She had not simply found a story that would stand out from the fall lineup of exposés commemorating the twenty-year anniversary of 9/11, she had found a mystery. She had traveled across the country for another, perhaps more important, reason. She was using the identification of Victoria Ford’s remains as cover to hide the real purpose of her presence in New York, which was to finish the business of the Montgomery family for good. But somehow, without looking for it, Avery found herself in the middle of the Catskill Mountains with an afternoon wine buzz and staring at a big, fat ratings giant of a mystery.

“I’m a big believer in fate,” Emma said. “Everything happens for a reason. I believe fate brought you to my doorstep. Victoria asked me to clear her name. She didn’t want to be remembered as a killer. Over the years, I haven’t had much success in disproving any part of the case against Victoria. The blood, the urine, or any of the other evidence. But I haven’t had much help either. Maybe that’s about to change? With your help . . . I mean together, maybe you and I will have better luck. The same way that Victoria will always be that young and healthy woman in my mind, she will always be innocent to me, as well. So when you asked if finally identifying my sister’s remains brings me closure . . . perhaps a bit. But the only thing that will bring me peace is finally proving that my baby sister never killed anyone. Will you help me?”

Avery’s agent had asked for details about the content Avery planned to bring to the upcoming season of American Events. Dwight Corey had asked for ammunition before he went back to the negotiating table. She had just stumbled into a munitions factory.

“Will you help me?” Emma asked again.

Avery slowly nodded. “I will.”

PART III - Deception

PART III

Deception

CHAPTER 21 - Manhattan, NY Monday, June 28, 2021

CHAPTER 21

Manhattan, NY Monday, June 28, 2021

“WHERE?” DWIGHT COREY ASKED.

Avery sat at Jacques, the bar at the Lowell Hotel, and used the straw to stir the ice in her Tito’s and soda. It had been three days since her drunken afternoon with Emma Kind, when two bottles of chardonnay had accompanied some startling revelations about Victoria Ford.

“New York,” Avery said.

“What are you doing in New York?

“Chasing a story.”

“Well, your timing is for shit. Mosley Germaine wants to meet to discuss your contract. He’s left a string of messages for me to call him back.”

“Did they come up from seven-fifty?”

“They’re holding firm, but they want to talk incentives and perks.”

“I’m not talking incentives and perks until the base is set. Did you get my e-mail?”