Sky Zone: A Novel (The Crittendon Files) by Creston Mapes Read Free Book Online Page A

savings.”
    “You should be glad she found work.”
    “I know, but it’s the last thing she wants to do. Rebecca and Faye are used to having her home. She wants to be a full-time mom.”
    “Hey, you do what you gotta do, right?”
    “Yeah.” Jack paused. “Rebecca and Faye just seem to have such a good foundation. I know a lot of it has to do with Pam being there for them.”
    “We all go through seasons, Jack. This isn’t going to be forever. You’re going to find something.”
    Jack studied the names Derrick had scribbled on the napkin. “Don’t be surprised when you see me in the newsroom peddling my goods.”
    Derrick laughed heartily. “We’re going to get you a job at the Gazette if it’s the last thing we do.”
    For the first time in months, Jack felt a surge of optimism. “Thanks, man. I appreciate you,” he said.
    Derrick leveled his gaze at Jack. “No, I appreciate you. You’ve been a role model for me. Don’t give up now, man. You’ve always had a powerful faith. Cling to it. And while I’ve got you all serious …” He snatched the check and laughed the contagious laugh that made Jack feel so good.

9
    Festival Arena, October 6
    “My wife is a huge fan of yours.” Jack’s heart beat like that of a boy meeting his favorite baseball star as he got Everett Lester and his larger-than-life entourage settled into room 5-A in the bowels of Columbus Festival Arena.
    “Will your wife be here tonight?” Everett grabbed two bottles of water from the ice bucket and handed one to Karen.
    “No, she won’t,” Jack said. “She’s eight months pregnant with our third child.” Jack knew from reading about Everett and Karen that they’d not been able to have children, so he wanted to be sensitive in his response. “Plus, we didn’t know you were going to be here. I think if she’d known, she probably would have taken her chances.”
    Everett and Karen laughed, and Jack joined them.
    “Do you know if it’s a boy or a girl?” Karen asked.
    “No. Pam didn’t know with our two girls and didn’t want to know this time either. She says the anticipation helps her get through it.”
    Karen smiled brilliantly and addressed Everett. “You should give him something to take to his wife.”
    “Good idea—”
    “I’m sorry, can I interrupt?” Gray Harris, Everett’s longtime road manager, placed a hand on the sleeve of the musician’s denim jacket.
    “Sure. Excuse me a second.” Everett and Gray walked to the corner of the room.
    Jack noticed Sid standing at attention next to the mini hot dogs—with a mouthful. Jack scowled at him and pointed to his own mouth. Sid’s eyebrows jumped, and his big cheeks turned pink.
    “It’s a little bit scary, about the threat.” Karen crossed her arms, her dazzling gray-green eyes looking into Jack’s as if awaiting his opinion.
    “It is. But I understand SWAT’s here now. That’s good, anyway,” Jack said. “And we’re supposed to get more police in here soon.”
    “I’m kind of hoping they just cancel it, for safety’s sake.”
    Everett and Gray were talking softly but intensely.
    “All EventPros, this is Clarissa,” came the voice in Jack’s headset. “Good news. Hedgwick and a team from the Columbus PD are en route. We’re expecting them to arrive at the loading docks within thirty minutes. Do what they say. If you come across any trouble, turn it over to them and get out of the way. Over and out.”
    Jack shared the news with Karen, then took a deep breath and exhaled, somewhat relieved. As he stepped over and whispered the news to Sid, his phone vibrated. He quickly made his way into the long hallway and found a text from Pam.
    I have a surprise for you!
    Before he could reply, Clarissa’s voice came over his headset again. “All EventPros: Doors open in ten minutes, ten minutes. Remember, everyone’s eyes are peeled. If you haven’t checked to know precisely where your exits are, do it now. Contact your supervisors about