Hostage to Murder by Val McDermid Read Free Book Online Page B

Annie’s responses had confirmed her half-made decision.
    The first journalist she’d spoken to had been a former colleague on the Standard. Gus was now news editor for BBC Radio Scotland and although their relationship had been closer to that of sparring partners than friends, he’d seemed pleased enough to hear from her.
    Gus didn’t like Rory. He thought she was a chancer who pushed the very limits with her stories and who didn’t care whose toes she trampled on when she was on the chase. But then, Gus had never liked women, least of all dykes. If that was the worst he could find to say about Rory, Lindsay reckoned her potential workmate was probably almost as good as she’d said she was.
    Lindsay’s second call was to Mary Salmond. They’d both been active in the Journalists’ Union at the same time, and Mary was now Women’s Editor of the Reporter. She’d sounded positively delighted to hear Lindsay’s voice and immediately insisted they have lunch together to catch up. Lindsay reluctantly agreed; she’d always found Mary far too Edinburgh earnest for her taste. But she wanted information, and she’d have to pay for it.
    Mary had gushed at the mention of Rory’s name. “She’s done awfully well since she went freelance,” she said. “Awfully well indeed. She’s done the odd piece for me, always her own ideas, and her copy’s a joy. She writes to length, she pitches it at the
right level for my readers and she’s got the knack of getting doors to open for her.”
    â€œWhat’s she like personally?”
    â€œI wouldn’t say I knew her that well. She seems very private, never really gives much away. She’s not one of those freelances who’s always trying to freeload in the pub, you know the kind?”
    Lindsay knew the kind. “But you like her?”
    â€œOh yes, I like her fine. She’s very pally with Giles Graham, you know Giles? Such a sweetie. If Giles likes her, she must have something going for her, I’ve always thought he’s an awfully good judge of character. I’ve seen her about with Sandra Singh as well. You won’t know Sandra, she’s a factual programmes producer at STV, after your time. Does that help?”
    It had helped. Lindsay had instinctively liked Rory, but she was too shrewd an operator herself to trust her future to someone she knew nothing about. Now she knew enough to take a chance. She picked the top paper off the pile and began browsing. After an hour, she ordered a burger and fries. The burger turned out to be a very poor relation of what she was accustomed to in California, but the chips were glorious—fat chunks of real potato, golden brown and crunchy, the way she liked them and had seldom found them in America. That would be how I stayed so slim over there, she thought. She decided she’d give Rory till she’d finished her lunch, then she’d leave her a note and go. It really didn’t do to seem too keen, after all.
    A shadow crossed the page she was reading and Lindsay looked up to see Rory standing before her, laptop slung over one shoulder, a delighted grin on her face. “Couldn’t stay away, huh?” Rory asked, sliding into the seat opposite Lindsay.
    â€œWell, I could hardly go running, could I?”
    Rory winced. “How is the ankle?”
    â€œSore. But not as swollen as it was. A week or so and it’ll be back to normal.”
    â€œThat’s the official clinical view from the resident medic?”
    Lindsay snorted. “Given Sophie’s area of expertise, she’d take one look at a swollen ankle and probably tell me I was suffering from pre-eclampsia.”

    Annie arrived carrying a couple of cappuccinos. “There youse go. You want something to eat, Rory?”
    â€œI’ll take a plate of stovies, Annie.”
    The barmaid nodded and left them to it.
    â€œThree cappuccinos in one