“Of course not. Freedom of the press and all that. It was all I could do to get a word in. She didn’t find anything in the pond except a family of irate geese.” Sawyer grinned. “She fell in, which is one way of conducting an investigation, I suppose. But she had no lawful right to be there. I could charge her if you want to pursue it, Ryan.”
“You know as well as I do that charging Porter won’t stop her persecution of McIntyre Construction in the Gazette. It’ll only give her more ammunition. Besides, I’ve got nothing to hide. Let her stick her nose anywhere she likes on that site. I welcome comments from the press.”
Ryan noticed the silence in the room. He’d gone too far. Sawyer could always tell when he was lying because Ryan never learned to quit while he was ahead. He’d been adamant about keeping the Gazette off the property. ‘Welcome’ wasn’t in Ryan’s vocabulary after the beating he’d taken in the press and his brother knew it. No wonder Sawyer was looking at him like he’d turned green. “I’m trying to be more transparent,” he said, countering the question he saw in Sawyer’s eyes. “I think part of my problem with the Gazette is that I haven’t been forthcoming enough. I guess that’s our history with Shelby at fault there. I never trusted her to print the truth when it came to anything associated with the McIntyre name.”
Sawyer nodded. “I know, but we’re going to have to give her more credit than that from now on if we’re ever going to end this feud. She’s a good journalist no matter what we think of her personally. The way to deal with Shelby is to be straight with her.”
“Should I talk to her about this source of hers?”
“To be honest I don’t think there is a source. Or if there is, he’s feeding her false leads.”
Ryan felt the blood leave his face. “What makes you say that?”
“Let’s just say she was adamant the pond was going to be drained. It took some doing, but I convinced her that she had no evidence, source or no source, and it would be libel to print the story.”
Ryan passed a shaking hand over his eyes. Tying the Gazette up in a libel suit was precisely the point. “Oh damn,” he moaned.
“Just make sure your site is clean, Ryan,” Sawyer’s voice held a warning, “and she won’t have anything to gripe about. I’m going to stick pretty close to her though.”
“Why’s that?” Gene asked.
“If someone is trying to stir up trouble with false leads, I want to know why. I’m having lunch with Shelby today. Maybe I’ll find out who sent her crawling around that site last night.”
“Well, I’ll be damned.” Ryan managed a smile. “I think Hell just froze over. Since when do you and Shelby Porter have lunch dates?”
“She asked me to do her a favor. It’s just lunch.” Sawyer dropped a folder on the Mayor’s desk. “Sorry to take up so much of your time for so little, Gene. Not much going on. The revised budget is in there for the council meeting. Do you need me to attend to provide explanations?”
Mayor Cooper flipped through the pages. “No, it’s pretty clear. Thanks, Sawyer. I’ll call you tomorrow to let you know but we shouldn’t have any trouble passing this.”
“Hey Sawyer?” Ryan nosed carefully. “I hope you didn’t agree to have lunch with Porter just to get her off my back. You don’t have to protect me, big brother. Let the Gazette print what she found out last night. I don’t want you compromising the Sheriff’s Office on my behalf.”
“You know me better than that.” Sawyer grimaced. “Lunch was more or less Dolly’s idea. I haven’t seen much of her since the heart attack, as Shelby pointedly reminded me.”
Ryan’s temples throbbed. Sawyer’s sudden interest threatened to blow everything sky high. “Look, Sawyer, lunch with Dolly is one thing,” he said impatiently, “but as far as McIntyre Construction and the Gazette are concerned, I don’t want you to get into it with Shelby. If you start grilling her about her informant, she’ll suspect the worst. You know what she’s like. She already believes you can’t do your job objectively because you’re my brother.”
“I’m starting to wonder if she’s right.” Sawyer fixed his brother with one of those looks that Ryan had come to dread since their mother died. “Ryan, can you think of any reason why Porter would risk a trespassing charge crawling around your site last night?”
Ryan forced a grin but couldn’t answer. He shrugged, palms outward.
Sawyer’s blue stare cut through him like a northern wind. “You better have been honest with me, little brother, or you’ll have a lot more than Porter to worry about.”
Mayor Cooper broke the tense silence. “Will we see you at the Harvest Dance tomorrow night, Sawyer?”
“I was hoping to pass, Gene, if that’s all right. The women only dance with me out of pity or see me as a future prospect. Either way, it’s more attention than I want right now.”
Gene laughed. “We should all have your problems. But I’d like to get an hour out of you at the dance before you go on patrol. The town expects it. You understand.”
Sawyer winced, but nodded his agreement and left the room.
“Damn!” Ryan exploded as soon as the door closed. “If he starts asking Shelby a bunch of questions she’ll be all over me like cat hair.”
Gene scrutinized Ryan repressively. “If I were you, Ryan, I’d take his warning very seriously.”
“I do, Gene, I do,” Ryan said, recovering himself. “And to prove it, I’m going straight to the Gazette to get this issue about the pond cleared up, in person.”
Ryan closed the door to the Mayor’s Office and moved down the corridor. Never mind the Gazette—he had to get in on that lunch date. Maybe he was over-reacting but it wouldn’t take Sawyer long to figure out who was feeding the Gazette false leads if Shelby let something slip. Shelby and Sawyer left in the same room long enough to compare notes was too dangerous. A few more days ... that was all he needed.
He pulled his cell phone out of his breast pocket and punched in Dolly’s number. His godmother’s reedy voice filled his ear. “Ryan, is that you? Where are you calling from? You sound like you’re in a tin can.”
“It’s the cell, Dolly.” He tilted his head. “There. Is that better?”
“Cell? You’re not in jail again, are you?”
Ryan groaned. This might take a little longer than he thought. “Dolly, I’ve never been in jail. Not that Shelby hasn’t tried. How is the little thorn in my side?”
Dolly’s squeal pierced his eardrum. “Don’t tell me they didn’t tell you either! I must say, when those two said they were keeping it under wraps, they were true to their word. Although, I think their families should have been informed—”
“Informed about what?” Ryan cut in impatiently.
“That they are in love!”
“Who’s in love, aunt? You’ve lost me.”
“Sawyer and Shelby, dear boy. Who else are we talking about? You asked about Shelby and I’m telling you—she is seeing Sawyer. Dating or what-have-you. She was with him last night and didn’t come home until daybreak. I’m not sure how long it’s being going on. I suppose they didn’t want anyone to know so soon after Sawyer’s engagement.”
Ryan listened in awed silence while Dolly prattled on, detailing the upcoming lunch. All of his manipulations and strategies to control the Gazette paled compared to the fast one Shelby was pulling on her aunt. This was big. Much better than anything he could have dreamt up to do to her on his own. There was absolutely no need to go to the lunch now. Ryan could breathe again. Within the space of five minutes, Shelby herself had given Ryan all the ammunition he needed to bring her down.
Chapter Five: Deal with a Devil
SHELBY CUPPED her hands around her eyes and gazed unseeing at the blank computer screen. Her editorial, which usually just flew out of her fingers, was lost to flashbacks of her early morning encounter with Sawyer. Was he always that handsome and ... uh ... built? She supposed he had to be physically fit to be a sheriff. Still, he didn’t seem that broad-shouldered when he tackled
her at the construction site. Shelby felt like she didn’t know Sawyer at all until now.
Her thoughts went back over the years, remembering him in a dozen situations that she now examined with fresh eyes. The interviews she’d held with him, for instance, she was surprised to discover his responses to her questions were not as condescending as she once thought. Even the parking tickets he’d given her when she was younger, from this new perspective struck her as just, noble even.
“In other words,” Shelby told her computer screen, “all he had to do was kiss the bejeezus out of me to turn into the perfect man. How revoltingly Sleeping Beauty. Concentrate!” She ordered, sitting up straight, fingers poised. She forced her attention back to her editorial. The morning was wasting away and there wasn’t time for brainless daydreaming. She had to email the editorial to Jason before taking Dolly to the hairdresser’s and then it was lunch.
Lunch. Shelby’s eyes glazed over again as her brain floated to the intense blue of Sawyer’s eyes. Lunch with Sawyer. Would he kiss her again? Fluttery fingers of panic and anticipation wreaked havoc in her stomach. It was strange that he agreed to do this for her. Really weird, in fact. Shelby wondered what it meant. Helping Dolly, that’s all. Be sensible. But the way he looked at her at the construction site ... and then kissing her.
You’re attracted to him.
Well, of course I’m attracted to him. He’s attractive.
You’re thinking about him. You don’t think about Roger and Roger is attractive.
That’s completely different. Sawyer interests me on an intellectual level.
Intellectual. Please.
“Shelby!”
She jumped. “What?”
Andrea was studying her from the doorway. “I can see you’re quite busy right now.” She waited, staring pointedly at Shelby’s idle fingers.
“Yes, I get it, Andrea.” Shelby exhaled impatiently. “I’m not working very hard. Yes, it’s true. For once in my life I’m not burning myself out over an editorial. For once in my life, I’m taking five minutes to myself.”
“Okay, okay. I just came in to let you know Hart Burridge is waiting for you in reception. He says he want to tell you something.”
Shelby sat up straighter. “Oh. All right. Show him in. It’s not about the bank thing, is it?”
Andrea shrugged and stuck her head outside Shelby’s office to yell down to reception. “C’mon in Mr. Burridge, Shelby isn’t doing anything.”
“Very amusing, Andrea,” Shelby barked to her assistant’s retreating back just as Hart stepped into her office. “Hello, Hart, how’re you today?”
Hart Burridge was not a tall man but he filled a room. He belonged to the older generation of men who farmed, raised families and said little. They usually kept their business and troubles to themselves so when Hart walked into her office a few days ago looking for advice on how to deal with the local bank manager, Shelby had the good sense to shut up and listen.
His problem was a typical one for farm folk: he needed an extension on a loan payment and he didn’t want to go through the usual rigamorole to get it. Men of Hart’s generation were used to doing business on a handshake. Forms and white collars made them nervous. But if the bank didn’t give him an extension on his loan, he’d lose his tractor. He’d tried to talk to the manager but wasn’t getting anywhere.
Shelby wasn’t sure how she could help but the fact was Hart Burridge had nowhere else to turn. No one in town had the authority or the inclination to talk to the bank manager about farming and the farm families that were the back bone of Mandrake Falls. So Shelby spoke to the bank manager on his behalf and negotiated an arrangement whereby Hart’s application for an extension would be filled out by the manager himself and Hart just had to sign after reading it over. The manager was quite reasonable once he understood the older man wasn’t defaulting on his payments—he just needed some flexibility. The manager agreed that he would call Burridge before taking action on any loan, giving Hart a chance to make good, which was all the verbal assurance the farmer wanted.
Shelby thought that was the end of it until Hart walked into her office.
“G’day Shelby. How’s Dolly keeping?”
“Very well, Hart. She’s getting stronger every day.” Shelby waited for the man to state his business. If there was one thing she learned working for a country paper was that country people couldn’t be rushed into speaking or they wouldn’t say a word.
“Glad to hear it. She’s got a few good years in her yet.”
Shelby nodded but held her tongue.
“I just come from the bank there now, Shelby, and the young lad there had the papers all set to go. I signed ‘em ‘cause I’m guessing you got it all straight for me there.”
“Yes, Hart. Everything was in order. He’s honest enough for a bank manager.”
“Well, thought I’d stop by and give you my thanks.”
“No need, Hart. Happy to help.” She had the good sense to brush off his thanks. It wouldn’t do to make it seem like she’d bailed the older man out of a tight spot.
“Stop in at the house. Bring Dolly. Mrs. Burridge could use the visit.”
“Thanks, Hart. That’d be a treat for Dolly.”
Hart bobbed his head and left the office. It took courage for the older man to come to her. She was pleased with the way it worked out. Hart Burridge’s dignity was intact; the invitation to his house was a sign. Shelby sighed. At least she did one right thing today. The computer screen yawned at her. Oh yes. The editorial.
Jason was standing in the doorway. “I haven’t got all day. Where’s your editorial? And Trevor is waiting for the questions to ask at the council meeting.”
“Yeah, I’m on it. I’m just taking a break.”
“Break’s over. I need that copy.”
Jason left the room leaving Shelby grumbling under her breath as she debated the wisdom of hiring an exasperating clock watching perfectionist for a managing editor. Exasperating because she couldn’t fire him when she wanted to. Like now.
Jason shouted from the main office. “Someone else is here to see you. And you’re not going to like who.”
Ryan McIntyre stepped into Shelby’s office. “Got a minute for an old buddy?”
His smile was easy, charming. Of the two brothers, Shelby had always liked Ryan better, perhaps because he didn’t have any built-in animosity toward her. He treated her with the casual friendliness he might a little sister. Which didn’t mean Shelby trusted him. Ryan McIntyre looked out for himself. “I might have time if you’re here as an old buddy. But if you’re here to snow me you may as well back out the way you came in. I’m too busy today.”
“I understand. Sawyer mentioned your lunch date. I have to tell you, I was surprised given the history you two have.”
“Sawyer’s meeting Dolly for lunch today, yes.” Shelby fixed her eyes on the computer screen. She moved her fingers over the keyboard tapping out gobbledygook that she’d have to clean up later.
“That’s not exactly accurate, is it? And I know how you love accuracy. According to Dolly, you and Sawyer are quite an item. Have been for some time, although it’s news to me. When Sawyer mentioned the favor he was doing for you, in my wildest dreams I didn’t think it was pretending to be in love with you.”
Shelby froze with her fingers on the keys. Her mind rapidly ran through various excuses and explanations like a mouse in a maze. Nothing came to her. No way out. He had her trapped.
“And to think you used to be my favorite McIntyre,” Shelby grumbled. “What do you want, Ryan? What’s it going to take for you to keep your mouth shut for a few hours? What’s your ask, as your brother would say.”
“Don’t send a reporter to the town council meeting this afternoon. Straight exchange. My couple of hours for your couple of hours.”
“No can do. Now run along. I’ve got work to do.” Shelby waved him off dismissively and returned her attention to the screen, praying he wouldn’t call her bluff.
> “Okay.” Ryan lifted his shoulders easily and turned to leave. “I hate to see Dolly lied to in any case. When she discovered the truth, it’d only hurt her more knowing I was in on it too. In this situation, honesty is the best policy. She’s going hear it from me that my brother is not now, nor has he ever been, romantically involved with you.”
“You would too, wouldn’t you.”
Ryan shrugged and met her eyes. “It’s a couple of hours. It won’t kill either one of us or this town if we called a truce for a couple of hours.”
Shelby fixed him with a cold stare. “All right. You win. I won’t send a reporter to the meeting this afternoon. But I will be getting a transcript of the minutes from the town clerk and if I find anything in there worth investigating, I will.”
“I would expect nothing less,” said Ryan.
“And if you breathe a word of this to anyone, there won’t be an area of your life that’ll be off-limits to me. Got it?”
Ryan saluted and clicked his heels together. “Pleasure doing business with you, Miss Porter. Have a nice lunch.”
Shelby waited until she heard the front door close, signaling Ryan’s departure and then let herself breath again. This was going to be tricky. She left her desk and stepped into the main office.
“Hey, everyone,” she said. Even she could tell the hearty cheer in her voice sounded false.
Jason, Andrea and Trevor looked up from their computer screens and snapped their attention in her direction.
“What’s wrong?” Jason demanded.
“Nothing,” Shelby protested. Trust Jason to suspect the worst. “Can’t a person be in a good mood around here?”
“You—in a good mood before the paper comes out with the deadline for your editorial looming.” Andrea eyed her skeptically. “No. Better break it to us. Who’s getting fired?”
“No one’s getting fired. Yet.” Shelby slid her glasses from her nose and glared at her team. They were underpaid and overworked and she couldn’t produce the paper without them. God help her if they ever found out.
Lie For Me: Autumn (Mandrake Falls Series Romance Book 2) Page 5
