Page 49 of Smoke Screen
But Maddy? Her relentless idealism had made him feel … hopeful.
At least until now.
The light changed and Phin cruised along, sticking to the speed limit to avoid unwanted attention from law enforcement. “I hate to pile on, but there’s a problem.”
She snorted. “Of course.”
“Zeke called while you were in your office. They were watching the news. Reporters are at your house.”
Maddy’s shoulders sagged. “Great.” She lifted a hand, let it drop. “What am I supposed to do now? Ihaveto go home. It’s not as if I have an overnight bag in my trunk.”
He didn’t want to tell her it wasn’t a bad idea. Considering he had one. Always.
“You’ll have to face them. Every time you go in or out, you’ll have to deal with them. If that’s your idea of the comforts of home, knock yourself out. To me? It sounds pretty fucking miserable.”
She angled toward him, adjusting the seat belt as she moved. “I agree. But I’m not going to my mother’s. She’s been calling and texting me all day. I keep telling her I’ll call when I’m alone.”
Her phone dinged. “Yep! Right on cue. That’s my mother. She probably saw everything on the news.”
Maddy shot off a text.
“You can call her if you need to. I’ll pull over and hop out. Give you some privacy.”
“I’ll wait until I get to my car.” Maddy peered down at her phone, her thumb slowly swiping up and then halting. “Ooh. Cilla called.” She tapped, then lifted the phone to her ear. “Maybe she has an update.” Holding up a finger, she shifted in her seat again, watching the road ahead. “Hi … I know … I’m in Phin’s car. They put me on leave.”
Maddy jerked the phone from her ear. Probably to minimize Cilla’s hollering that came clear through the line.
Phin had to smile. “Told you she was a beast.”
“No kidding.”
“Do you mind putting her on speaker?”
Maddy punched the screen just as Cilla took a breath.
“Are you done?” Phin asked.
“Honey,” she drawled, “I’m not nearly done. I knew these fuckers would do this. I willcrucifythem.”
“Um,” Maddy said, “thank you? I guess.”
Again, Phin smiled. So dang funny.
“No need to thank me,” Cilla said. “I live for this. Now, you can’t go home.”
“I havenothingwith me but my laptop and the clothes I’m wearing.” The words came out in a breathy rush and sounding way too desperate.
“Not a problem,” Cilla said. “I can have my assistant meet you somewhere. Give her your key and she’ll go to your place and get a few things.”
“But—”
“Maddy, if you come out with a suitcase, it’ll look like you’re running. Not exactly the image we want to project. The reporters are on the sidewalk. If my assistant goes, they won’t recognize her and will leave her alone. She’ll walk in, fill a duffel and off she goes.”
“She’s got a point,” Phin said.
“Damn right I do. Where are you now?”
“Going to get my car,” Maddy said.
