Dead Air Read Online Free PDF Page B

station and Howard—” she paused, patting herself “—Howard disagreed. So Robert said he’d buy him out. Which I suppose he did, if Robert’s sold the station to you. Strange thing, though—lots of strange things. The sale, those awful attacks, Robert and Howard quarreling when I’ve never known either man to have a harsh word for anyone.” She shook her head. “You be careful over there, young man. There’s something wrong there, mark my words.”
    After handing over a five for the tip, Clark nodded. “Yes, ma’am. I sure will.”
    He made a swift getaway, and slipped into his car, realizing she was right. There was something wrong. A big part of him wanted to ignore it. He was sick to death of scandal and accusations and uncovering truths ruthless people would go to great lengths to keep covered. He’d come to Mystique to slow down, to relax. And yet…once a newsman, always a newsman. And that newsman instinct was telling him that he couldn’t let this drop, couldn’t walk away before he’d learned what was really going on.
    Life in Mystique might turn out to be a lot more exciting than he’d thought.

FOUR
    G abby glanced at Mr. McKay, headphones settled over his ears. It was five minutes till eight when he’d shown up, ready to make the big announcement. That she was less than enthusiastic shouldn’t come across in her voice.
    This was her job. Mr. McKay was her boss, no matter how much the idea bothered her.
    The song ended, and she keyed up her mic. “Good evening, Mystique. Thank you for listening. This is Gabby Rogillio, playing the dedications of your heart. Before I move into the next set, as I promised you earlier, we have a very important announcement to make.” She licked her lips, willing excitement into her tone. “In the studio with me tonight is Mr. Clark McKay. Welcome, Mr. McKay.”
    He leaned toward the mic she’d set for him. “Thank you, Gabby.”
    “Why don’t you tell our listeners about the big KLUV announcement?”
    “Certainly. I’m pleased to announce that I’ve purchased KLUV from Mr. Ellison.”
    “Mystique, I hope you all give Mr. McKay a true Southern welcome. He’s from the Philadelphia area, so let’s pull out the welcome rug and show him what Southern hospitality is allabout.” She queued the station identification tune. “After these messages, we’ll get back to the dedications of your heart.” She set the loop, turned off her mic and removed the headphones.
    Mr. McKay did the same. “So, how do you think it went?”
    She glanced at the flashing lights on the phone. “We’ll see.” She pressed the button and answered via speakerphone. “KLUV, you’re on the air.”
    “Hey, Gabby, did I hear you right? A Yankee bought the station?”
    She gestured for Mr. McKay to answer.
    He paused for a moment, as if to gather his thoughts.
    “Gabby, you there?”
    She couldn’t leave a caller hanging. “Sure, we’re here. Mr. McKay is the new owner of KLUV. We’re all very excited to start a new chapter for the station.”
    “But he’s a Yankee, right?”
    She put her smile into her voice. “Only by birth, not by choice.”
    The caller laughed. “Then I’ll look forward to meeting him. Thanks, Gabby.”
    She took the next call. “KLUV, you’re on the air.”
    “This Mr. McKay…how’d he buy the station? I heard Mr. Ellison’s unconscious.”
    She looked to Clark again. This time, he came through.
    “Mr. Ellison and I have been negotiating for days. The paperwork was finalized this week, before this incident occurred.”
    “Oh, hello, Mr. McKay.”
    “Hello.” He glanced at Gabby. “I’m really looking forward to meeting everyone in Mystique and making this my home.”
    No response over the line. He looked to Gabby again.
    She shrugged. “Do you have a dedication?”
    “No, I just wanted to know what was going on.”
    Gabby pressed the button again. “KLUV, you’re on the air.”
    “I have a message for Mr. McKay….”
    The hairs on