"Capital Offense" - читать интересную книгу автора (Antrim Kathleen)

SIXTEEN

Jack Rudly strode across the tarmac about ten yards behind the president of the United States. The wind whipped at his face, and the crisp morning air sent a shiver through his body. Freshly fallen leaves skipped across the ground. He looked up at the glimmer of yellow light on the horizon as it blended into shades of pale blue and pushed against the navy darkness of the night sky.

Absently, he adjusted his tie. This was his first morning covering the White House in the “tight pool.” Every White House correspondent traveled in the press plane, except the tight pool. Chosen on a rotating basis, this small group spent every moment near the president on catastrophe watch, then reported anything significant to the regular press pool.

Jack boarded Air Force One and found his seat. He had to admit that since joining the Today news organization, his accommodations had improved dramatically. But was this what he wanted? Wearing a suit and baby-sitting the president in hopes of a scoop that he’d have to share with the rest of the press population. Adrenaline had been his steady diet for years. Now his biggest rush would be when the plane took off.

Jack reached for a cigarette, then stopped himself Air Force One had rules about such things. Damn, domestic issues just didn’t hold the charm that life as a foreign correspondent had. This was success, he reminded himself, what his goal had been, a senior position with an excellent news organization.

He remembered his discussion with his father about joining Today. His father had been right: living on the cutting edge of life didn’t bode well for any type of meaningful relationship. And his former lifestyle and passion for journalism had caused more damage to his personal life than he cared to admit.

Having learned the hard way, Jack would no longer subject someone he loved to the nomadic and dangerous life of a foreign correspondent. Thus, after his wife died, he’d remained single and alone. The only exception had been Katherine Seals, and the ruin of that relationship proved his fears.

But high-risk investigative journalism coursed through his veins, the essence of who he’d become as a man. Had he sold out? Or had he grown up? As his father insisted.

Jack ignored the voices of the men and women around him. Had he made the right decision to return to the United States and a safer way of living? Granted, he was sick of the loneliness and he wanted a family, but it wasn’t as if the love of his life waited for him. In fact, he hadn’t had a real date in six months.

“Hey. Rudly, what are you doin‘ here?”

Thoughts broken, Jack turned toward the voice of Sam Hutton, another reporter and an old friend. “Just getting a story like everybody else.”

“I thought you were off fightin‘ the brave fight as a foreign correspondent. You know, hardcore news, war zones, dictators, the real stuff. This seems a little tame for you. Who clipped your wings?”

At Jack’s glare. Sam burst out laughing, then said. “You don’t look like a happy camper, buddy. What’s the deal?”

“I’ve decided to focus on domestic issues and stick closer to home. I’m sick of having bullets whiz past my head.”

“Doesn’t sound like the Jack Rudly I know.”

Jack shrugged.

“So, the rumors are true. You left Associated Press and joined Today.”

“Don’t give me that rumor crap. Sam.” Jack broke into a smile. “You probably knew before I did that Today was going to make me an offer. Shit, with your sources, you probably know how much I make, and how many tax deductions I take.”

“I appreciate the compliment, but you give me too much credit. The question is… will you still talk with the rest of us now that you’ve hit the big time?”

Jack’s face grew red. “Knock it off, Sam.”

“All right, all right. How long have you been with them?”

“What’s today? November filth?”

“Yup.”

“One month exactly.” Jack said.

“And you’ve already rotated into the tight pool. I’m impressed.”

“Don’t be. Today was slotted for the spot.”

“Well. I suppose the rest of us can go home,” Sam said.

“Why? Afraid of the competition?”

“Damn right I am. Your reputation precedes you.”