The in Death Collection Books 11-15 - J. D. Robb [612]
“You’re good at this.”
“I’ve some experience with manipulation.”
“I’m giving her ten more minutes, then I have to call into the station, block the time, do the prep, call in an electronic’s expert. I don’t suppose you’d—”
“I think not. That would be skirting right over the line Eve’s already drawn in her mind over this. But I can recommend a couple of names if you don’t have anyone particular in mind.”
“I was thinking Mya Dubber.”
“She’s excellent. A solid handle on electronics and a pleasant way of communicating technical jargon in simple terms.”
“She works for you, doesn’t she?”
“In a freelance capacity, yes.”
Unable to sit any longer, Nadine stood up to pace. “She’s cutting me close on this. I’ve got research to do, copy to write, interviews to set up. This story’s going to blow everything else off the air. Who’s next? That’ll be one of the questions. And they’ll keep tuning in until there’s an answer.”
“And my cop will work herself into the ground to try to beat that answer, so there is no next.”
“That’s why you have to respect her. And that’s why she always makes a damn good story. Are you two butting heads over this one?”
He blew out a lazy stream of smoke. “Not heads so much as philosophies. It’s more difficult for her to accept mine than it is for me to accept hers. We’ll work through it.”
“I appreciate you backing me up on this.”
“I didn’t do it for you,” he stated calmly. “I did it for her.”
“I know. I appreciate it anyway.” Nadine spun around as she heard Eve come in. “Well?”
“You’ll get your one-on-ones with me and Whitney asap. The mayor will draft a statement that may be read by the deputy mayor. That’s not decided yet. He or she will do some questions, pending approval. We’re not going to contact Halloway’s family at this hour and add to their distress. If, in the morning, they’re willing to speak with you, we’ll arrange it. The same goes for Feeney. He had a rough one today,” she said before Nadine could speak. “I’m not waking him up for this. You can interview McNab at our place, pending medical clearance. I’ll let you know as soon as I can. Chief Tibble will also draft a statement, and consider an interview after he’s reviewed all the data. Take it, Nadine, because that’s the best you’re going to get.”
“Have some coffee. I need to make a call and change into wardrobe. We’ll do the one-on-ones with you and Whitney in studio. One hour.”
She got through it, towing the departmental line throughout the interview. If Nadine wasn’t thrilled with the content of the interview, she knew it wasn’t the words that would make the segment. It was Lieutenant Eve Dallas herself, looking pale and exhausted and absolutely steady.
To Eve’s surprise, Mayor Steven Peachtree arrived just as she was going off-camera. At forty-three, he projected both a youthful and steady image. He was dignified and handsome in a conservative gray suit with a broadcast-ready blue shirt and a tie, perfectly knotted, in tones of both gray and blue.
He came in looking alert and grim with a small entourage of smartly dressed aides he ignored the way you ignore your own shadow.
“Commander.” He nodded to Whitney, and was close enough now that Eve noted the faint smudges of lost sleep under his eyes. “I felt this needed to be addressed personally, and swiftly. I’m told you’ve also been consulting with Chang re official statements.”
“That’s correct. We need unification on this. A solid line.”
“I absolutely agree. The media liaison will have updated statements for all parties by eight hundred. Lieutenant.”
“Mayor.”
“We need swift and decisive action on this matter. My office is to be kept updated on every action taken.” He glanced toward the studio. “We’re going to keep this goddamn mess under control. We’ll feed Ms. Furst and the others no more than what we determine is good for public