Page 53 of Set In Stone

I went on to explain everything that transpired since I read the article. Well, mostly everything. I left out the part about my experience on the St. Andrews Cross for obvious reasons. When I finally got to the part about my plan to talk to Mac Owens, Hale’s eyes darkenedagain.

“Did you tell the DA about the contents of the unpublishedarticle?”

“No, absolutely not,” I quickly replied. “I would never jeopardize Alex or Justine likethat.”

Hale seemed to relax a bit, but his expression remainedbleak.

“You will not talk to that reporter, MissCole.”

His tone mirrored one that Alexander would take with me sometimes. It wasmaddening.

“But I have to trysomething!”

“You’re a smart woman, but you’re being incredibly naïve at the moment. Mac Owens has been trying to dig up dirt on Mr. Stone for years. What kind of story could you give him that would convince him to drop the one he’s alwayswanted?”

I slumped back in my seat, not sure if I wanted to tell him about what I wanted to do. Hell, I wasn’t even sure if Icoulddo it. Just the thought of it caused my heart to pound withtrepidation.

No. I have to do it. It’s my onlyshot.

“I kept thinking of all the press reports and speculation Alex constantly warns me about. He keeps me hidden away and shielded from reporters at all costs. However, I know how reporters were chomping at the bit over Trevor’s death.” I paused for a moment, my mouth tasting like ash at the mention of his name. “He came from a prominent family. His father was the CEO of some dot com company and used to be a member of the New York City Council. The details of Trevor’s involvement in my abduction were kept very hush, hush. I can only assume that his father paid peopleoff.”

“What are you trying to say, MissCole?”

“The presiding judge decided to keep Charlie’s trial closed to the public. Closure was decided because of decency concerns – because of the testimony I have to give about my history with Trevor. At first, I was grateful, but now I realize that I can use it to my advantage. Considering the press was denied details about Trevor’s involvement in the accident, they are bound to be miffed about being shut out of the trial. I was thinking of offering an exclusive interview of sorts, a personal recount of my experience with the son of an influentialfamily.”

Hale rapidly shook his head back andforth.

“Are you trying to tell me that you were going to give the story of your rape to Mac Owens?” he asked indisbelief.

The idea turned my stomach, but I didn’twaiver.

“Yes. If that’s what it takes to get the heat off Alexander, so beit.”

“Mac Owens is slime. He’s not a gossip columnist, but an investigative journalist looking to make his mark any way he can. He’ll sensationalize your story like you can’t imagine,andpublish the one about Mr. Stone. He’d never agree to a trade. You’d basically be offering him a two-for-one deal. There isn’t a decent bone in the man’s body. You can’t talk to him. It will destroy you. Not to mention, Mr. Stone would be murderous if you became a victim of thepress.”

I blew out a breath in frustration. Hale was most likely right, but I was hard-pressed to come up with anything better. It was beyond irritating. It wasn’t like I wanted to make my sordid tale public. In fact, the idea scared the hell out of me. But, I had to dosomething.

I tilted my chin upstubbornly.

“Well, help me then. Let’s work together to shut this down,Hale.”

I tried to come across strong, needing to be a goddamned super hero looking to join forces and conquer evil, but Hale wasn’t buying it. He afforded me a small smile and shook hishead.

“I know you have the best intentions, but I think you’ve gotten in over your head here. Tell me, Miss Cole. Have you ever Googled yourname?”

“Uh, no.Why?”

“Because you’re engaged to Alexander Stone, that’s why. You should keep yourself informed and know what you’re getting into before you make rash decisions. You need to forget this plan of yours and just trust me. I’m working on the situation. Let me handle it. It’s what I do. Right now, the best thing you can do for Mr. Stone is be there for him. That’sall.”

“I’m trying, but sometimes I don’t feel like it’s enough,” I saidquietly.

Hale didn’t respond, but seemed to be mulling over his thoughts before he turned to face forward and put the car in drive. After signaling and merging into traffic, he spokeagain.

“Miss Cole, before you started coming around, Mr. Stone was a hard man. Even unforgiving at times. You changed him. I suspect that could be the reason why he’s having nightmares.” He paused and looked at me in the rearview mirror. His eyes werepensive.

“What do you mean? How could I possibly be thereason?”

“You made him feel again, Miss Cole. You don’t need to embark on some grand crusade to protect him. You already have all the power youneed.”

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