Final Breath by Kevin O'Brien Read Free Book Online Page B

glimpse of the young waitress clutching Sydney Jordan's hand while she tearfully spoke in her broken English.
    More airtime was given to Jared and Leah, who seemed like a sweet couple, very much in love. At one point during the interview, Leah started to cry. "When I heard they planned to--to take us all into the bathroom and shoot us, I was just so scared," she admitted.
    Jared put his arm around her, and--on camera, at least--Leah seemed to gather some strength from him. Jared said he managed to stay focused and keep his head throughout the whole ordeal because Leah was there. She claimed the same thing about him.
    Sydney Jordan stressed it was teamwork that enabled the young couple to overcome the two armed, murderous thugs.
    Harvey Ray Loach was pronounced dead--from electric shock--at the scene. Dwight Powell was treated for a mild concussion and second-degree burns on his face and neck. The scalding tea had indeed temporary damaged his eyes, and he was blind for a few days. "But my sources here say Dwight Powell should regain his sight in time to watch this broadcast from his jail cell at the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, where he's being held without bail." Sydney Jordan announced.
    The picture switched to Sydney, walking with the elder Wongpooms through the wreckage of their restaurant. Sydney Jordan was limping slightly. There were close-ups of broken chairs, and all the shattered plates and glass on the water-damaged carpet. The camera pulled back to show Suchin pointing and wincing at the mess. The older woman started weeping on Sydney's shoulder. The reporter gently patted her back. Her voice-over continued, "Som and Suchin's insurance won't completely cover the cost of water damage, the destroyed aquarium and all its fish, as well as business lost while Thai Paradise remains closed for repairs."
    They cut to Sydney Jordan flanked by Leah and Jared, and about a dozen other people outside Thai Paradise. Everyone looked chilled to the bone, but they were smiling. "That's why Jared, Leah, and several of their neighbors--all regulars here at Thai Paradise--have so far collected four thousand eight hundred dollars to help offset repair costs for Som and Suchin."
    "Oh, Thai Paradise is one of my favorite places to eat," said one middle-age woman, in close-up. "And they're really wonderful people, too."
    "My wife and I are regulars," said a forty-something man with a baseball cap. "It's the best Thai food around."
    Sydney Jordan turned to Jared and Leah. "Some people might say you two have already done enough to help Som and Suchin and their restaurant. But I understand you don't intend to quit until you've collected eight thousand dollars for them."
    Leah snuggled up to her fiance. "It's the least we can do for these nice people who have had us over to dinner so many times."
    The pretty news correspondent turned toward the camera. "I'm Sydney Jordan--with two very special Movers & Shakers here in Portland, Oregon. Now back to you, Sloan."
    The picture switched to dapper, silver-haired Sloan Roberts at his news desk again. Seated beside him was his pretty blond co-anchor. "Here's an update on that story since it aired last December," Sloan said. "Thai Paradise opened its doors again in early January. If you'd like to eat there, reservations are recommended. It's so popular, Som and Suchin plan to open Thai Paradise II some time next year. As for Jared and Leah, they've set a date and will be married in September."
    "Maybe they could have the reception at the restaurant," chirped Sloan's co-anchor.
    Grinning, he nodded. "They're sure to get a discount. Thank you, Sydney Jordan--for that moving story. Stay tuned for more as On the Edge returns."
    A commercial for margarine came on.
    The man in the Portland hotel grabbed the remote and switched off the TV. Funny, they reran Sydney Jordan's Movers & Shakers segment with Leah and Jared tonight. He'd started making plans for them shortly after watching that piece when it