Read Keller County Cops Book Seven: Code of Vengeance for Free Online

anger and boredom. "I have work to do."
    "Of course. As do I." He squared his shoulders. "I actually have a proposition for you. A business proposition, if you will."
    "I already have a job."
    "Oh, I know. And you do excellent work bringing news to our wonderful community."
    "Cut the crap, Maillet." Her eyes turned feral. "What do you want?"
    "Aha." He didn't even try to stop the leer that landed on his face. "Now the true Mindy Ravens appears. Or should I say Ms. Cherry Delight?"
    The anchor's beautiful face leached of all color.
    "I'm sure you're wondering how I learned about your earlier career, and what I might do with that knowledge," he pressed on, hoping to undermine her resolve to keep her distance from his idea. "Rest assured that right now, I'm the only one who knows you used to strip for a living over in Biloxi."
    "Mr. Maillet--" Her voice cracked, and she broke off.
    He held up his hand to keep her from continuing. "Wait. Let me finish. You grew up in a happy middle class family -- that is, until your father's furniture business went under and he lost everything, including your college fund. He changed after that, didn't he? Drinking too much, spending his days in bed staring at the ceiling. Your mother tried to help out, but ironing only brings in so much cash, and without a decent education she couldn't land a better job. So you turned to stripping to pay your way through college. Am I right?"
    "Yes," she whispered in a shaky voice. All the light had gone out of those dazzling brown eyes. She uncrossed her legs and flopped back in the chair. "Go on."
    "I'm sure you don't want anyone else to know about your rather... unsavory family history. Especially not your boss or your loyal viewers. So I'm sure you'll agree to help me with my plan to discredit Rick Blaylock."
    "Wh-what do you mean?" The silken skin of her throat bobbed as she swallowed.
    He smiled. "Why, I want him to look like a failure, of course. Like the burned-out shell of the strapping sheriff who took office four years ago. We need new blood fighting crime in this county, and if I'm elected I plan to clean house. I need your help to do that."
    "Rick Blaylock has never hurt me. Why would I want to sabotage his campaign?"
    "To save your own hide." He stepped up to the desk, leaned over it, and planted both hands on the blotter so he could meet her defiant gaze. "Does that make sense, Ms. Ravens?"
    "I don't see how I can possibly--"
    "All that matters is my plan," he broke in with a snarl. "Refuse to help me, and I'll send a story about your sorry life to every news outlet in the state. Do you understand?"
    "Y-yes," she rasped, tears filling her eyes.
    Satisfied she would comply, he pushed himself up to his full height and beamed down at her. "That's a good girl."
    "H-how in the world did you unearth my story?" She wiped her face with one shaky hand and peered up at him. "Nobody else has been able to--"
    "Don't you worry your pretty little head about that." He grinned. "Just know I have my ways. I couldn't find any dirt on Blaylock, however, although he must have a secret or two squirreled away -- hell, everybody does -- so I hatched this little scheme. If you do everything I say, not only will I not leak your pitiful little tale, but I'll also toss a little cash your way. A smidgeon of extra compensation for your cooperation, if you will."
    "I don't want any of your goddamned money."
    "Fine, whatever you say. I'll keep it." He shrugged, then finally relented and perched on the edge of one of the wretched orange chairs. He'd been right; it was terribly uncomfortable. He sat up straight and looked her in the eye. She appeared disappointed he'd chosen to sit. He chuckled and tilted his head. "I sense you aren't pleased I'm still here."
    "I'm not," she snapped through gritted teeth. "I said I'd go along with your evil little scheme, even though I think the sheriff is doing a good job. I don't know what else you could possibly want from me."
    "Seriously,