Page 51 of The System

“I do,” Kenna told her. “It’s probably not something you have yet.”

“I don’t have anything.”

“Then, it’s definitely something you don’t have yet. Come on. Just meet me for lunch.”

“Meet you where? You live here?”

“Yeah, Rip and I moved back a while ago. The show’s studio work is done not far from here, either. We moved away when I got my first network job, but we came back because my nephews were getting older, and we had our daughter and wanted her to grow up with them around. Now, we’ve got two kids, and they have cousins to hang out with. Plus, it’s also free babysitting services from my sister and brother-in-law when I can get it.” Kenna laughed.

“And we’re just talking lunch here? You’re not going to show up with some contract you want me to sign?”

“No contract. And I’ll buy lunch.”

“That you’ll then expense for your show, making this a part of your attempt to get your story?”

“God, you are good,” Kenna replied, laughing again. “Dylan told me she heard from Carina that you’re always a step ahead.”

“Carina said that?” Kieran asked with a smile suddenly appearing on her face. “I mean, you talked to them about me?”

“No, they talked to each other about the case, I think, and Dylan mentioned that you should have been an attorney because you might make good competition for Carina.”

“Diego will do just fine. And I can do lunch to just talk as long as you’re not expensing it and calling this part of your attempt at the story.”

“Deal,” Kenna said. “One o’clock? I can text you the restaurant I like, if that works for you.”

“Sure. I’m not picky,” she replied.

???

Two hours later, Kieran was sitting at a table at an American-style eatery with a glass of water and waiting on Kenna, who was five minutes late.

“Sorry, I’m late,” the woman said when she rushed into the main dining area. “Couldn’t find a place to park. Hi. Nice to see you in person. I’m Kenna.”

“Yeah, I know. I’ve seen your show,” Kieran replied and took Kenna’s outstretched hand.

“Right. Sorry, I still forget that people recognize me sometimes.”

“You host one of the most popular crime shows on TV, and you’re surprised they recognize you?”

“My wife tells me to stay humble, so… Anyway.” Kenna sat down across from her. “Have you ordered yet?”

“No, I waited. You’re not that late, or I would have.”

“A woman after my own heart,” Kenna joked as she settled in.

“Your heart’s already taken, though,” Kieran noted.

“Yes, it is,” Kenna replied with a wide smile. “For many, many years now. But that’s not why we’re here.”

“Yeah, you said you had information I don’t have about my sister’s case.”

“I’m not supposed to have this myself, and I shouldn’t use it on the show because it’s not supposed to exist, but when they say expunged, they just mean it doesn’t count against you, not that it no longer exists, which makes it searchable somewhere, and I have amazing investigators on the show. I actually hired an officer from the local station here when she retired, and another former FBI agent works for us, too. Anyway, they found something about Marin May when she wasn’t a May.”

“What? And what are you talking about? Expunged?”

Kenna leaned over the table and said, “Your sister had a juvie record.”

“What? She did?”

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