Apprehension crossed her face. “Who are you?”
He reached out a hand and smiled, but the expression was too polished. “Abernathy Koch, but you can call me Abe.”
“And how do you know my name, Abe?”
“It’s my job to know.” He dropped his hand, not seeming put off that she didn’t take it. “I’m a reporter for theAmber Ridge Chronicle, and I’d love to interview you about what happened to Dean White.”
Color left Bonnie’s face.
“I’ve been searching the town for you for a couple of days,” the reporter continued. “Then, on my way to get coffee, here you are. So, what do you—”
“No,” Bonnie interrupted.
“Come on. His parents think you’re responsible for their son’s death. Don’t you want your side of the story told?”
“What I want is for you to leave me alone.”
She went to step around him, but he moved into her path, blocking her.
“Hey.” Zane shot around the desk and shoved the guy in the chest. “Get out of her way.”
The reporter’s bag slipped from his shoulder, and he pulled it back up before fixing a strand of hair behind his ear. “Look, I’m just trying to do my job.”
“She said no.”
“This story has been circulating for thirteen years. She’s back now and can tell us what really happened the night of her graduation party.”
Zane stepped closer. “What part of ‘no’ do you not understand? Now get the fuck out of my gym.”
“But—”
He took up all of the guy’s personal space, towering over him. “Either walk yourself out or I’ll do it for you.”
Koch’s eyes narrowed, his chest puffing up. Was he really considering challenging Zane? Was he that stupid?
“I’m not someone you want to piss off.”
Zane almost laughed. “You thinkIam?”
“What Ithinkis you’ll regret getting in my way.”
“I’m shaking.Leave.”
The reporter’s jaw visibly clenched, and he spun and left.
Zane turned back to look at Bonnie. She was still pale.
“He wants to write a story on Dean’s death,” she said in almost a whisper.
“If you don’t talk to him, he’ll have nothing to write.”
She laughed, but there was no humor behind the sound. “He’ll get his information from other sources. Lots of people in this town will be willing to tell him what a villain I am.” She looked back at him. “Thank you for kicking him out.”
“He was a tool. I’d do it again.”
“I should go.” She touched his arm. “Thank you for considering my request. It would help so many women.”
He dipped his head before watching her leave. He hadn’t been planning on calling her. Hell, he’d been fully prepared to forget the request entirely.
