“If you’d like some company, you could walk with us.”Katie took a chocolate bar out of her pocket.“I even have extra chocolate if you need an energy boost.”
“I’d love to walk with you, but I won’t have any chocolate.Since I moved to Montana, I’ve been eating a lot more than I did in New York.”
“It must be the fresh air and delicious food,” Diana said.“We’ve had the same problem.”
Anne walked around a man pushing a stroller.“How’s Theo?”
“He’s doing okay,” Barbara replied.“He was given the funding for the radio station, so that’s made a huge difference.”
“That’s good.The article he wrote forThe New York Timeswas amazing.I wouldn’t be surprised if his boss offers him his job back.”
“Do you mean the one he wrote last year?”
“No.The one that was published in this morning’s paper.If Steve isn’t arrested after today, there’s something wrong with our legal system.”
Barbara’s eyes widened.“He wrote an article?”
“You didn’t know?”
“I knew his former boss had asked him to write a follow-up story, but I didn’t know he’d done it.”
“All I can say is that I’m glad I’m living in Polson.Anyone who had anything to do with Steve should be running away from New York City as fast as they can.Not only did Theo explain what Steve did, but he also named the businesses, the accountants, the lawyers, and anyone else who helped him avoid paying tax.”
Barbara was stunned.After their last conversation, Theo wasn’t sure writing a follow-up story was a good idea.Something must have happened to make him change his mind—especially when he didn’t want anyone in Sapphire Bay knowing who he was.
Katie handed Barbara her water bottle.“Drink this.You look as though you need it.”
Anne frowned.“I’m sorry.I shouldn’t have said anything.”
“It’s okay.”Barbara took a sip of water before handing the bottle back to Katie.“He would have told me at some point.”
Diana cleared her throat.“Can we rewind the conversation?When did Theo work forThe New York Times?”
Katie glanced at Barbara before saying anything.“He worked there before he came to Sapphire Bay.The first story he wrote about the former mayor of New York City went down like a lead balloon.He accused the mayor of tax evasion.Theo had to resign from his job and he’s being sued for defamation.”
“He didn’thaveto resign,” Barbara said.“He chose to.The IRS said he didn’t have enough evidence to prove the mayor did anything wrong.No one believed Steve McGibbons would do anything illegal, so they tore Theo’s reputation to shreds.”
Diana sighed.“The poor guy.He must have been desperate to get away when he came here.”
“It’s a good place to hide,” Anne said sadly.“Take it from me, Steve makes a dangerous enemy.I’m just glad he’ll finally get what he deserves.”
“Was he arrested?”Diana asked.
Anne nodded.“To make matters worse, he was denied bail.Steve’s supporters will be looking for anything they can use to discredit Theo.”
Diana shortened Charlie’s lead as they passed another team.“We’ll have to make sure they don’t find him.”
Barbara thought about Theo’s parents, of what had happened after he wrote the first story about Steve McGibbons.Had he called to warn them about the follow-up story or would they be just as surprised?
“I’m sure Theo knows what he’s doing.”
Katie glanced at Barbara.“You’re taking this well.I’d be annoyed if my boyfriend hadn’t told me about something so important.”
“He probably didn’t want to worry anyone,” Anne said diplomatically.“Theo’s a good guy.He wouldn’t deliberately mislead anyone, especially Barbara.”
Barbara hoped so, because right now, she had no idea why he hadn’t told her what he planned to do.
THE FIRST THINGTheo noticed as they stumbled toward the finishing line was Barbara’s bright pink leggings.The second thing he noticed was the frown on her face.Whatever had annoyed her would have to wait for another few minutes.
