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know that I'm innocent. I will be acquitted of all the charges. And I will get my kids back. Now, thank you for coming out. It means the world to me.”
    Cheers erupted among nine-tenths of the crowd. A few family-values naysayers catcalled at the fringes, but they were quickly drowned out by the cheers.
    “My lawyers and I will fight tooth and nail to get this lamebrain bull”—Richie shook his head with wide eyes at hearing the red flag—“crud overturned.”
    More cheering. Kiley knew from experience that Platinum was not one to curb her language, but if ever there was a time for it, it was now. Near the back, she noticed a group of people holding a banner with the words PLATIMUM 4EVA in neat red lettering. Then it became impossible to hear or talk, because a news helicopter started circling overhead.
    “We need to go in now,” Platinum's lawyer insisted, and the group headed for the courthouse steps, where the colonel and Susan had long been waiting. Kiley and Tom brought up the rear.
    “Ms. McCann, a moment?” A handsome middle-aged man in an impeccable charcoal Armani suit and wingtip shoes approached Kiley.
    “Spencer Lacroix,” he said, introducing himself. Kiley saw Platinum and the kids disappear inside with her entourage.
    Tom put a protective arm around Kiley. “We need to go in, Kiley—”
    “I only need a moment, Mr. Chappelle,” the older man insisted. “I loved your work in
The Ten
, by the way.”
    The Ten
was a blockbuster movie in which Tom had had a small role.
    Once Tom had moved away, Mr. Lacroix wasted no time in pulling a small envelope from his breast pocket and offering it to Kiley. “There's five hundred dollars in there. Buy something nice to wear to court tomorrow.”
    Kiley furrowed her brow and tried to hand back the envelope. “I don't know who you are or what you want, but I don't want your money.”
    “It's a gift. It would be rude to refuse a gift, wouldn't it?” Mr. Lacroix said smugly before registering Kiley's distrust. “I'meditor in chief of the
Universe
? The most-read celebrity magazine in the entire world?”
    Kiley knew the
Universe
. It was right up there with the
Star
and
People
, though it had a reputation for being more of a scandal sheet.
    “I see from the look on your face you know my magazine,” Mr. Lacroix continued. “And here's what I know. You're Platinum's nanny from Wisconsin, your mom's name is Jeanne, and you're starting at Bel Air High in the fall. I also know that if anybody could use a big increase in their bottom line, it's you.”
    Kiley's stomach tightened. “What do you want?” She felt Tom's arm tighten around her shoulders.
    The editor leaned closer. “If you want two hundred more of those envelopes with your name on 'em, all you have to do is sit down with us for a nice easy talk on Platinum. I'm talking a hundred thousand dollars.”
    But wait. That couldn't be right. She had to double-check. “Did you just say—”
    “Six figures starting with a one,” he confirmed. “All you have to do is tell us about Platinum. The inside scoop the outside world wants to know.”
    Kiley couldn't imagine betraying Platinum. Even worse would be betraying the kids, who trusted her completely. She thrust the envelope back at Spencer Lacroix.
    “I'm sorry. I'm not the right person for this. You'll have to get someone else.”
    As if Kiley was threatening him, Lacroix backed away with his hands up.
    “Whoa, Kiley. Not so fast. Look, I'll let you in on a little secret. The
Universe
is going to run the story anyway. We know allabout the household, the drugs, the neglect. As far as your boss is concerned, the damage is already done. Platinum is bound for jail, these kids are going to be under the protection of the state, and the only thing you can do is think about your own future. All we want is a few quotes. You might as well get a little recompense for your trouble.” He took two more steps back. “Spencer Lacroix. I'll find you.”
    Then he