Read Online Compulsion (Max Revere Novels Book 2) by Allison Brennan - Free Book Online

good working relationship—after the initial bumps. He looked good on camera, with a square jaw and gray eyes and chiseled cheekbones and impossibly straight, white teeth (which Catherine had once told her, after a few drinks, were all capped). He also had a great voice, and recorded a news summary podcast every evening that surpassed expectations. It was a subscription-based podcast, one of the first of its kind. But he had a temper and was cocky, and his wife Nadine was a bitch who Max avoided at all costs. Catherine often called them Ken and Barbie, if Ken had a mean streak and Barbie was a ball-breaker.
    Ace approached her as soon as he saw her emerge from the building. “You interviewed Bachman without telling me?”
    “It happened last minute. You knew I was pushing for it.”
    “My contacts said it would never happen.”
    He should have had more faith in her, but she didn’t say it. “Ben should have told you.”
    “He did—as I was leaving the studio to come here. I would have prepared. I’m going to look like a fool.”
    “You could never look like a fool, Ace.” Stroking his ego usually calmed him. “And don’t ask me about it. I’m using it for my show.”
    “People know. It’s out there. Two stations said you were interviewing him.”
    “Why would they promote another program?”
    He sighed loudly. “It’s news. He hasn’t talked to anyone and he picks you? ”
    “Is that an insult?”
    He looked perplexed. “No. No, of course not. It’s that you’re not exactly known for coddling killers. I have to ask you about it. NET gets the exclusive. You don’t have to give everything away, just a taste.”
    “There’s nothing to give away. He didn’t give me shit.” Nothing she could use to find the Palazzolos, at any rate. “But be general, and I’ll share a teaser. Fair?”
    Tommy was waving for them and tapping his watch.
    “It’ll have to be,” he said, still angry. “Let’s do this.”
    Tommy had set up two tall director’s chairs so they could sit—Max never thought the trick would work, but when she’d seen clips of similar shots, she liked how intimate and friendly the outdoor sit-down looked. They were running a live four-minute spot, then they’d tape an extended interview, which would be edited for the expanded Internet release and a special for NET News at Night.
    Ace led with a brief on Adam Bachman, then his “People on the Street” quotes—what the average person thought about the trial and if they felt safe in light of the murders.
    “You can watch the clips now on NET.” He smiled, turned to Max. “Our viewers are pleased that NET’s own Maxine Revere is sitting in the courtroom for the duration of the trial, one of fourteen reporters approved by Judge Tarkoff to claim a coveted spectator seat. Because the courtroom is closed to most of the public and all electronic devices banned, this report is the first coming from day one of the trial. Maxine, what was your first impression after listening to opening statements?”
    “Good question, Ace,” Max said, giving him the verbal pat on the back that his ego needed. “It’s the first impression that often sticks with the jury after a weeklong trial. What struck me is that the defense is relying on the tactic of attempting to prove that the evidence is wholly circumstantial and that, in fact, there is reasonable doubt as to Mr. Bachman’s guilt. The prosecution is focusing on evidence more than emotions. They told the jury what they would prove, claiming to have sufficient evidence to prove that no one except Mr. Bachman could have killed these five tourists.”
    “Sounds very cut-and-dried.”
    “In many ways it is. Though Judge Tarkoff is known to be a tough judge—hence the banning of electronics, even among the media—he set out a tight calendar. He expects to have the trial wrapped up in four days. That means the jury could get the case as early as Thursday afternoon.”
    “What’s the jury pool