Page 84 of Crosshairs

Instantly her body tensed. “What?”

“Sarah. With her videographer, and she’s coming this way.”

“You didn’t expect her?”

“I didn’t think about it one way or the other, but I should have known she’d be reporting for her station.” He released Ainsley’s hand as Sarah flashed him a big smile.

“I didn’t know you were coming,” she said.

“I’m Ainsley’s plus-one.”

Her smile faltered and she turned to Ainsley. “I almost didn’t recognize you out of uniform.”

“I’ve heard that before,” Ainsley replied.

He glanced sharply at Sarah as she swung her backpack off her shoulder and set it down. It wasn’t like her to be snarky, but Ainsley hadn’t seemed to notice.

Sarah glanced toward the house. “It’s a beautiful place. Your dad said I could tour inside later, and I thought I would before the fireworks start.”

“Good. He doesn’t make that offer to everyone,” Ainsley said.

“Any chance of getting you on camera?”

“As long as you keep your questions to his campaign.” Ainsley smiled, but her voice was firm.

“No problem ... that’s what I’m here for. The station is giving equal time to your dad’s opponents. I would like an interview later on another topic, like tomorrow? I understand you have an escaped prisoner after you.”

Linc stiffened. “Where did you hear that?”

“Hugh Cortland, the FBI guy. He came by the station and left a couple of sketches. Asked us to run them on our six and ten p.m. news.”

He’d briefly forgotten Hugh’s plan to post the sketch and Maddox’s mug shot on the TV station.

“Yours will be my first clip. Oh, and by the way, this is Russ.” Sarah nodded toward her videographer as she took a mic from the backpack and held it toward Ainsley. “Can you give me three reasons to vote for your dad? You can take a minute to think about what you want to say.”

Even though Ainsley wore a game-on smile, Linc sensed the panic beneath it. “Why not let me go first,” he said.

Sarah shot him a quizzical glance. “Oh. Well, sure,” she said. “Same question.”

Linc took a few seconds to compose his thoughts, then began. “J.R. Beaumont is one of the smartest men I’ve ever met,” he said. “If he gives you his word, you can bank on it. He has great plans for Mississippi as the next governor. I’m certainly voting for him.”

“Cut,” Sarah said as Russ lowered his camera. “Very good.”

“Yes, very good,” Ainsley echoed.

“You ready now?” Sarah asked.

“I suppose.” After a deep breath, she spoke into the mic Sarah had now turned toward her. “My father is J.R. Beaumont, and one thing I’ve learned over the years is that he cares for Mississippi. Not just the movers and shakers but those who don’t havea voice as witnessed by his many pro bono cases. A vote for him will be a vote for all the people in our state.”

“Cut,” Sarah said. “Wow. Great plug.”

“Very good!” Linc squeezed her hand. Ainsley had surprised even him. At least she did have some good thoughts toward her father.

Color flooded Ainsley’s cheeks. “I only told the truth.”

“I’m sure your dad will appreciate your words.” Sarah slung her backpack onto her shoulder and nodded to Russ. “I’m off to interview more people.”

“I hope she incorporates the music,” Ainsley said as the duo disappeared around the house. She tapped her fingers on the side of her leg in time with the bluegrass song. “She has a crush on you, you know. I’m guessing you haven’t talked to her yet.”

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