“All’s fair in the game of journalism. Anyway, I’ve looked into Tanner’s past and found out that, believe it or not…Jackson Halo…he’s Tanner’s father. I got an interview with his mother and everything, and she confirmed. I’m sure you can connect the rest of the dots yourself, sweetheart.”
I swallow, but suddenly, my mouth has gone dry.
“That doesn’t mean anything, Lis.”
That’s a lie.
“Look, I just I thought you should know first, particularly bearing in mind your current situation. But soon, the entire world will know.”
And Tanner might go down as a result.
God. A year ago, I wouldn’t have given a shit.
A year ago, I would have let him take the knocks in his stocks and deal.
But now, we’re in this together.
And I can’t let him go down for this.
“Okay,” I say, “how about I offer you a deal?”
There goes that single eyebrow thing again.
“What kind of deal?”
“You don’t publish anything about anyone for the next twenty-four hours,”
“Why would I do that?”
I roll my eyes. Why do people interrupt before the full deal is put on the table?
“And in return, I give you my baby exclusive.”
“You’re pretty sure it’s a positive for someone who hasn’t taken the test yet.”
“What can I say, Lis? A woman knows. You’ll have exclusive rights and be the first to find out everything directly from me.” I take a deep breath. “Do we have a deal?”
Lis nods.
“We have a deal.”
This day is getting shittier by the minute. If I wasn’t currently carrying Tanner Sharpe’s baby, I’d go have a drink.
Instead, I need to make a phone call.
It takes less than two rings before he picks up.
“We need to talk,” I say.
“Agreed,” Tanner replies.
The tone of his voice on the other end of the line sounds just as serious as mine.
The Capitalist Chronicle
Sex, Lines, and Measuring Tape
By Lis Langley