The Do-Over Read Online Free PDF

know it. I think you’d do a good job telling it.”
    “And if I don’t help you?”
    “I like your work. It’s good, but Thomas Watkins’s work is equally impressive, and I’m sure he’ll agree to my terms.” At the mention of Watkins, Kyle downed his second drink and motioned for a third.
    “Oh…so Thomas Watkins will help you sink your hooks into Brad? I didn’t know they knew each other.”
    “No, not those terms, but he’ll respect what’s off the record.”
    “I don’t make the news. I just report it.”
    “Bullshit. You can still report it and respect my clients at the same time.”
    “Like you are? Selling them out by bribing me?”
    Lanie actually looked offended. He had insulted her looks, her mental stability, and her personality without any reproach from her. Yet mention her integrity and she was upset. Lawyers…go figure.
    “I’m not selling them out. I’ve read everything you’ve written and researched the hell out of it. Barbara Walters wants this interview and Oprah’s willing to come out of retirement, but I want you to tell it. And it’s not just because you’ll help me, but I know you’ll do a good job. This story requires the thoughtfulness that only the written word can provide and the integrity that a diligent newspaperman like you can offer. I’m doing this case pro bono, and my main goal is to protect them while making sure that the parties responsible are held accountable. If I fail in the physical courtroom, then at least we can prevail in the court of public opinion.”
    Kyle was impressed by Lanie’s speech, although he tried not to show it. “Nice sermon, but we both know you are no Mother Teresa.”
    “No, not her, but if a comparison were to be made, I would associate myself with Gandhi.” This time Kyle did choke on his drink. He gaped at her with a mixture of amusement and skepticism. “After all, we are both lawyers,” she said, smiling brightly.
    Kyle laughed heartily, appreciating her joke. She was assertive and mousy, but at the same time, she definitely had a sense of humor. Lanie Carmichael was a total paradox in his book.
    “Sorry, Counselor, you make a good argument, but I’m not selling out my buddy.”
    “You wouldn’t be. Like I said, I’m not out to do anything malicious. I know I’ve intrigued you enough that you’re considering it.”
    “Why do you say that?”
    Lanie leaned in closer to Kyle, dropping her voice to a whisper. “Because this story is the road to the Pulitzer, something you covet very badly. I’m willing to bet that just the idea of this story is making you harder than the blonde at the bar.”
    Kyle shifted uncomfortably, wondering if her powers of observation materialized from reading minds. He was genuinely thinking of her insane offer, and it made him feel guilty. After all, he wasn’t deceitful. He was a sex addict, but he was always honest with the girls he slept with, and he thought himself a decent friend. The fact that he was even out with this girl proved that on some level.
    He turned to her, deciding he’d heard enough. “Listen, psycho, there’s no way I’m helping you. Really, the most decent thing I can do is burst your insanely large bubble. Stop kidding yourself. As nice as Brad is to you, he’ll never be into you. He likes women who are soft, curvaceous, and…well, feminine. You make the average librarian look like a runway model. It’s a damn shame that you’re not pretty like I’m sure your sister is. It’s worse that you weren’t even blessed with a good personality.” She remained stone-faced while he said it, which just irked him. “By the way, 1980 called and wants its shoulder pads back.” Kyle ended his tirade by slamming his glass down.
    To his disappointment, she didn’t flinch, and her lower lip didn’t quiver. He had expected her to be in tears by now. Instead, she did the most astonishing thing of the night. She started laughing. Not a sarcastic or uncomfortable laugh, but a