Rough Men by Aric Davis Read Free Book Online Page B

possible.”
    “Got it. Will, I’d like to respect your privacy, but part of me thinks folks around here should know, especially Terri. She and I are the two people most likely for the media to contact.”
    “It’s fine if you tell the office. I don’t want everyone to think I’m some murderer-raising freak, but...”
    Dead air for a beat.
    Then, “Christ, Will. No one who knows you is going to think that. And we all know you pretty well, even the people here that only know you through your books.”
    “Thanks, Jack. I really appreciate that. I did have one more question, though. I mentioned it near the end of the e-mail, and—”
    “No, no, no, Will. For God’s sake, we’re not going to drop you for something like this, something that’s not your fault. Don’t even think about that.”
    “Thanks, Jack. It’s good to hear the words.”
    “Absolutely. We might need to delay the next book a little bit, is all. It won’t do you any good to have this be the only thing people think of when you’re mentioned as an author.”
    “Thanks. I know it should be the least of my worries, but I have been thinking about that a lot.”
    “Well, I think that’s one thing you don’t need to think about, beyond what I’ve said. I’ll talk to Terri, maybe even to Bruce, the VP, to be sure we even need to have a delay on your next book.”
    “To be honest, Jack, a delay isn’t a bad idea either way. After the last manuscript was a no go, I’ve been bone dry in the idea department. I feel like I put everything that I had into it.”
    “So you wrote a book, and it didn’t happen. Big deal. All that really matters is the next one, and then the one after that. I’m not going to give you a pep talk, because I don’t think you need one, but bottom line, writers write, so write.”
    “Jack, I can’t say how much I appreciate this.”
    “If you need anything—and I’m serious, anything—let me know, and I’ll do what I can. I’ll talk to Terri later and see what she has to say about everything, and on behalf of everyone here, I’m really sorry about what happened to your son.”
    “Thanks again. I’ll talk to you soon.”
    Will hung up the phone, shut off the light in the basement, and trudged back upstairs to the kitchen.

    For Immediate Release:
    We are deeply sorry for the actions of our son, Alex, and regret his role in the crimes committed at Lake Michigan Credit Union Branch 421 on February 18, 2013. It is our deepest wish that the men who committed these crimes with him be brought to justice, and that their victims can take some solace in their punishment. We do not wish to speak further with the media at this time, and appreciate your respect while our family grieves. Further inquiries can be made through our attorney, Lou Schultz, Esq., of Lou Schultz and Associates.
    Sincerely,
William and Alison Daniels
    The media release that Lou had drawn up was perfect. Lou sent it off from the kitchen table, and the thought that the constant media presence could soon be gone, its appetite sated, was welcome news, indeed.
    “Well, that’s done,” said Lou. “Anything else I can do for you today?”
    “I don’t think so, Lou,” Alison said, and to Will, her voice had a strength that it hadn’t before.
We’re moving forward
, he thought as she went on. “Is there anything else that we should be careful about?”
    “Stay the course,” said Lou. “Don’t watch TV, avoid the web—aside from e-mail, of course—and keep that thick skin on. You’re not out of the woods yet—quite the contrary, in fact. Let me know the second the police are willing to release the body, and I’ll get my man on it. Will, any interactions you have with the fuzz that involve more than a yes-or-no question should make you prick your ears up. I highly doubt that they’ll try anything, but you never know with a cop. They want a name to put on this, and it doesn’t matter who it is as long as the crime sticks to the