Stillwatch by Mary Higgins Clark Read Free Book Online Page A

caughtshoplifting.”“My instinct is to let that alone,” Pat said. “Think about it. TheSenator gave a convicted girl a new start. That much is fine. ThenEleanor Brown was accused of stealing seventy-five thousand dollarsin campaign funds. She swore she was innocent. Essentially it wasthe Senator’s testimony that convicted her. Did you ever see that girl’spictures? She was twenty-three when she went to prison for theembezzlement but looked about sixteen. People have a naturalinclination to feel sorry for the underdog—and the whole purpose ofthis program is to make everyone love Abigail Jennings. In the EleanorBrown case, she comes through as the heavy.”“That case shows that some legislators don’t cover up for the crookson their staff. And if you want Abigail’s image softened, play up thefact that thanks to her, that kid got off a lot lighter than anyone else Iknow who stole that much money. Don’t waste your sympathy onEleanor Brown. She faked a nervous breakdown in prison, wastransferred to a psychiatric hospital, was paroled as an outpatient andtook off. She was some cool cookie. What else?”“I’d like to go to Apple Junction tonight. If there’s anythingworthwhile there, I’ll call you and we’ll arrange for a camera crew.After that, I want to follow the Senator through a day in her office,plan some shots and then tape her there a day or two later.”Luther stood up—a signal that the meeting was over. “All right,”he said. “Fly up to . . . What is the place . . . Apple Junction? What ahell of a name! See if you can get good copy. But play it low key.
     
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Don’t let the natives get the idea they’re going to be on camera. Theminute they think you might have them on the program, they’ll startusing all the big words they know and planning what leisure suit towear.” He twisted his face into a worried frown, made his voice nasal.“Myrtle, get the lighter fluid. There’s a gravy stain on my jacket.”“I’m sure I’ll find some pretty decent people there.” Pat forced afaint smile to take the implied rebuke out of her words.Luther watched her leave, noting the burgundy-and-gray tweedsuit, obviously a designer original; the burgundy leather boots withthe small gold Gucci trademark; the matching shoulder bag; theBurberry over her arm.Money. Patricia Traymore had family money. You could alwaystell. Resentfully, Luther thought of his own humble beginnings on afarm in Nebraska. They hadn’t had indoor plumbing until he was ten.No one could sympathize more than he with Abigail about not wantingto resurrect the early years.Had he done the right thing in allowing Pat Traymore to have herway in this? Abigail would be sore—but she’d probably be a lot sorerwhen she found out they hadn’t told her about the trip.Luther turned on his intercom. “Get me Senator Jennings’ office.”Then he hesitated. “No, hold it; don’t bother.”He put down the phone and shrugged. Why start trouble?
     
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Pat felt the sidelong glances of the people in the newsroom as she leftPelham’s office. Deliberately she set her face in a half-smile and madeher step brisk. He’d been very cordial; he had risked Senator Jennings’anger by letting her go to Apple Junction. He had expressed his faith inher ability to put the program together on a breakneck schedule.Then what’s the matter? she wondered. I should feel great.Outside, it was a cold, bright day. The streets were clear, and shedecided to walk home. It was a couple of miles, but she wanted theexercise. Why not admit it? she thought. It’s what Pelham just saidabout the Dean Adams mess; it’s what Toby said yesterday. It’s thefeeling of everyone stepping back when Dean Adams’ name ismentioned, of no one wanting to admit having known him. What hadLuther said about her? Oh, yes—he thought the child had died, and itwas better that way; she was probably brain-damaged.I’m not brain-damaged, Pat thought as she tried