Read Online The Black List by Robin Burcell - Free Book Online Page A

his keys on his desk, his gaze catching on the envelope that Dorian had sent.
    “I was about to go get coffee,” Tex said, stopping in the doorway.
    “Already had some.” He picked up the envelope. “These are the passes that came for you yesterday.”
    “The From Sticks to Bricks charity fund-raiser?”
    “The same. I was wondering if Dorian sent them on his own, or was he forced? Of course, the bigger question is, why?”
    “Since he thinks we’re reporters, maybe it was to talk us out of doing an investigative article. I think we should go.”
    “ You should go. Someone needs to work surveillance.”
    “Two-man team’s not going to cut it,” Tex said. “Who are you planning for a third person?”
    “It’s New Year’s eve. Not like there’s anyone around.”
    Tex sat in one of the chairs and leaned back, propping his boots up on the edge of Griffin’s desk. “There’s always Fitzpatrick.”
    “She’s on administrative leave.”
    “Like red tape has ever stopped us? Or are you trying to avoid her?”
    “Why would I do that?”
    Tex gave a cynical laugh. “Talk about stepping around the elephant in the room.”
    “Any two-ton behemoths present are wearing cowboy boots. And for the record, she’s the one who asked not to be included. I’m merely respecting her wishes.”
    “You need to tell her, Griff. Before you do anything stupid.”
    “Stupid?”
    “Like sleep with her.”
    “Weren’t you on your way to get coffee?”
    Tex stood. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
    “Close the door on the way out . . . and take your elephant with you.”
    Syd had just returned from the grocery store when Tex called, asking, “Any chance you’re free tonight, starting around five?”
    “Depends,” she said. “If you have a better offer, I’m there.”
    “Stakeout. Dress warm and bring a gun.” He told her what was going on. Not what she had in mind for New Year’s eve. Still, it beat sitting at home with Carillo and company.
    Sydney walked into the Washington Recorder right at closing, and one of the staff looked up, saw her, then made a phone call. Apparently her presence around here was old hat. A minute later the elevator door opened and Tex emerged in a tuxedo. “A little overdressed, aren’t you?” Sydney asked once the elevator started its ascent.
    “Did I mention you’d be in the surveillance van with Griffin?”
    “You sort of glossed over that part.”
    “Guess we could always ask Carillo, and you could have the night off.”
    “So I can sit home drinking cider with his wife and her lover? Hmmm . . . Let me think about it . . .”
    “So how is Carillo?”
    “A little stir crazy, being cooped up.”
    “Beats going to their funeral,” he said, leading her into the conference room, where their equipment for the night was laid out on the long table.
    He was sorting through the earpieces when Griffin walked in.
    “I need the keys—” Griffin stopped short at the sight of Sydney. “You’re definitely not Marco.”
    “Dang.” Sydney reached up and felt her face. “I knew something was off when I looked in the mirror this morning.”
    “Marco couldn’t make it,” Tex said. “Last-minute replacement.” He inserted the earpiece, then turned to Sydney. “Does this receiver make me look fat?”
    “Do I have to answer that?”
    “Where’re the keys?” Griffin asked, looking slightly perturbed.
    “My desk.”
    Griffin left, and Sydney eyed Tex. “Glossed over me being here, too?”
    “Might’ve slipped my mind.”
    “Should be an interesting evening.”
    “Hey. I’m the one facing danger.”
    “From Griffin, maybe.”
    An hour later Griffin and Sydney were seated in the surveillance van, watching the front of the hotel as Tex parked, then walked across the lot into the lobby. There was an awkward silence between the two, and Sydney looked over at Griffin as he stared straight ahead.
    She laughed. “I don’t bite, you know.”
    Griffin didn’t quite