Free Justifiable by Dianna Love, Wes Sarginson

deal?” 
    Riley would have been surprised if Biddy had let it go with a superficial explanation. “Lehman will do damage control, but the board is running scared about the advertisers. I think he doubts the board will renew my contract, but if I can land a big story this week the station will pick up that third ratings point. All the board cares about is what translates into profit. No advertiser will walk away from that.”
    Biddy hooked his thumbs in the front pockets of his jeans. “You did a favor for me with Lehman and the board so I’m in this with you. We need a hot story. How do we get it?” 
    Riley hadn’t expected the “we,” but wouldn’t turn down help from a guy with Biddy’s military intelligence skills who had grown up in Philly. “The only thing I have right now is the Stanton murder, but I think it was premeditated.”
    “I don’t see somebody killing out of rage and taking the time to move the body, but what else have you got?”   
    “The caller said something about ‘her fault’ at one point, which makes me wonder what Sally did. When I asked the caller who he was and how he was involved, the guy said ‘I’m cleaning up.’  He was calm and sounded like he was just taking care of business. None of that fits the MO for a domestic killing. I’m going to find out what I can about Sally and her son, and anyone connected to them.”
    “I see your point.”  Biddy scrunched his mouth to one side, pondering on something. “I know this ain’t your favorite topic, but what about a piece on Sally’s kid?”
    “No.”  Riley answered so fast and hard he expected Biddy to snap right back at him. “I’m not doing anything with any kids. Ever.”
    I thought after you did that special on the child abuse doctor you might – ”
    “No kids.”
    “Okay, your deal.”  Biddy raised his hands in a just-trying-to-help motion. “If this don’t work out, I might have a lead on another story.”
    That surprised Riley. “Like what?”
    “Pope’s visit to Jersey in a couple weeks.”
    “Old news and we need something in Philly.” 
    “There’s some behind-the-scenes scuttle going on.”
    He wanted Biddy thinking much bigger. “I haven’t heard anything significant about the Catholic Church recently and pedophilia is yesterday’s story – ”
    Biddy shook his head. “Not that. Let me check out what I got and I’ll get back to you.”
    Screw it. If the Stanton murder fell through, Riley needed something so he wasn’t about to discourage Biddy. His cell phone played the default jingle, meaning caller unknown. He pulled the phone out of his coat pocket. “Walker.”
    “This is DA Investigator Massey.”
    Riley lifted his eyebrows in surprise. “What can I do for you Investigator?” 
    “Be in my office in an hour.”
    “Why?”
    “To answer questions on the Stanton case.”
    Riley checked his watch. A little before noon. “Why don’t you meet me for lunch?”
    The hesitation should have warned him, but the control behind her smooth voice didn’t waver. “This is not a social call, Walker. Be in my office at one o’clock or I’ll send an officer to give you a ride. Got it?”
    “Consider it a date.”  The phone line died. 
    Riley killed the call on his end. What had happened in the last couple of hours for Massey to want to talk? “That was Investigator Massey. Wants me in her office at one. That might produce some answers.”
    Biddy gave a little shake of his head. “Better be careful with her. She ain’t been here long, but longer than you have and she’s tough as nails. Not a good one to jerk around. Doubt even your slick routine will charm her.”
    Riley grinned. “Ye of little faith.”
    “Telling ya, she ain’t got a soft corner on her.”
    “The bigger the challenge, the sweeter the prize.”
    Biddy scowled and walked away. Not that Riley expected Biddy to turn into a happy guy any more than he expected Kirsten Massey to give up one of her secrets