Page 84 of The Morning After (Savannah 2)

No reason to back out now. “That’s right.”

He had her attention. All of him. As Johnny B’s special sauce was giving off its world famous aroma, Nikki stared at Reed as if he’d just sprouted a third eye. “Okay, but let’s get something straight. Right now. If you’re asking me to divulge my sources, then, no way.”

He pulled onto a side street, not far from the beach’s parking lot, and cut the engine. Through the windshield, Reed eyed the ocean. The black waters of the Atlantic were angry, whitecaps ruffling the dark surface. “Let’s eat before this stuff gets cold.” He reached into a cooler he kept behind the front seat and pulled out two bottles of beer. After uncapping them, he handed one to her, then took out the barbecued sandwiches. “Beef or pork?”

“Doesn’t matter…pork,” she added, obviously dumbfounded. “Thanks.” She took the sandwich and half the dozen napkins that came with the order. “Is this some kind of peace offering?”

“Yeah, right.”

“Well?” She was unwrapping the waxed paper.

“Consider it a bribe.”

“I already told you, I won’t name my contact—”

“I know, okay. I got it the first time.” He bit into his sandwich and stared out the window, past the white sand to the inky sea. “You’ve got information as fast as the department does. So someone on the inside’s feeding you.”

“I said this isn’t open for discussion.”

“Oh, I see. Only you get to ask the questions. Then, I guess we don’t have much to talk about.” He took a long swallow of beer and noticed that she hadn’t touched hers.

The silence stretched thin and she finally took a sip of her beer.

“I know that you were involved with Barbara Jean Marx. Is that why you aren’t working on the investigation any longer?” When he didn’t answer, she said, “Look, if you want to trade information, you’ve got to give as well as get,” she said. “Barbara Jean Marx was pregnant when she died.”

His throat tightened, but he didn’t move.

“I figure you might be the father.”

“She was married,” he pointed out, his gut clenching.

“The guy had a vasectomy.” Nikki was staring at him.

“How do you know that?” Reed had suspected as much, though Bobbi had never told him directly, but how could Nikki Gillette have found out? Hospital records?

“Uh-uh. You want to work with me, then let’s do it, but I’m not giving up my sources. The way I figure it, there are only three reasons for you to bargain with me.” She held up a finger. “One, you want me to name my informant.” A second finger joined the first. “Or you want to know what I do as no one’s confiding in you at the department.” A third finger popped up. “Or both. You’re probably frustrated to be kicked off the case, especially since it’s so close to you, and you’re hoping that if we join forces you’ll have an inside track.” She took a bite of her sandwich. “My question isn’t what I can give you, but what, considering your position, can you give me?”

“I know information the public doesn’t.”

“And you’d let me in on it?” she asked skeptically.

He’d been turning it over in his mind. “On the condition you don’t print it until the investigation is concluded.”

“Meaning you’ve made an arrest, or the guy’s been tried and found guilty.”

“Obviously after the trial.”

“How would that help me? I won’t know anything more than the rest of the reporters in this city.”

“It wouldn’t. Not now. But it could be a major book deal when this is all over.”

“Not good enough, Reed. I want an exclusive now. For the newspaper.”

“I can’t screw up the investigation.”

“Then, I guess we’re at an impasse.” She dug into the sandwich, chewing and touching a napkin to the corners of her mouth in the dark car. “This is really good. Don’t you like yours?” When he didn’t answer, she sighed. “I just don’t get what you want from me.”

“I want what you get, the minute you get it. For that, I’ll return the favor, but I have to have some say about what you publish. Final say.” He’d probably end up fired, but right now, he didn’t give a damn. He just wanted quick revenge against a killer poised to strike again. “But you have to agree not to print sensitive material until the case is over. Period.”

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