Free The Runaway Reporter (A Police Procedural Mystery Series of Crime and Suspense, Hyder Ali #3) by Thomas Fincham

everything was interconnected.  He spoke about big businesses and how they had monetized everything in life. He spoke about the disconnect people were experiencing even with all the technology to connect us.  He then spoke about prescription medicine, and how it was nothing but an abomination that caused more harm than good.
    At the end, he answered a few questions, but Hyder felt the questions were carefully crafted by his handlers.  They seemed too soft and safe, even though everything Munn had said was filled with controversy.
    The last item on Munn’s agenda was to sign copies of his new book. Hyder didn’t have a copy, but he wanted to speak to the man. He got in line.
    When his turn finally came, Hyder found himself staring at Munn.  Up close, he looked much younger than the wise man he made himself out to be. He had not one wrinkle on his face.
    Realizing he didn’t have much time, Hyder jumped in. “My name is Hyder Ali and I work for the Daily Times ,” he said.  “This advertisement belonged to a colleague of mine and it looked like she wanted to meet you about something.  Her name was Francine Robeault.  Do you know what it was about?”
    Munn wasn’t offended by the direct question.  He merely said, “You should ask your colleague, she might be able to tell you more than I could.”
    “She’s dead.”
    Munn wasn’t surprised, or if he was, he didn’t show it.  “I’m sorry, but I don’t know a person by that name, and I don’t know what this is about.”
    Hyder wanted to push further, but one of Munn’s handlers came over and said, “Sir, there are people waiting in line.”
    Hyder looked at the crowd behind him.  They were giving him dirty looks.
    Hyder left. He didn’t want a mob of devotees after him.
     
    TWENTY-FOUR
     
    Hyder returned to the Daily Times and found Felix not at his desk.  He decided to go see Lester.
    Lester was staring intently at an odd device.
    “What is it?” Hyder asked.
    “I don’t know,” he replied.  “It came in the mail and I have no idea what it does.”
    Lester regularly received products from companies who wanted him to review them in his column.  Lester always made sure to check out each product, and if any of them piqued his interest, he would write about them.  Lester also made sure to be nice or somewhat positive, even if he didn’t fully appreciate the product.
    In this case he was just flummoxed.
    “It didn’t come with instructions?” Hyder asked.
    “You would think it would, right? But it doesn’t.  All I got with it was this.”
    Lester handed him a piece of paper.
    Hyder read it out loud. “The future is here.  All your entertainment needs in one place. Coming soon.”
    Lester took the object and dropped it in the waste basket.  “I don’t care when it’s coming because I don’t want it.” He turned to Hyder.  “What’s up, bro?”
    “Have you seen Felix?” Hyder asked.
    Lester shook his head.  “I saw him earlier, but not recently.” His phone buzzed. He grabbed it, smiled.
    “What’re you smiling about?” Hyder was curious.
    “It’s my girlfriend.”
    “Have you even met her yet?”
    “Yep.”
    “And?”
    “We’re soul mates.”
    Hyder rolled his eyes.  “Be careful, Lester.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
    Hyder had known Lester long enough to know that he knew very little about women.  Hyder didn’t know that much either—maybe that was why they got along so well, but the last thing he wanted was for his friend’s heart to be broken.
    “You want to meet her?” Lester asked.
    “For real?”
    “Yep, I’ve told her all about you and she’s excited to meet you.”
    “Sure, why not,” Hyder shrugged.  “But make sure you set it up around the time of Iftar . There’s no way I could watch you eat while I’m fasting.”
    Hyder went back to his desk. Felix was waiting for him.
    “Any updates from the police?” Hyder asked.
    “They're still sticking to their original