Free Small Town Spin by Lyndee Walker

paper aside.
    “That really does smell good,” I said. “And I can’t smell much of anything. Thank you.”
    “Anytime.” The way his lips edged up made me drop my eyes back to the newspaper.
    He set the tray next to me and chuckled. “Find anything in the paper?”
    “Not really. Some names I might need, but not what I was looking for.”
    “Maybe some rest will help you figure something out.”
    “I have a story to write. And then we’ll see about that.” I set the paper aside and laid the tray across my lap, lifting the spoon. “I didn’t know you could cook.”
    “You didn’t ask.” He took a seat in the small chair in the corner.
    “And me with the whole ‘questions are my livelihood’ thing, too.” I took a bite. The soup was blistering hot, but amazing.
    “This is fantastic. Thank you.”
    “I’m glad you like it.”
    I continued to mull over the story aloud between bites. By the time I put the empty bowl on the night table, I could’ve sworn I felt a little better. “Is there magic in that stuff? Or liquor?” I asked.
    Joey shook his head. “Just vegetables.”
    “It was nice of you.” I said, reaching for my laptop. “Truly.”
    “Someone has to make sure you take care of yourself. But I get the feeling you want me to go.”
    I frowned. “I don’t want you to go. And I’m certainly not trying to be rude. But I have work to do, and sleep to get, so I’m afraid I’m not going to be great company. I’m shocked my Blackberry isn’t already buzzing with Bob wanting a story. I really should have done it when I got home.”
    “No offense taken.” He stopped in the doorway. “Feel better. Maybe I’ll see you next Friday?”
    “Girls’ night with Jenna,” I said, scrunching my face apologetically.
    “Saturday?”
    “You’re on. I better be back to a hundred percent by then.”
    “Keep eating the soup. I put the rest in your fridge. It works, I’m telling you.”
    “I’m a believer.” I smiled.
    “I’ll call you tomorrow. Sleep well.” He stared at me for a moment, then crossed to the bed and dropped a kiss on my head. “Be careful.”
    “You know something I should know?” I tried to focus on his words, when all I wanted was to melt into a puddle on the bed.
    “Nope.” He raised both hands in mock-surrender and backed toward the door when I arched one eyebrow at that. “I swear it. I’d never heard of Mathews, Virginia until I read your story this morning. Probably why Okerson moved out there in the first place, right?”
    “You know anyone who might know something?” I asked.
    “About this kid? I can’t imagine why.”
    “Or his dad.” I felt an idea looming. “Tony Okerson was a big deal football player. Who knows who he might have come into contact with? I’ve never heard or seen anything about him being into gambling or anything...” I let that trail off, almost feeling traitorous for wondering such a thing.
    Joey nodded thoughtfully. “But that doesn’t mean he’s not. You’d be surprised at some of the athletes and celebrities who are. Hurting the kid to get at dad is low, but not unheard of.”
    “Yeah?” I didn’t care for this idea, except that it’d be an exclusive. I didn’t know any other reporters with an in at the Mafia.
    He sighed and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Why do I have a feeling I’ll regret this conversation someday soon?”
    I opened my mouth to object and he shook his head.
    “Tell you what,” he said. “I’ll see if I can find out anything for you if you swear that you won’t go poking into this alone and you promise to watch yourself and call someone for help if it looks like it might be more dangerous than playing fetch with Darcy.”
    The dog popped out of her bed and yipped when he said her name.
    “Who am I going to call for help?” I asked. I didn’t want to make him a promise I couldn’t deliver on.
    “Your friends at the Richmond PD?” He dropped his eyes to the floor. “Your friend at the