Paperwhite Narcissus Read Online Free Page B

to Victoria.
    “Our police chief plans to do nothing.” Victoria smoothed her white hair. “If you hire me, William, I’ll get to the bottom of this. You’ll have a scoop for the Grackle .”
    Botts shook his head. “I only report West Tisbury goings-on and I don’t pay salaries.”
    “The money is not important. It’s a matter of principle,” said Victoria.
    Botts leaned back with his hands behind his head. The black dog looked up at him, then put his head down and closed his eyes.

    Victoria eased herself out of the deep, uncomfortable chair. “I’ll give you time to think it over, William. When you hire me, you’ll have an experienced newspaper correspondent and a new angle on stories. You won’t have to pay me a cent. At least, not right away.” She stood, bracing herself on her walking stick. “It’s time the Enquirer had some competition.”
    “From a one-page broadsheet?” Botts muttered. “With a circulation of fifty?”
    “It’s a start,” Victoria said. “You don’t happen to be driving my way, do you? It’s beginning to rain.”
     
    Matt Pease was waiting outside Colley Jameson’s office with his camera bag when Colley returned from lunch. Rain was coming down heavily. The waterproofing of Matt’s raincoat was long gone and when he took his coat off, the shoulders of his gray sweater were darkly wet.
    Colley gestured Matt into his office. He removed his tweed hat and his own raincoat and hung them on the coat rack in the corner of his office. He checked his reflection in a mirror behind the coatrack and ran a comb through his hair. Then he turned to Matt.
    “Have a seat, Matt. Quite a storm we’re having. Can I offer you a warmer-upper?” He reached into his bottom drawer and brought out his silver flask and two silver shot glasses.
    “No thanks,” said Matt.
    Colley poured himself a small drink and put the flask away. He downed the drink, wiped his mouth and his shot glass with his handkerchief, and put the glasses back in the drawer. “Just what’s needed, day like today.” He refolded his handkerchief and put it in the breast pocket of his blazer.
    Matt leaned forward in his chair. “Mr. Jameson, I wanted to talk to you about my summer hours.”
    Colley’s expression changed slightly. “There’s not much to discuss, Matt.” He leaned back in his chair.
    “The baby’s due next month and I need the money.”

    Colley assumed a sympathetic expression. “I understand how difficult it is for you, Matt.” He straightened his tie, lifted his chin, and stretched his neck.
    “When I drop below twenty hours a week, I lose health benefits.”
    “I have to tell you, Matt, I never have guaranteed a permanent position on the Enquirer. I have young photographers lining up for their chances during their summer vacation.” Colley straightened the pile of papers on the side of his desk. “In fact, I interviewed two young women just this morning.”
    “It’s not right to cut back hours of year-round staff like that.”
    Colley cleared his throat. “If you don’t like the way I manage the Enquirer, Matt, move on. Work for one of the off-Island dailies where the pay is better.” He smiled. “I’ll give you a good recommendation.”
    “This Island is my home.”
    Colley shrugged. “What can I say? I’m not in the business of providing charity. You want to stay on the Island, get yourself a summer job. Plenty of openings this time of year. Wedding photos. Great market.”
    “I’ve been with the Enquirer for five years now. Even before you took over. I believe I’ve proven myself.”
    “Indeed you have,” said Colley. “I have no intention of letting you go. Come September, you’ll get your full forty hours again.” He leaned back in his chair. “But think for a minute. There are good jobs off Island. Cheaper housing, cheaper cost of living, the whole nine yards.”
    Matt stood. “You’re firing me, aren’t you?”
    “Not at all. I’m in business to make a profit