Memory Man (Amos Decker, #1)

by David Baldacci

wanted. I want a Pulitzer. In fact, I want a shelf of them.” “Then you came here. Why? Burlington is not a rip-roaring metropolis.” “It’s bigger than any other town I was in before. It’s got crime, interesting politics. Cost of living is low, which is important, because when you add up my hours worked I don’t even make minimum wage. And they let me work my own beat and follow up my own stories.” “Family?” “Large. All back in Bloomington.” “And the other reason you came here?” “There is no other reason.” He pointed to a finger on her left hand. “There were two rings there. The marks are slight but distinct. Engagement and wedding rings. No longer there.” “So I’m divorced. Big whoop. So are half the people in this country.” “Fresh start away from your ex?” She rubbed at the spot on her hand. “Something like that. Okay, are we done with me?” “Do you want to be done?” “You understand that you’re not actually playing me, right? I’m just feeling generous, sort of going along for the ride, seeing where we end up.” “You follow up your own stories, you say?” “I do.” “Do you intend to try to trace a connection between the killings of my family and the shootings at Mansfield?” “Of course.” “What do your friends call you?” “You’re assuming I have friends?” “What does Brimmer call you?” “Alex.” “Okay, Alexandra, let me be as clear about this as I possibly can be.” She did an eye roll and looked at him disdainfully. “Do I sense a patronizing lecture coming?” “Would you like a scoop?” He...