“Really,” Stuart confirms. “We know it was Graham who sent the video. Griffin managed to trace the burner phone, and we’ve got him on CCTV paying cash for it at a Walgreens in mid-town. And more is coming to light over Dennis and just how deeply involved he was with George Yates at the NYPD. There’s enough shit to stick, Harley. He won’t be getting away with it.”
“But what about the video?”
“We’re sending it to the police after his last interview.”
The blood in my veins turns to ice.
“You… You can’t do that, Stu.”
“We have to. If we want them charged with blackmail, then we have to hand it in as evidence.”
My head spins and I grip the edge of the marble counter with one hand to steady myself.
“But people will watch it. They’ll see him. It could get leaked.” My voice breaks as my chest floods with worry. “Those things happen all the time, don’t they? And won’t they make him watch it? Would they play it in a courtroom, and he would have to see?”
“I…” Stuart exhales “I don’t know for definite.” His voice sounds weary suddenly, and I can tell he hates the thought as much as I do.
“Would Riley know?” My thoughts fly to Reed’s twin sister. “She prosecutes assault cases. She will know how these things are handled.”
“Good idea. I’ll call her.”
“Did you look into my other idea? The one I texted you about?” I hold my breath, nervous anticipation held on pause in my stomach as I wait for his answer.
“I did. I can’t believe I never considered it before. You might be on to something. I asked Nina, and I sent her some stills from the beginning of the video… before anyone even comes into the room,” he adds to stem my panic. “She’s working on it. She said it’ll take her a while because it was so long ago, and the quality of the recording is so poor. But she thinks she might be able to come up with something.”
“That’s…” I slouch forward over the counter, laying my head in one hand. “That’s amazing. Thank you.”
“No. Thank you, Harley. It was a brilliant idea. It could really help.”
“I hope so,” I murmur. The sound of Reed’s deep voice floats from the living room TV and I squeeze my eyes shut.
“I have to go. He’s about to come off set and we have twenty minutes to get across the city for the next one.”
“When can I see him? When’s his last interview?” I don’t even attempt to hide my desperation, which is making my voice rise to a garbled squeak.
How long do I have to stop that video being seen by anyone?
That’s my actual question.
The only evidence of that night should be what Reed chooses to allow to stay in his head. And what he doesn’t should die and blow away on the wind like ashes of an old life that’s now passed.
Stuart clears his throat, and I can tell he’s considering the implications of telling me.
“Stu?” I whisper. “Please.”
There’s a long pause and my pulse thuds in my ears as I hold my breath.
“His next one. That’s his last live interview for the day.”
“How long do I have?”
He sighs as though it’s taking a lot out of him to admit it to me. But he does. And I swear if he was here, I would kiss him for it.
“One hour at most, Harley. That’s all.”
My heart goes into overdrive like it’s fighting to break free from my chest.
One hour before Reed’s life changes forever.