Free Fall by Rick Mofina Read Free Book Online Page B

pilot error,” Sloane said.
    â€œI heard the crew on the scanner report that it was not turbulence,” Kate said. “That it was some sort of malfunction.”
    Chuck leaned forward. “The NTSB and EastCloud haven’t confirmed a damn thing yet,” he said. “Until then, we’re going to own this story and follow it until it’s no longer a story. Now, I’ve spoken with Reeka and I’ve decided to put you both on this one.”
    â€œBoth of us?” Kate was stunned.
    â€œThat’s right. Both of you. Sloane, have you consulted FAA records on the airworthiness of this plane and the history of the model, or checked our legal databases for any civil action?”
    â€œI was about to do just that, Chuck.”
    Shaking her head, Kate turned to the window to avoid screaming while watching hope fade away.
    â€œKate?” Chuck said.
    She turned back.
    â€œKate, I want you to work every angle you can to get us out front and keep us there.”
    â€œSure. I’m on it.”
    â€œGood. We’re going to break news with solid, on-the-record reporting. Newslead will be the go-to source for this story and every story we cover. Is that understood?”
    â€œClearly,” Sloane said.
    â€œAbundantly,” Kate said.
    â€œOkay, that’s it.”
    * * *
    What’s going on? I don’t believe this.
    Kate headed for her desk, reconsidered then went to Chuck’s office.
    Through his open door, she could see that he was standing with his back to her, looking at the empty bookshelves and credenza. Three cardboard boxes sitting on his desk were jammed with items: his baseball autographed by the Yankees, his Pulitzer and his framed photos. One of Chuck with his wife was already on the desk.
    Kate was overcome with sadness, seeing him standing there alone, his life in those boxes. How long had it been since they’d talked, a year? She was angry at him for leaving Newslead after his blowout with previous spineless management. The fact he was dealing with his wife’s illness at the same time had only complicated things. She rapped lightly on the door and he turned to her. This time his smile was from the heart.
    â€œI’m glad you’re back,” she said. “It’s been too long.”
    â€œThe time got away from us. Look, when I left I had a helluva lot going on and, well—”
    â€œIt’s all history now. It’s okay. How’s Audrey doing?”
    â€œStill cancer-free. Thanks for asking.”
    â€œGood, I’m glad.” Kate let a moment pass. She didn’t have much time. “We need to talk about what just happened back there.”
    He ran a hand over his face.
    â€œShut the door.”
    Kate closed it.
    â€œChuck, let me go first. I don’t want to scare you but this place is a mess. The cuts have taken a toll. The new management’s dysfunctional. Morale here sucks. The quality of our work is slipping. The place is fueled by nepotism and cronyism.”
    â€œI know.”
    â€œAs for Sloane. Oh. My. God. Chuck, I can’t work with him. The guy’s a freaking liar. It’s a risk to have him in our newsroom and his name on Newslead stories.”
    â€œI know.”
    â€œYou know?”
    â€œNothing leaves this room.”
    â€œOkay.”
    â€œI need you to work with him.”
    â€œWhat? Why? I don’t get this. The guy should be fired.”
    â€œI can’t do much about him. Not yet. It’s complicated.”
    â€œDo you know what he did on this story? Shirking his duty?”
    Chuck nodded.
    â€œWord got to me. Before I came back, I called some people, did some due diligence. Listen, he’s Reeka’s hire and Reeka has pull with senior management. You know that. I can’t touch Sloane. Not yet. She wanted him on this story alone. I pushed back to get you on it because I think it requires two people, even with our smaller stable of reporters.