Whether the incident would spook Eve enough to make her rethink the risk of hosting a controversial radio show remained to be seen.

But she had to be scared. You’d be stupid not to be.

And Eve Reilly wasn’t stupid.

Carolyn’s lips curved up.

Whatever the outcome of today’s little caper, she and Doug would have much to talk about at their lunch on Monday.

Al

Fri., Aug. 24, 10:50 p.m.

Have u seen the news?

Dan

Fri., Aug. 24, 10:56 p.m.

Yes. I was going 2 contact u. The window is open.

Al

Fri., Aug. 24, 10:56 p.m.

Agreed.

Dan

Fri., Aug. 24, 10:57 p.m.

This will take careful coordination. Are u in?

Al

Fri., Aug. 24, 10:57 p.m.

Yes.

Dan

Fri., Aug. 24, 10:58 p.m.

I’ll be back n touch with further direction. Stand by.

4

THAT’S A WRAP, EVE. Great show.”

As Ryan’s voice came over her headset, Eve gave the technician behind the large window that separated the studio from the sound booth a thumbs-up. “Thanks. I’ll be out of here in thirty seconds.”

“No hurry. Joe went to get a cup of coffee, and the eight o’clock news break is just starting to roll.”

“I’m ready to call it a morning anyway.” She removed the headset, slipped her notes and background material into a tote bag, and stretched her back before exiting the studio.

Doug was waiting for her in the hall. “Busy morning. Ryan said the phones were ringing off the hook.”

“Did you catch the whole program?”

“Yeah. I think it was smart to tackle the bomb threat up front and open the show to discussion.”

“No sense ignoring the elephant in the room. What did you think of the comments?”

“Your supporters were out in force—a bunch of them pretty worked up.”

“I know. What surprised me more were the calls from a few of my regular critics offering their support. I know the police think one of them could have left the bomb, but I’m sticking with my conviction that they’re more words than action.”

“Speaking of the police, I spoke with your detective twice over the weekend. They already have a court order for a phone trap on your call line, and Ryan tagged the regular callers for him this morning. He also wants to come by as soon as Meg can pull together a file of negative correspondence.”

As if on cue, the door at the end of the corridor opened and the station’s newest administrative assistant hurried down the hall.

Eve lifted a hand in greeting as she approached. “Were your ears burning?”

“You were talking about me?” She joined them.

“All positive comments.”

“I have to deal with several urgent emails.” Doug took a swig of coffee. “Meg, let’s talk once you’re settled in for the day.”

“Sure. I’ll be there in five.”