in the back.
Another speaker had taken the microphone, but Lester Havens did not have the issue or emotion that Anna Green had stirred. The audience milled and talked among itself, completely ignoring the quiet voice that proposed tax increases for school programs and reform of government programs.
James and Jennifer arrived to find Anna Green already swarmed by reporters. Several of the major dailies and television stations in the South had sent photographers and reporters. "Someone must have tipped them off that Anna was going to start a new thrust to her campaign," James whispered to Jennifer as he pointed out the men and women he knew by name and who they worked for. "This is an impressive turnout."
As they drew closer they could see that Anna was using the limelight to full advantage. Television cameras were whirring as the lights focused hot and white on her. "We have a local writer in town who's been linked to the disappearance of two children. I'm not accusing Eugene Legander of foul play, but I do think this is a perfect opportunity to examine the link between books, movies and the violence that follows."
Jennifer started to barrel forward, but James grabbed her arm. "Wait," he whispered.
"But— "
"Jumping in there will only make you and Eugene look worse. Just wait."
A tall, thin reporter with a microphone stepped out of the crowd. "I've read Mr. Legander's books. They seem more fantasy and lively imagination than dangerous dogma. In fact, my two children love his books. I find it hard to believe that Eugene Legander's books have prompted anyone to acts of violence."
"The world is full of unstable kooks, Mr. Grisham. Not everyone is able to discern between fiction and day-to-day life."
"If that's the case, surely Mr. Legander can't be held responsible for the irrational acts of defective personalities."
"He can, and he will." Anna Green's square chin lifted. "We are all responsible for the children of this country. No one, not even a writer, should have carte blanche to act and write with impunity."
"There was another politician with that viewpoint," the reporter said, holding his ground. "His name was Hitler."
Only James's strong hand on her arm kept Jennifer from rushing forward to hug the reporter. "Stay back," he whispered, drawing her closer to him. "That's Gary Grisham. I know him well, and he can handle himself."
Jennifer settled down, all too aware that James kept his hand just above her elbow. His grip was more supportive than restraining, and she felt a touch of anticipation nip along her skin. In the midst of complete turmoil, she was vitally aware of the man who stood beside her.
"This is supposed to be a press conference, Mr. Grisham, not a platform for you to express your views of history." Anna Green was angry but composed. "I'm giving up a secure seat on the City-County Board of Education to run for legislative office because I believe I have some solutions to problems. If you don't like my solutions, don't vote for me." She pointed to another reporter. "Yes, Gloria, what is your question?"
"Are you proposing a statewide ban on certain television programs and authors? If so, who are those authors and what are the programs?"
"I haven't prepared a comprehensive list, but my staff is working along those lines."
James listened to the question-and-answer session until Anna Green left.
"She's a dangerous woman," he said, turning Jennifer out of the crowd toward his car.
"What about the other speakers?"
"I think I should write this story." He checked his watch. "Anna took the sting out of the night. There's not a politician there who will try to upstage that act. This rally's over." His light touch on her waist grew firmer. "Jennifer?"
She turned to face him, surprised at how close he was. Looking into his eyes, she forgot for a moment her concern for Eugene and the problems Anna Green's speech would start. There was only James, his brown eyes caught between longing and determination.
"I need to go to the office. Now."
She stared up at him, watching the way his lips shaped the words. She'd kissed him once, and the memory made her flush. She also realized that she hadn't listened to anything he'd said. "I'm sorry, what?"
"Rain check. On dinner?" He looked at her.
"Of course." She understood. He had to go to the office. The Anna Green story was bigger than he'd anticipated. "Certainly."
"I'm terribly sorry, but this book burning business will have major repercussions. Once again, Alabama will be the laughingstock."
Jennifer shook her head, her dark mahogany hair gleaming in the fading light of the day. "I need to see about Eugene. It's been a terrible day." They'd discussed Tommy Franklin's disappearance, but James hadn't had any new information to add. The newspaper had assigned another reporter to cover the story.
"How is he?" James slid his arm around her waist, expertly maneuvering her through the people who laughed and talked as the political rally continued.
"He's very upset about the children."
"Tough break that he was the last one seen with Tommy."
Jennifer stopped. "How did you know that?" She'd told James everything about Tommy's disappearance. Everything except that.
James looked down at the ground, then back up at her. "You didn't know that Crush did a special show? At five. I heard it on the radio as I went to pick you up."
Jennifer felt the rush of blood to her face, and then the deadly cooling that indicated she was beyond angry. "I'll shove that microphone down his throat. I'll boil him in oil until the meat falls off his bones. I'll— "
"Hush, darling," James said as he pulled her into his arms. "Hush," he whispered. Several passersby had stopped to listen to her vile threats with amazement and then wariness.
"That despicable, cretinous, waddle-mouthed viper."
James pressed her tighter, conscious of the way her firm back narrowed at her tiny waist and then flared into generous hips. She was all woman— even if she talked like a sailor. His body responded to his thoughts and suddenly Jennifer was silent.
At the first pressure against her side, Jennifer lost all train of thought. She'd been enjoying the simple pleasure of dog-cussing Crush Bonbon. The act of saying how she felt about Crush out loud had been very gratifying. And then she'd found herself talking against the clean, starched front of James's shirt— not at all a bad position in which to vent her anger. But now? She eased back and he made no effort to hold her.
"Sorry," she mumbled, unable to meet his gaze.
He lifted her chin with a gentle finger until their eyes met. "You should be," he said, not bothering to hide his grin. "You should have your mouth washed out with soap."
"And you should have your mind washed out," she responded.
"A much more complicate
d process." He chuckled at the outraged expression on her face. "You do have an interesting vocabulary, not to mention your effect on me."
"I've noticed." She squared her shoulders. "Now, I believe you were going to take me home." She couldn't let him see that the brief exchange had affected her in exactly the same way. She could still feel the ironed stiffness of his shirt beneath her cheek, and the swell of muscle beneath it. His chest was lean and hard and it felt wonderful.
"To the car, milady." He gave a formal bow, still mocking her.
"You are the most infuriating man," she rasped. "Just when I think you're nice, you turn into a devil."
"Just when I think you're a lady, you open your mouth and the most outrageous words fly out."
The urge to kick him in the shins was strong, but Jennifer refused to lower her standard of behavior any more. How had the evening gone from one of partnership in horror over Anna Green's speech to sparring? It was almost as if he'd deliberately…She swung around to face him. "You manipulated me into saying those things, didn't you?"
His smile had changed from one of torment to one of appreciation. "It's easier to see you fiesty than worried half to death. Besides, you have to admit, you're easy to goad into an argument."
"You toad-poking Neanderthal." She advanced toward him. "You want to fight? Well, I'm ready."
James saw the fire of battle in her eyes and took a step back in mock horror. As he watched, the expression on her face shifted from grim to disbelieving and then to worry. "What?" He turned around to see Crush Bonbon hurrying away from Anna Green's campaign bus. Right behind him were Anna Green, Chief Craig Bixley, and two police officers.
Chapter Seven
Jennifer, James and Familiar stood on the front porch of Eugene's house at the direct order of Chief Craig Bixley, who stood inside with Eugene. Jennifer held the black cat, knowing that if she put him down and Familiar attacked the police chief again they might well shoot him.
"Take it easy," she whispered to the growling cat. "We'll get him out."
Familiar caught sight of the chief and spat at him.
"That cat may be rabid," Bixley said, tugging his hat tighter on his head. Long streaks of blood had dried on his right hand— the hand that had reached to handcuff Eugene Legander.
"Cats are an excellent judge of character," Eugene said, his dignity unruffled by the prospect of spending the night in jail. "Familiar has determined that you have no character," he said to Bixley. "Please be advised that if you continue with this charade of justice I will sue the pants off you and the city."
"Grand Street Press will see to it that all legal avenues are pursued," Jennifer said through the screen door. She moved to open it, but James restrained her.
"Don't give them any grounds to arrest you," he cautioned in a quiet voice, his large hand warm on her shoulder. "Eugene needs you out here."
Caution had never been her strong suit, but Jennifer heeded his words. "You're right, and I know you need to get to the newspaper."
"True, but now I need to see if they're actually going to charge Eugene. And on what grounds."
"Right." Jennifer slumped against the wall, still holding on to an unhappy Familiar. The reality of James's presence hit her with full force. For a time she'd deluded herself that he was there to support her, to help her, and because he might care just a little about Eugene. "Another story for the paper."
The expression on her face cut James deeply. "Eugene Legander's arrest is news." He didn't have to defend his profession. He hadn't orchestrated the turn of events that had brought him to Eugene's door on the tail of the local authorities and Anna Green. Jennifer had asked him to follow the car containing Bixley and Green. Crush had been right behind the police chief. One glance at Jennifer's face and James had sighed. Lucky for Crush Bonbon, he'd left the cavalcade, or Jennifer would have physically attacked him. Not to mention what Familiar might have done. He gave the angry feline a wary glance. The cat could do some serious damage if he took a mind.
Back pressed against the wall, Jennifer knew she owed James an apology. He'd taken her to Eugene's— at her request. He was here because of her. And he was a reporter. She'd known that about him from the beginning. Her real anger was at Chief Bixley and Anna Green, who was hiding out in the chief's car. How had she managed to persuade Bixley to make an arrest? Bixley wasn't brilliant, but he wasn't completely brain-dead.
And Crush Bonbon. He was definitely cruising for a bruising. She closed her eyes and tried not to think of him.
The screen door swung open and Eugene descended the steps between the two police officers. Bixley brought up the rear.
"I promise you, Bixley, this is going to be the most expensive mistake you've ever made," Jennifer said. "Anna Green is using you. She can use Eugene's arrest in her campaign and claim credit for it, which she will do unless it backfires. Then you can be certain she's going to stick you with the blame." Jennifer struggled to keep Familiar in her arms. He was growling at the chief.
James stepped out of the shadow of a porch column. "Mighty coincidental that Anna Green was plugging her campaign into the antiviolence movement and now you're here making an arrest."
"Remove yourself," Bixley said, puffing out his chest.
"Let me introduce myself, Chief. I'm James Tenet, reporter for the newspaper."
Bixley blanched. "What are you doing here?"
"I was covering Mrs. Green's speech and followed her here. Mighty big coincidence, wouldn't you say?"
"I don't know, Tenet. I'm not involved in politics. I'm paid to uphold the law and protect the innocent citizens of this town."
"And Mr. Legander isn't a citizen?" James knew he was stepping over the line of professional objectivity, but it was so clearly a case of politics that he couldn't let it go without pointing it out.
"Look, Eugene Legander may be involved in the disappearance of two children. You know, those little people who can't drive or defend themselves."
"May, Chief. May. That's the key word. You have no proof. You've let yourself be bullied by a woman seeking public office. She's using you to make herself look good. Now let me ask you one question. If all of this blows up in your face, who will pay the price? Will Anna Green be around to pick up the tab for a gigantic lawsuit, which I'm sure Ms. Barkley will file on behalf of her client. Grand Street Press will also sue for damages. That could run into the millions. And the city will have to pay. Right?"
"Well, that's not going to happen," Bixley blustered. "We're not really arresting Mr. Legander." He looked down the street to the car where Anna Green waited for him. "We're just going to take him in for questioning."
"Now that's a horse of a different color." James winked at Jennifer, gratified by the look of glee on her face. He might have stepped outside journalistic objectivity, but he had also prevented an expensive lawsuit that the city could not afford, and Eugene would be spared the humiliation of an unwarranted arrest.
"Then I'll come along with Eugene to give him a ride home," Jennifer said. She stepped to the front door and put Familiar inside. "Wait here, Familiar. We'll be right back. Entertain yourself with AnnaLoulou." She slammed the door before the cat could make a break for freedom.
Bixley's look told her what he thought of someone who talked to a cat. She eyed him back with one arched brow. "Ready? I'm sure Eugene wants to get back in time to watch the reruns of 'Dynasty.' He likes it with the sound off so he can make up his own dialogue." She sailed past Bixley and stopped at the sidewalk to wait for James.
"I can't thank you enough," she whispered as she took his hand. "You saved Eugene a lot of embarrassment, not to mention some time in a holding cell."
"Eugene doesn't need to go to jail. It's wrong that they're taking him in for questioning. This could wait until morning. He's answered all the questions put to him by local authorities and the FBI." James's voice was harsh. "This is a miscarriage of justice."
"And it ain't over until the fat lady sings," Jennifer vowed. She pressed h
is hand hard. "I'll take care of Eugene."
"I know you will." He took her small hand in his large one and brought it to his chest. "I have to write the story."
She smiled up at him. "I know. It is your job, like protecting Eugene is mine."
"Then let's go. I'll drop you by your house so you can pick up your car."
Impulsively Jennifer rose up on her tiptoes and placed a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you, James."
Before she could step back, his hands circled her waist and held her. The kiss he gave her was not chaste or sedate, his hands moving up her back to cradle her. His hungry mouth held hers, claiming her with an intensity that made her dizzy. But not too dizzy to kiss him back. Her arms twined around his neck and her fingers caught his thick, dark hair as she gave herself to the feel of his lips on hers, his body against hers.
At last they broke apart, both slightly unsettled by the power of the emotions they'd unleashed. He touched her lips lightly with his finger, a devilish smile lighting his face. "You're more than welcome."
* * *
ANNALOULOU, what an aristocrat! She's sprawled along the mantel pretending that I don't exist. Eyes closed, tail flicking seductively, she is totally alert. Ah, the quiver of a whisker as I change my position on the sofa. She's aware of me. Extremely aware. And I shall sit here on the green suede sofa and enjoy her beauty and charm— while I wait for Jennifer to return with Eugene.
I have a bone to pick with Jennifer. She may be smart and beautiful, but she has to learn that I do not appreciate being locked in a house. That dimwit Bixley would never have taken Eugene had I been left in charge. The absurdity of it!
And so far, not a single clue has been turned up to find those missing children. The human brain is simply not capable of logical deduction. Therefore, I have taken on the task. I will find little Mimi and that rambunctious Tommy.
Mimi was abducted from the woods. She put up something of a fight, and though no one else has bothered to check, I've ascertained that Eugene Legander has no scratch marks on him, except for a few on one arm made by a rosebush in his garden. Tommy Franklin is something of a little scrapper, too. I don't believe he was taken without a fight.
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