A Taste of Tragedy by Kim McMahill Read Free Book Online Page B

Nutrition researchers.”
    The phone rang. Devyn looked down and saw the Wyoming area code. With Nick sitting directly across from her, she debated about letting it go to voice mail, but she really wanted to hear Gage Harris’s voice.
    “Agent Nash,” she stated as professionally as possible while her heart raced in anticipation of hearing his deep, confident tone.
    She listened while the sheriff gave her an update on the status of the case against the two survivors in the Uinta Vitamin case. Clicking a few icons on her computer, she pulled up her calendar. “Do you need both of us at the hearing?”
    She tried not to smile as Gage explained what he needed and the time and address of the hearing.
    “Okay, see you then,” she said and hung up the phone.
    She looked up at Nick. By the grin on his face, she had no doubt he had guessed who she was talking to.
    “So you and the sheriff got a hot date?”
    “You’re such a jerk sometimes. For your information, the grand jury date has been set right away and they need one of us to present the FBI’s evidence leading up to the massacre.”
    “Want me to go?”
    Devyn glowered at Nick until he couldn’t hold the laughter in any longer. “I think I’m busy that day.”
    “I didn’t even tell you what day it’s scheduled.”
    “I’m pretty busy every day.”
    Devyn slid down in her chair and leaned back, twirling her pencil between her fingers and studying her partner.
    “Okay, maybe you’re not a jerk.”

CHAPTER TWELVE
     
    The meeting with the marketing team lasted through lunch. Morgan felt energized by the time it ended and was reminded of the reasons why she had accepted the job. She loved the challenge of taking a product with a sliding performance record and returning it to its former dominance.
    The marketing group seemed very competent and eager to try new ideas. With some new marketing strategies and a few changes to the manufacturing process, her mind reeled with all the possibilities. She had no doubt she could increase the division’s profits substantially. The only thing that nagged at her was the thought that maybe the healthy meals and snacks weren’t all that healthy.
    She wanted to give GCF the benefit of the doubt and not allow a few private e-mails to taint her opinion about the company and its top management. Maybe the data was false, and if accurate, I have no evidence that Preston Hoyle is even aware of the problem .
    The bottom line, though, was she had to know. She couldn’t promote a product that might be dangerous or work for a company which would hide hazardous effects from the public. She prayed there was a logical explanation for the exchange between Dexter Fowler and Stan Jacobson, and that GCF would do the right thing. She had never blown the whistle on a company, and she didn’t want to start now. Even if justified, it would destroy her career.
    Deep in thought, Morgan rounded the corner leading to her office and nearly collided with Aaron’s back as he stood near the coffee machine. She was momentarily stunned as the image of a man rushing out of the production facility earlier in the morning wearing the exact same colored suit flashed through her mind.
    He turned and smiled. “Coffee, Ms. Hunter?”
    “No. No, thank you,” she stuttered as she continued on to her office.
    As she reached for the doorknob, she paused. Looking over her shoulder, she caught Aaron watching her. “Were you looking for me earlier?”
    “No, why do you ask?”
    “I thought I saw you down in the plant this morning.”
    “I was at my desk all morning.”
    “I guess there must be someone else in the building wearing a suit like yours today.”
    “Blue suits are common around here.”
    Morgan nodded in response and entered her office. She didn’t believe Aaron. It wasn’t just the suit, but the hair color, height, and build. Sighing, she collapsed in her chair, drained of the energy she felt as she had left the marketing meeting just moments