Deadline. Metsy Hingle

      

      “Quit sulking,” Spencer told Tess as he drove along the interstate, heading for the Mississippi prison where her father had spent the last twenty-five years of his life.

      “I’m not sulking. I just don’t understand why you insisted on coming with me. I don’t need a chaperon or a bodyguard. I have been inside a prison before, you know.”

      “I’m sure you have. But I’m not here as a chaperon or a bodyguard. I’m here to help you get some answers.”

      “In case you’ve forgotten, Spencer, I’m an investigative reporter. I know how to get answers.”

      “I know you do,” Spencer told her, and bit back a grin. She’d pitched a fit when he’d shown up that morning, insisting on accompanying her to the prison where her father had been incarcerated. “But getting those answers may not be as easy as you think.”

      “Would you stop treating me like I’m some kind of…cream puff? I know how to conduct an interview and find out what I need.”

      “Oh, don’t go getting your panties in a wad, Tess. There’s no chance I’d mistake you for a cream puff. But you’re not dealing with a bunch of politically correct socialites down here. You’re dealing with die-hard, Confederate-flag-waving Southerners who will see you as a Yankee not to be trusted.”

      “And you think you can do better?” she challenged.

      “Sure,” he said confidently. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a homegrown boy. I’m one of them and I can be trusted. Unlike a Yankee like you!”

      Also by METSY HINGLE

      FLASHPOINT

      BEHIND THE MASK

      THE WAGER

      Deadline

      Metsy Hingle

       www.mirabooks.co.uk

      In memory of my beloved aunt Doris Hingle, whose love lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.

      ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

      While writing this book, I relied on both the technical and emotional support of many people to bring it to fruition. Without them, I would have been lost. My heartfelt thanks go out to the following people for their help in bringing life to Deadline:

      Valerie Gray, my editor and friend at MIRA Books, whose insight and help truly make me a better writer.

      Dianne Moggy, Editorial Director of MIRA Books, for her trust in me and support.

      Karen Solem, my agent, for her unending support.

      The amazing MIRA staff, who continue to astound me with their support.

      Sandra Brown, my dear friend, for her friendship, love and for allowing me to bounce my story ideas off her.

      Hailey North, my dear friend and fellow writer, for her friendship, support and e-mails.

      Bill Capo, TV investigative reporter for Channel 4 News in New Orleans, for his friendship and support, and for answering my questions about the inner workings of the newsroom.

      Marilyn Shoemaker, my fan and researcher, for digging out all those tiny details that helped me create the town of Grady, Mississippi.

      Bill Greenleaf, press communications specialist with the Mississippi Department of Corrections, for answering all my questions about the inner workings of the state prison systems.

      A special thank-you goes to my children and family, whose love and support enable me to spin my tales of love, hope and happily-ever-after.

      And, as always, to my husband, Jim, who is my love, my family and all things to me.

      Dear Reader,

      Thank you so much for picking up a copy of Deadline. I hope you find it to be a real page-turner, and that it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

      If this is the first time you’ve read any of my work, I do hope you enjoy it. For those of you who are familiar with my books, you won’t be surprised to find that Deadline is set in the South. This time I’ve moved the setting from my hometown of New Orleans to my neighboring state of Mississippi in the fictional town of Grady.

      As always, one of the greatest joys for me as a writer is hearing from readers, and I’d love to hear from you. Your comments, opinions and feedback on my books mean a great deal to me. So please keep those letters, cards and e-mails coming.

      In fact, as a special thank-you I’ve created two gifts for you—a commemorative bookmark for Deadline and a recipe card for the mint julep that’s mentioned in the story. While supplies last, I’d be happy to send both the bookmark and the recipe to each reader who writes and requests them. Simply either write or e-mail me and say that you’d like one of my commemorative Deadline bookmarks and the mint julep recipe used in Deadline.

      Until next time, happy reading!

      Metsy Hingle

      P.O. Box 3224

      Covington, LA

      U.S.A. 70433

      www.metsyhingle.com

      Contents

       Prologue

       Chapter One

       Chapter Two

       Chapter Three

       Chapter Four

       Chapter Five

       Chapter Six

       Chapter Seven

       Chapter Eight

       Chapter Nine

       Chapter Ten

       Chapter Eleven

       Chapter Twelve

       Chapter Thirteen

       Chapter Fourteen

       Chapter Fifteen

       Chapter Sixteen

       Chapter Seventeen

       Chapter Eighteen

       Chapter