Free 6 Death Takes The Blue Ribbon by Teresa Watson

it.”
    “Let me tell you why I think that would be a mistake. You two complement each other perfectly, in a strictly business sense, I mean. He’s good at getting the money, and you’re good at writing the stories. Both go hand in hand. Without one, the other doesn’t mean a thing. Do you see what I’m saying?”
    I sat back in the chair, pouting. “Yes, you’re saying it means I’m stuck with him.”
    “Yes and no.”
    “What do you mean?”
    Dale walked over and sat down behind the desk. “I’ve been thinking about selling the paper. It’s not really what I want to do anymore.”
    “You can’t be serious,” I said, shocked.
    “Oh, I am, very serious. And I’m thinking of selling it to Jake.”
     

Chapter Thirteen
    I didn’t get to spend a lot of time dwelling on my conversation with Dale, because Ellen Carpenter, our society reporter, knocked on the door just after he left. “Lizzie, why is Jake sitting at Bruce’s desk, cursing and using your name in vain?”
    Sighing, I stood up. “Because he can’t write the story he wants to write. Instead, he’s stuck writing the story Dale and I suggested he write. And he hates the suggestion.”
    “Well, it must be a doozy, because I heard him say he was going to write the story however he wanted to, and then he suggested a place for you to go and visit.”
    “I’ll just bet he did,” I said as my cell phone rang. “Ask him to come in here a minute, would you please, Ellen? Thanks.” I waited until she walked out and then answered the call. “Hello?”
    “How did you manage to get Stephen Henderson, the top criminal attorney in the entire state, to come down to our little town and represent Gladys?” T.J. said.
    “I didn’t. Jake did.”
    “He did?”
    “Who else do you know who has those kinds of connections? One phone call and a promise to attend a dinner function, and the guy agreed to come down here.”
    “Wow, so Jake has a heart after all.”
    “I wouldn’t go that far at the moment,” I replied as Jake stormed into the office. “I’ve got to go. I’ll be down there in a little while.” Hanging up, I dropped the phone on the desk, crossed my arms, and looked at him. “I understand you’re making a nuisance of yourself out there.”
    “I’m doing exactly what you asked me to do, Ms. Crenshaw,” he said. “I am writing a whitewashed version of a story that should be making news all across the country.”
    “I am not going to run a newspaper that hangs a person out to dry before all the evidence has been gathered and the investigation has been concluded. If that’s the kind of newspaper you want to work for, then my previous statement stands. Go back East to your rich friends who will kiss your butt in the hopes of getting a little money from your father.”
    “That’s hitting below the belt.”
    “The truth hurts, doesn’t it? Too bad. You’re not going to build a name for yourself by smearing the good name of a woman who is innocent. And by the way, that was T.J. on the phone. Your high priced attorney friend is at the station with Gladys.” I picked up my phone and walked toward the door. “Now, I would appreciate it if you would finish the story like we agreed. Nothing more, nothing less.” I held up my hand when he started to protest. “I’m going over there right now to see how things are going. If they arrest her, then I’ll call you. If they let her go, then you publish the story that you’re working on. That’s the deal; take it or leave it.”
    “That seems fair,” he reluctantly agreed. He studied me with a critical eye. “What’s gotten into you?”
    “Absolutely nothing. I’m just not going to run a gossip rag, and I’m not going to crucify someone without concrete evidence they deserve it. And if you don’t like that policy, feel free to leave.” I turned around and walked out, leaving him standing in the middle of the office with his mouth hanging open.
    I stopped by Ellen’s desk on the