Page 48 of No Way Forward

“I’m sorry, Azalie. You’re not welcome.”

Her mouth fell open. There she was hanging over the arm of a baboon, and she was hearing the words she never ever wanted to hear. “I-I don’t understand. This is practically my home. You guys are my family. My mom is your secretary.”

Richard turned his back without an explanation. “See that she’s safely on her way.”

Azalie found herself in the driveway with the door slammed firmly in her face. She saw her carefree life slipping away, and a sob rose in her throat. At first despairing, she sat in her car with nowhere to go. Even if she complained to her mom, it wouldn’t do any good. She might actually have to get a job. The prospect disgusted her.

As she thought about how Richard had practically raised her, treating her almost like a daughter, her anger increased. He kind of spoiled her and then tossed her aside when it was convenient. Sure, he might just be angry and he would get over it. But he had been angry before and he never turned on her.

“Maybe he knows,” she wondered. “No, that’s impossible. I was careful. Nobody saw me go in his office. And I didn’t even find anything useful.”

She chose not to even think about the fact that she worked with that crooked investigator. Resentment rose inside her. Why should she lose everything? Why should Novette have it all?

An idea about how to get back at Novette and her dad came to mind. She checked her contacts and dialed a number. “Hey, Carlton.”

“Wow, it’s Azalie.” His dry tone irritated her. “I haven’t heard from you since I caught you in my bed at my apartment with some other dude.”

“God, would you drop the wounded animal routine?”

“Goodbye.”

“Wait.” She wanted to scratch his stupid eyes out. “I have information you might be interested in.”

“Doubtful.”

“Do you still work for that rag?”

“Rag? Thanks, Azalie. If I ever wondered about whether I got off easy when I broke it off with you, I’m clear on that head.”

“Some people are such victims. Jeez, do you want the information or not? It could get you a front page article.”

Something smashed in the background like he threw a stapler or whatever against the wall. He swore a few times, but he didn’t disconnect the call. Azalie smirked as she drove away from the Kagen mansion. Looking at the place in her rearview mirror brought on a touch of sadness. She remembered her and Novette playing as kids. Dismissing the memory, she focused on her ex-boyfriend.

“Want the information or not. I can go to someone else.”

“If it’s good,” he said at last.

“It’s good, but you’ll have to do a little research.”

“I always fact check.”

“And I want to be paid for this. I’m not cheap.”

“You’re cheap, Azalie. Very cheap. Be at the coffee shop on Argyle in half hour or go somewhere else.” He ended the call.

She cursed him out although he was already gone, but Carlton was the only media person she had contacts with. She could of course find someone to charm, but that would take time. Someone else might get wind of what she knew and beat her to the punch. Carlton was it.

A half hour later, she sat down with a caffé latte and waited for Carlton to show up. Twenty minutes later, he strolled into the shop as if he had all day and night to get there. She knew he did it just to get back at her. Any other informant would have been respected but not her.

“You took your time getting here,” she growled.

Carlton dropped into the seat across from her after he bought a coffee as well. She recalled when she met him she was involved with another guy and dumped him because Carlton was prettier with his melty green eyes and his messy hair, which needed a cut but why bother because he looked so good. There was also the potential of getting in the paper, but Carlton had told her she wasn’t important enough. That’s when she decided to pay him back for that remark. Boy oh boy did she make him pay, and he was still whining about it.

He didn’t beat around the bush. “So what do you have, and who’s it about?”

“It’s about Richard Kagen.”

“Yeah, he was in the news. Somebody tried to kill him. That guy’s one of the most successful lawyers in the country.” He snapped his fingers. “I forgot your mom works for him.”

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