Dead Man's Rules Read Online Free PDF Page A

in. Audrey began shooting the instant Freeda steered the car onto the street. Skillfully, she maneuvered her way through traffic to a spot behind the limo much to Audrey’s shouted delight.
    The limo led them east to the 405 Freeway, then north to Sunset Boulevard where they wound through the curves of Beverly Hills. It finally turned onto a side street and stopped in a driveway. Freeda whipped the car around in a U-turn.
    As Randy and his mother emerged from the limo, Audrey steadied herself on the door and began shooting. The woman glanced toward the street, face pale, her lips pulled into a thin line. The boy stood frozen for a moment, looking bewildered.
    “Zoom in on his face,” Cere called to Audrey.
    The door to the house opened, and a tall, familiar figure appeared. Richard Waverly had starred in dozens of movies and there was no mistaking his thick blond, wavy hair.
    “Daddy,” the boy shouted and ran toward him.
    The man caught Randy in his arms. “Welcome home, buddy boy.”
    The woman gestured toward the street as Waverly looked up. He put his arm around her and Randy in a protective motion and they walked toward the house. The portly attorney glared at the three women as he climbed from the limo, but Audrey kept recording.
    Cere waved a fist in triumph. “They can issue all the statements they want.”
    “Yup, we got the real story right here.” Audrey tapped her camera off as the door to the house closed.
    “I bet everyone complains about us following the limo and interrupting the family reunion,” Freeda added with a delighted giggle.
    “Only after they ask if they can have the video,” Cere said. “I guess Daddy wasn’t in Italy after all. Good work, ladies.”
    The three exchanged high fives and slid back into the car.

Chapter Four
    “To the Waverly reunion.” Cere lifted her glass of champagne as Freeda and Audrey joined her. They were giddy even though they hadn’t drunk a single drop. Audrey’s video had won Cere the coveted lead spot on the Scope broadcast and had been the headline video for the network. Gail used it in her report, but Cere didn’t care. She’d done so many interviews with national TV outlets, her face would be everywhere for the next twenty-four hours.
    “Did you call Nena and Tia Lottie?” Freeda asked. Cere might be the caretaker, but Freeda made certain they met familial obligations.
    “I’ll call in the morning. When I sober up.” They cheered and drank another gulp of champagne.
    “Now that the trial is over, we should go see your mom,” Freeda urged. “I’ve heard New Mexico is beautiful in June.”
    Cere’s champagne glass thumped on the marble table top. “Are you kidding? I can’t leave now. Tomorrow I’m calling the Waverlys to see if they’ll do an interview.”
    “The network tried that,” Audrey said. “The family left town for Mexico or New Mexico. I overheard a producer telling the bureau chief this afternoon.”
    “Our network chief?” Cere asked. “What were you doing hanging with the enemies?”
    Audrey focused on her champagne glass. “I might as well tell you. The network has asked me to work out of the LA bureau. Alan called when I got back today and I met with the bureau chief. He wants me to start in two weeks.”
    Cere didn’t know if she was pleased or envious. Probably both. If anyone deserved a shot at the network, it was Audrey. Had the brass noticed her efforts too?
    “Congratulations!” she said, raising her glass again. “Now we really have something to celebrate.”
    “I put in a plug for you,” Audrey said. “Don’t be surprised if they call you next.”
    “They’ll call if I track down the Waverlys and get an interview.”
    Audrey shook her head. “You never quit, do you?”
    Cere drained her glass. “Nope.”
    Audrey grabbed the bottle and frowned. She lurched to her feet. “We need more champagne and I’m buying the next round.” Without waiting for a server, she pushed her way through the crowd