Deadline by James Anderson Page A

that happened between them is
just water under the bridge she burned?
    “ I must say you are always
full of surprises, Ashley. We haven’t seen or talked to each other
for almost a year and now you suddenly want to get married,” said
Chase starting to pick at his tortellini.
    “ Well, darling it isn’t as
if we don’t know each other very well. I’ve come to realize what a
catch you really are. Let’s face it; socially and income-wise we
are perfectly suited for one another. You must admit the sex wasn’t
bad either.”
    “ I can’t deny that,
Ashley. But a relationship and marriage can’t be based on just sex.
What makes you think a relationship between us would work any
better this time?”
    “ Because I’m a little
older and a lot smarter. I’ve dated other men but quite frankly
there are few fish in the sea out there that come up to your
standards. I’ve come to realize, Andrew that we truly belong
together. Daddy also likes you and feels you would be the perfect
husband for me. Time is also marching on, Andrew and I would like
to have a child.”
    “ Whoa, hold on there,
Ashley. First you talk marriage and now children. Pretty heavy
stuff for our first meeting. I like your father too, but I wouldn’t
be marrying him. I just don’t think this is very realistic now. As
I mentioned, I’m already involved with someone else.”
    “ Oh come on, Andrew. That
relationship can’t have any future. Whoever you’re currently
schtupping can’t possibly be a good candidate to become your wife
in the social circles we travel in.” Ashley calmly forked some
lettuce into her mouth as she talked.
    Chase picked up his beer and took a
sip. “Well perhaps you’d better let me be judge of
that.”
    “ Besides, Andrew. You need
to start thinking with more than that dick of yours. Our marriage
would have other benefits for you with the dowry my father would
pay.”
    “ Dowry. Whatever on earth
are you talking about, Ashley. You make it sound like an arranged
marriage.”
    Ashley smiled coyly at Chase. “Well,
Andrew, it’s no secret around town that you have serious financial
troubles with that newspaper toy of yours. I hear you’re shopping
around for a cash infusion to keep things afloat or you’ll be
forced to sell. I also happen to know the banks won’t extend you
any more credit.”
    “ I don’t know where you’re
getting these rumors from. But they’re just that, rumors. There is
no truth to them.” Chase continued to eat trying to pretend nothing
was amiss.
    “ That’s not what I or
Daddy hear and we have some pretty good connections in the
financial world, as you know.”
    “ So what, my financial
affairs are no concern of yours or your father.”
    “ Ah, but you’re wrong,
Andrew. Daddy and I want to see you do well. He believes you are
making progress with that newspaper of yours and a fresh investment
could help you turn the corner. Would $40 million help?
    “ $40 million! Your father
would be willing to invest $40 million in the Daily Express? Why?”
Chase almost choked on a piece of tortellini at this
news.
    “ Of course. He wants to
see me happy. He feels we would make an ideal couple. He wants to
be a grandfather. This is a small price for him to pay. He believes
it would be a good long-term investment for our family.”
    “ And what do I get out of
this?”
    “ That’s the wonderful
part, darling. You get to continue to play with that newspaper of
yours, plus you also get the added bonus of me – as your
wife!”

Chapter 34
    Braden Young’s Office 2:05
PM
    CORRUPTION. KICKBACKS.
Scandal.
    These provide all the ingredients for
a juicy front-page story.
    And it was all there in Braden Young’s
hands as he read the investigative piece by the paper’s young
rookie reporter Donna-Marie Pierce.
    Pierce sat across from his desk as he
read the copy. She was in her mid-20s, a statuesque beauty with
fine ebony skin. Originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Pierce had
studied at