The Plot by Kathleen McCabe Lamarche Read Free Book Online

considered very important."
    "Yeah? Well, I wouldn't be surprised if some rival publication-or some sleazy journalist-broke in here. There's not a reporter in the world who wouldn't sell his mother for a Pulitzer, and Daddy thought his story would win it hands down."
    "He told you that?"
    "Yes,” she replied, dragging the word out, wondering whether she should have mentioned that. “Didn't you know?"
    "Ah, well, not specifically. You know, your father and I haven't seen much of each other since his return from Hong Kong."
    In the agony and confusion of the past few days, Cassie had all but forgotten the estrangement between her father and Uncle Hamilton. His helpfulness to her-almost from the moment of her father's death-had driven the memory of Daddy's bitterness toward his old friend from her mind. Now, she questioned whether she should be accepting his help. She took a sip of cold coffee.
    "Cassandra? Are you there?"
    "Uh, yeah. I'm here. I was just thinking. How come you called Investigator Henshaw?"
    It was Bates’ turn to pause before answering. “I was hoping to find out how the investigation of the hit-and-run was proceeding. As your godfather, I feel it's important for me to be certain that they, ah, don't drop the ball. Even if it was an accident , it shouldn't go unpunished."
    "Yes, of course. Well, that was very kind of you. You've been so good to me throughout this whole ordeal."
    "I wouldn't have it any other way,” he said. “I hope you'll allow me to continue being of help to you. In fact, I hope you'll tell the police they have your permission to keep me informed."
    "Uh, well, I really hate to be a bother to you."
    "It's no bother, Cassandra. Believe me. I want to do it. In fact, I insist on it. You know you have always been very special to me."
    "Yes. Thank you, Uncle Hamilton."
    "Oh, and Cassandra?"
    "Yes, sir?"
    "I know this has all been very painful for you, but try to remember that, no matter what happens, everything is working according to plan. And call me if you need anything."
    "Yes, thanks. G'bye,” she replied, feeling a little embarrassed for him as she hung up. According to plan? How odd. Surely he meant according to God's plan? He must be more upset than he's letting on. Uncle Hamilton never misstates anything.
* * * *
    Max dropped his briefcase on the coffee table and went to the small kitchen, turning the television on as he passed. Once upon a time, the television had been the least used piece of furniture in his home. But that was before a drunken teenager who couldn't read a Stop sign killed Alice and little Lisa. Now, it was his constant companion in the small, one-bedroom apartment, whose utter silence was broken only by the drone of the TV. It kept him company at breakfast, welcomed him home at night, and lulled him to sleep in the lonely bed. Taking a glass from the cabinet, he dropped a couple of ice cubes into it and poured himself a generous portion of Jack Daniels-another companion that had once been almost a stranger to him.
    The dog food commercial was about over when Max dropped tiredly onto the couch, putting his feet up on the coffee table and taking a sip of the liquid that stung his throat. Maybe I should get a dog, he thought, watching the golden retriever's big brown eyes staring into the camera. Naw. I'm not here enough to take care of one. It'd crap all over the place. And more crap is not what I need right now. Maybe Sheila is right. Maybe it's time to bury the dead. The image of Alice's auburn hair and brown eyes, the memory of Lisa's tiny giggle filled the room. Problem is, what's not ‘dead’ can't be buried. He took another sip of whiskey as the local news came on.
    " Good evening. This is Genevieve Stone sitting in for Tom McGuire. Topping the local news, a memorial service for famed journalist and Pulitzer Prize winning author Madison Hart was held at National Cathedral today," said the square-jawed brunette. “ Dignitaries from all walks of life gathered