Free The Silent Reporter (A Police Procedural Mystery Series of Crime and Suspense, Hyder Ali #1) by Thomas Fincham

Hyder to find who had killed her father.  Hyder wanted to do his part and find who actually did it.
    Now he knew that was not possible, which meant he might never see Jessica again.
    Hyder sighed.
    He logged into the laptop, but quickly realized his mind was still dissecting what had just happened.
    It was more than his attraction to Jessica that was propelling him to help her. It was also his strong sense of duty to Professor Eric Freeland.
    It was Freeland who had encouraged him to follow his heart.  Hyder had come to Franklin U on a business scholarship.  He had hoped to become an accountant, but after spending time with Freeland, he quickly realized he was only doing it because of others.  What he truly desired was to be a journalist. 
    In his second year he had changed his majors.  It wasn’t easy.  There was no money in journalism, people said. You’re wasting your education.  Do something that will secure your future. 
    It was his mom and Professor Freeland who had kept him going.  Whenever he had doubts, he would always remember one of Freeland’s sayings: “If you are miserable doing something, why bother doing it all?”
    Hyder would be miserable as an accountant. In fact, he probably would have been a lousy one, at that, so why bother pursuing it when his heart wasn’t in it?
    He really missed Freeland.  He wasn’t sure why he hadn’t kept in contact with him after he had graduated.  While a student, he would make it part of his schedule to meet him once or twice a week in his office.  After he left Franklin U, he hardly took the time to visit him.
    He did call him one time, though, and that was around the time he had been hired at the Daily Times .  He remembered how excited Freeland was to hear from him.  Freeland couldn’t stop gushing over his position at the newspaper.  Hyder had to remind him several times that it was only temporary, but that did not dampen his excitement.
    He had promised Freeland that he would visit him, but he never did.
    He now felt terrible for not keeping that promise.
    It was maybe why, by trying to help Jessica, he was also trying to help himself.  He was trying to overcome the guilt he felt for time not spent with his mentor.
    Professor Eric Freeland meant more to both of them than he had realized before.
     
    TWENTY-THREE
     
    Hyder was relieved when Lester walked in.
    “What’s up, bro?” Lester said.  They bumped fists as a way of greeting.
    Hyder shrugged. “I’m okay.”
    “You don’t look okay,” Lester replied, looking concerned
    Hyder rubbed his temples. “Yeah, I’ve got a lot on my mind.”
    “Well, I’ve got just the thing to make you feel better.”  From behind his huge girth, Lester brought out what looked like a DVD.
    Hyder took it and his eyes widened.  “Is that the new NBA game?”
    Lester smiled.  “Sure is. It’s an advance copy for reviewers.  I’ve already played it and noted my comments.  I’m not legally allowed to publish them until around the due date, but let’s say it’s friggin’ amazing.”
    “Cool,” Hyder said.
    “I know you were kind of miffed about not being able to go to the Game Expo, so this is my way to make it up to you.”
    “Are you allowed to pass it out?” Hyder asked.
    “Probably not, but you won’t tell, will you?”
    “No way!” Hyder replied, grinning.  “It’ll be top secret.”
    “Good, cuz I’ve got it tracked and if you decide to do anything funny like, say, sell it to a third party for an undisclosed sum, then I will swoop in and karate kick you.”  Lester tried to raise his left leg but only got it up a few feet.
    Hyder laughed.  “Thanks, bro.”
    “Don’t mention it.”
    As he watched Lester leave, he spotted a piece of paper next to the laptop.
    It was the notice from the courier company.
    Hyder looked at his watch.  He still had some time available to go collect the delivery.
    Instead of taking the elevator, Hyder bounced down the stairs.
    He hoped to be