No Fear by Nolon King & David W Wright

Author:Nolon King & David W Wright [King, Nolon & Wright, David W]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sterling & Stone
Published: 2020-08-11T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22 - Mallory Black

The studio lights were bright, making Mal anxious as she sat at the desk across from her old boss. It was the first time Mal had seen Gloria Bell since Barry’s reelection.

Gloria had gone from sheriff to host of a Sunday morning political talk show on the local cable network where she tackled issues involving race, women’s rights, gay and trans rights, or any topics typically ignored by the press in a mostly conservative county. Her show didn’t have a big audience, basically being a step above public access. But the right people watched it, and Gloria was finding a way to influence local leaders and help people despite her recent loss.

Mal thought Gloria was far more suited to this career than she’d been to being sheriff. Here she could actually make a difference. She was terrific at talking on camera and interviewing guests.

She called Cameron Ford at first, hoping he would broadcast a message out about the missing girl. He did the bare minimum, a photo and a hotline number, saying it was late and he’d touch base with her in the morning.

He also said, after conferring with the sheriff, they ought not to mention the twenty-four-hour deadline, not knowing if this was a legitimate crime or a prank. No need to spook the citizens unnecessarily. They didn’t want people to think there was a serial killer out there. That might make the sheriff look like he was allowing it to happen on his watch, and Barry fancied himself a tough-on-crime bad-ass where criminals quaked in their boots and never dared to challenge his authority. As if God himself had appointed him Sheriff of the World.

Frustrated, she called Gloria and asked if they could get a segment on the news, knowing local politicians would pay more attention if it was on her show and might even pressure the sheriff to do his fucking job. The segment would be live tonight then replayed in the morning another four or five times. Hopefully, the extra press would get word out on the missing girl and maybe someone would come forward with a name or any helpful information.

“You look great, Mal. Everything good?” Probably Gloria’s way of asking if she was sober.

“I’m doing better. You look five years younger. This job really suits you.”

“I hated losing the election, but everything for a reason. This feels right.”

The producer — a tall, redheaded trans woman named Jasmine — came over and double-checked Gloria’s notes. “We’re live in one minute,” she said before backing away from the set, donning her headset, then giving direction to the control room.

“You know he’s going to fire you for this,” Gloria warned.

“Let him try.” Mal glanced across the studio at the main news desk where the co-anchors were prepping themselves.

Gloria gave her a smile. “It’s good to see you again.”

The producer said, “Live in five, four, three, two, go!”

“We come to you tonight with an urgent plea to help identify this missing woman,” Gloria started.

The photo the unsub sent Mal appeared on the screen as her host spoke over it.

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