The Panic Zone Read Online Free PDF

can’t say more, I have to go.”
    Gannon shouldered his way through the pack and when he reached Luiz, they started walking toward the bureau. It was a few blocks away.
    â€œWhat the hell was that?” Gannon said. “How did they know my name and everything else?”
    â€œWhen they spotted you inside the line, they thought you were getting preferential treatment and complained to the other officers, who told them you were with WPA.”
    â€œPreferential treatment?” Gannon shook his head, glanced over his shoulder, relieved no one was following them. “I didn’t get any stinking preferential treatment from that detective.”
    â€œRoberto Estralla.”
    â€œThat’s right.”
    â€œHe’s one of Rio’s most respected investigators but he detests reporters. Those at the barricade were impressed he allowed you to cross the police line and talk to him.”
    Different town, different rules, Gannon thought, taking a parting glance back at the scene. There was something there.
    Something he was overlooking.

CHAPTER 6
    W hen they returned, Gannon saw himself on one the bureau’s TV screens.
    The sound was muted.
    Frank Archer was in the office with two other people. A man sat at a desk talking softly in Spanish on his cell phone, while Archer worked with a woman typing on a keyboard.
    â€œYou’re amazing, Jack,” Archer said. “Within hours of landing, you’ve become the official spokesperson for the World Press Alliance while also helping the Rio press with their stories.”
    â€œExcuse me?”
    â€œGlobo and SBT both carried you live from the scene. They’ll run your performance all day. Good job, Gannon.”
    â€œThose networks reach about one hundred million people,” the woman said without looking at Gannon.
    â€œI’m sorry, have we met?” he asked her.
    The tanned woman was in her early thirties, wearing a print shirt and white slacks. She had short blond hair and a cool hand when Gannon shook it.
    â€œSally Turner, Caracas Bureau. The grump on the phone is Hugh Porter from our Buenos Aires Bureau.”
    Porter extended his hand while remaining on his call. Gannon shook it then saw the second TV cut back to news.
    â€œJack,” Archer said, “are you aware of the WPA policy about reporters granting interviews to other reporters?”
    Gannon shook his head, keeping his attention on the TV screens.
    â€œWe don’t comment on the news,” Archer said.
    â€œWell, now we are the news, Frank. I didn’t say anything wrong. Besides, my instructions from you were to go to the scene and press the lead investigators for information and that’s what I did.”
    â€œWhat did you get from Estralla?” Porter asked after finishing his call.
    â€œAttitude.”
    â€œAnything to contribute to our story?” Archer asked.
    Gannon didn’t answer. He was watching the news reports on the TV screens, footage of him talking with the detectives. Archer turned on the sound and Gannon heard his English dubbed into Portuguese. Then he saw his name in the graphic at the bottom, Journalista de Jack Gannon, Aliança da Imprensa do Mundo.
    Gannon scrutinized the TV images. He was missing something.
    â€œJack,” Archer said, “anything for the story? We have to file to New York.”
    â€œNo.”
    â€œI didn’t expect anything.” Archer turned to the others. “Porter?”
    â€œMy source in Bogotá says one of the victims is Angella Roho-Ruiz, daughter of Paulo Roho-Ruiz, a high-ranking member of a powerful Colombian cartel.”
    â€œThat fits with what I’m picking up,” Turner said. “This is a retaliatory hit arising from a debt or vendetta with a gang from one of the favelas.”
    â€œAngella Roho-Ruiz had to be Gabriela’s source,” Porter said.
    â€œYou know that for a fact?” Gannon asked.
    â€œNot yet.”
    â€œDo