Above the Law by Carsen Taite Read Free Book Online Page B

the common denominator, and there’s a method to getting there. Not everyone likes the idea of women in the military, and you might lose your opportunity to reach your audience and get the message across. You know that even though you like to pretend you don’t.”
    Lindsey shook her head. Elaina wasn’t going to give in. They could continue their standoff or she could grab what little advantage she could by turning Elaina’s own words back around. “Didn’t realize you were so focused on making this a substantive piece with a moral and everything, but I’m glad to hear it. I’ve got some great ideas for ways we can beef up this story. Trust me, Dale will be the perfect centerpiece for what you have in mind.”
    She was bluffing since all she knew about Dale was that she was gruff, handsome, and annoyed as hell that she’d been thrust into this assignment. One word from Elaina and Dale would likely jump at the chance to ditch this gig, but no way was Lindsey going to let that happen. Even with the little information she’d heard so far, she was certain Dale would be the key to making this story more interesting.
    *
    “You two should eat something too. Come on. We’ve got plenty.”
    Dale looked up from watching Neil scarf his way through a plate of pot roast into the welcoming eyes of Helen Davis and wondered, not for the first time, how one woman had given birth to two such incredibly different children. Peyton was one of the most honorable people she’d ever met, and Neil was a selfish, entitled brat. She had no desire to break bread with him. She glanced at Peyton who nodded.
    “Mom, I’ve got to talk to Dale. We’ll be back in a few minutes.” Peyton motioned for Dale to follow, and they walked out front and sat on the front porch. “She pushes food on people. It’s her way.”
    “Sorry if I was rude, but I actually do need to talk to you about something and I couldn’t do it in front of your brother.”
    “Sounds serious. Shoot.”
    Dale hesitated for a second before plunging to the heart of what she wanted to know. “Did you know Gellar is shutting down the task force?”
    “What?”
    “It’s true.”
    “It can’t be. He can’t do that.”
    Years of experience talking to liars told her Peyton’s reaction was genuine. The next question was what they were going to do about it. “Diego told me. He got the word from the director. I expect you’ll hear about it firsthand when you meet with Gellar tomorrow. In fact, that’s probably the real reason he wants to meet with you.”
    “We can’t let this happen. Not now when we’re just starting to make headway.”
    “You’re preaching to the choir. Diego’s got me lined up to work with some reporter who’s doing a piece on the agency for Spotlight America . It’s a PR thing about our drug Take-Back program. Supposed to make us look good after all the fallout from the hooker deal last year. Guess the director needs to go to Congress for more funding. Anyway, I can probably shake her to get some work done. Think you can sneak around if needed?”
    “If I’m not out of a job entirely. They transferred me back here to head up this task force. If Gellar dissolves it, he may not see his way clear to keeping me on.”
    “You’ve got to stay on. Bianca’s good, but she needs more experience, and she won’t stand up to Gellar. If we’re going to prosecute the Vargases, we need you.”
    “I hear you, but maybe it’s for the best. My dad is getting sicker by the day, and there’s the whole conflict with Lily’s father.”
    Dale heard what she was saying, but she wasn’t going to take no for an answer. “I get that it’s a sacrifice. My wife died fighting these people. Your relationship with Lily, the fact that it’s personal, just makes you more suited to the job. People fight the hardest when they’re fighting for something they care about.” She’d seen the concept in action every day that she’d served in active duty, and she