Page 99 of Chasing Headlines
“His metal paperweight you mean. And my guess is he didn’t appreciate it.”
“No.”
“So he kicked you out.”
I stared into my teacup. The amber liquid steamed, but held no answers. “More or less.”
“For helping the guy you’re?—”
“For doing the right thing.” I smacked the flat of my hand on the table.
“Mmmm. Of course.” She nodded.
I huffed and grabbed my teacup. I took a sip.
“Hypothetical question for you.” Sharp, hazel-golden eyes met my gaze.
I blew out a breath as I felt a weird, unsettling pang in my stomach. “I thought I was interviewing you?”
“Not yet. I haven’t decided whether I’ll let you. I hear you trying to impress me with your integrity as a journalist. Championing the right thing, no matter the personal cost.”
I frowned and tilted my head.
“Does the right outcome have intrinsic value?”
“What?” That unsettled feeling gripped my stomach and squeezed.
“Does catching the bad guys have its own value? So, the method and the reason, none of that matters as long as the ‘right outcome’ is achieved?”
“Really? Philosophy before caffeine seems inhuman.” I sighed. “In some respects, I’d say yes. But I suppose our government would disagree.”
“It does. You were wrong to access that man’s computer without his permission, regardless of whether you had the best or worst of intentions.”
“Yes ma’am. I know, but I really was trying to do something good for his team. I was afraid he wouldn't understand. Wouldn't trust me. All of the above.”
“Well, I happen to know for a fact that Henry’s had hundreds of kids tripping and stumbling over themselves on their way to adulthood—making all kinds of boneheaded mistakes over the years. The key is to admit you were wrong. You can do that, can’t you?”
“I don’t feel like I wascompletelyin the wrong. But, I could’ve made some better choices.”
“You have a blind spot where that Copper guy’s concerned.”
“Cooper. And I have no idea what you're talking about.” I waved a hand and looked away. The bookshelf along the far wall was super interesting. Maybe I could read titles from here.
“Yes, yes, I know you claim you two don’t like each other.”
“He definitely doesn’t like me.”
She coughed. I glanced her way and saw her place a hand on her chest. “Sure, fine, if you insist, dear.”
“You ok?”
She gave me a weird grin. “Just went down the wrong pipe. You want another cup?”
“Oh, sure. If you're having some.” I nodded and sat back in my chair.
“Maybe some crackers to snack on this time,” she said as she rose from her chair. I handed her my empty teacup.
I eyed my phone in the pocket of my bag as it vibrated and lit up. I glanced over my shoulder at Dotty shuffling around her kitchen.I assumed she'd consider it rude, but she's busy. No harm in looking.I grabbed the device and unlocked it, then covered my mouth as I snickered. Antonio had thieved Hilda's phone and taken a selfie of them together at the off-campus coffeeshop.