The Do-Over Read Online Free PDF Page A

total of three reasons you should help me. First, my intentions are not malicious. I’m blunt but honest and caring.”
    Kyle snorted audibly.
    “I know it’s hard for you to see that, but I love my sister. I would never do anything to jeopardize her relationship. It will self-destruct in a matter of time. I just want to be prepared to start my pursuit of Brad when that happens. Second, I know you’ve been friends with Brad since elementary school. I also know that there’s some part of you that dislikes him.”
    Kyle narrowed his eyes, dreading what Lanie knew. “What did he tell you?”
    “Nothing at all. Brad and I are just friends and colleagues. We haven’t had any real personal conversations, but as I said, I’m a good observer. Brad twitches slightly when he talks about you, and you tend to grit your teeth when you talk about him. I don’t know why you had a scuffle. I assume it’s over a girl, but I really don’t care. The point is, I think part of you doesn’t like Brad, and that works in my favor.”
    “He’s my friend. I’m loyal to him, not you.”
    “I know, but you can’t be that loyal if you’re still talking to me. Face it. As much as you hate to admit it, you’re interested in what I have to say.”
    Goddamn, she’s right . “Look, I wouldn’t wish your brand of crazy on my worst enemy, let alone my best friend. Those reasons are bullshit.”
    “The third reason is probably the deal maker. Another thing I observe about you, Kyle Manchester, is that you take pride in your work, and you covet recognition for it.”
    “Doesn’t everyone?”
    “Not everyone is as ambitious as you. It’s true that I do read your articles, and I am very impressed by the sincerity of your stories. Do you know Melinda Hayes?”
    Kyle almost snorted again. How did Melinda Hayes get in this conversation? The only balls Lanie knew how to throw were curve balls. Melinda Hayes was a household name, the reclusive ex-wife of Senator Hayes and one of the most hated women in America. She had been arrested several years ago for running one of the largest and most successful brothels in the state, best known for employing underage girls.
    “Of course I know who she is. What about her?”
    “Some of her victims are my clients, and they tell a very different story than she does.” Melinda Hayes had always maintained her innocence, and despite overwhelming evidence, she was never convicted. The whole thing smelled of government conspiracy and bureaucracy. It had been five years since the not-guilty verdict, but people still wanted blood. The victims had never spoken out publicly, leading to wild assumptions they were paid for their silence.
    “And what does that have to do with me?”
    “My clients are ready to tell their story. I’m handling their civil case.”
    “Isn’t there a gag order to prevent them from speaking out?”
    “No, there never was. There was a different reason they remained anonymous.”
    “What?”
    Lanie laughed, shaking her head. “Do you honestly think I would throw down my cards like that?”
    Kyle sighed in frustration. “So what are you saying, Miss Lanie? You’re offering me an interview in return for my help? Quid pro quo?”
    Lanie didn’t directly answer his question. Like a good lawyer, she skirted around the issue, stimulating his interest just enough so he didn’t insist on an answer. “I’ve been working with them a long time, and they trust me. There are certain things you can’t ask, but if you follow my instructions, you can have the scoop.”
    “It’s pretty fucked-up that you’d sell out your clients for a chance to maybe make it onto some guy’s radar.”
    She breathed an irritated sigh, showing at least one of Kyle’s statements had its intended effect. “First off, Brad is not some guy. He’s the guy…at least for me. Secondly, I’m not selling them out at all. They are going public anyway. Their story is inspirational and tragic, and people need to