|
|
|
$12.95 US
299 PAGES | 8.5 x 5.5 SOFT
TRADE PAPERBACK
SUSPENSE/MYSTERY
DDRPUBLICATIONS INC
ISBN/ITEM# 0-9719083-0-3
|
|
AVAILABLE FROM BAKER
& TAYLOR
BOOK CLEARING HOUSE
DDRPUBLICATIONS INC
ddrpublications@writeme.com
|
|
|
|
|
Chapter 1
Muffled voices drifted into the hallway from
behind the sealed glass boardroom doors as Kristen arrived already ten
minutes late for today’s editorial meeting. Inside, in progress,
Tonight’s Edition Staff members offered their bids for headliners on
tonight’s run. Tonight’s Edition was the televised news show where
Kristen was employed for the last three years. As she entered the
conference room, all eyes glanced her way and she quickly apologized to
Sheila for interrupting her pitch for this evening’s show.
Jackie, her editor, was not amused. Aware
she had broken one of Jackie’s codes of conduct Kristen avoided eye
contact. Sliding into her assigned chrome plated chair Kristen feigned
interest into, yet, another one of Sheila’s rich and famous headliners.
“As I was saying,” Sheila said, “child abduction is hot.” Sheila
launched an eight-by-ten color glossy photograph onto the smooth
mahogany boardroom table. The photograph slid slightly out of kilter
before coming to rest in front of Kristen. She was astonished at what
she saw. In front of her was Petal Loma, the ten-year-old girl who was
abducted only hours ago from her home. Sheila was pitching her story.
The same story causing her tardiness to today’s meeting. She wanted to
confirm first hand the facts since the news was right off the Internet
less than two hours ago. Even the Net distorted facts. Kristen wanted
this story badly. Sheila was correct. Child abduction was hot. If she
covered a rated child abduction story her career was set, especially if
the guy was caught. She would have coverage of the trial, family
interviews- both the victim and the perpetrator. The options were
endless. Public sympathy for an abducted hometown, homegrown,
All-American child was priceless. Kristen was not going to let this one
slip through her fingers. She had too much at stake. |
|
Her editor quietly nodded in Sheila’s direction.
Sheila wrapped her pitch and waited for a response from Jackie.
“This story line is a little out of your field of expertise Sheila,” Jackie
said as she folded her arms across her immaculate suit and peered at Sheila
over her wide-rimmed glasses.
“Let’s just say I am very concerned for the children,” Sheila responded,
weakly.
“Bullshit, you want air time,” Jackie countered. “We all want air time. We
wouldn’t be in this business and I wouldn’t want you on my team if you did
not eat, sleep, and drink airtime. Now, tell me what you’ve got?”
Sheila responded, “What do you mean? I just told you.”
“So far all I’ve seen is a photo of some cute kid kidnapped. Ho, hum, this
happens everyday. What makes this case bite? Was she abducted by the circus?
Aliens? Priest? Schoolteacher? We need meat, Sheila,” said Jackie
Sheila sensing she was going to lose her pitch dug in. “I can guarantee you
this story will be prime. I just got it myself off the Net less than two
hours ago. We will be news breaking. Just give me an hour to dig up the
crows in her home town,” she said.
Kristen ignoring the desperation in Sheila’s voice spoke up, “Petal Loma is
a ten-year-old hometown darling. She was born and raised in Greenville,
Ohio. Small Agritown. New economical growth due to large manufacturer's
responding to the corn wave returning to hometown America. I confirmed
myself before coming to the meeting the components of the case. Mother is
sister of the mayor. Father is son of the local preacher. The suspect is the
son of the chief executive officer for the recycling landfill. You want
meat. We got religion, politics, and profit motive centered on some little
girl who went and got herself abducted. The slants are infinite.”
Silence filled the boardroom as the wall clock ticked away invasive seconds.
Intentionally or not, Kristen had broken another of the reverent unwritten
codes in the industry. She pulled the story right out from under Sheila’s
grip.
Shocked indignation temporarily flashed across Sheila’s face only to be
replaced by a victorious grin. Kristen unwittingly provided all the facts
needed to go on-air tonight. Since she pitched the story first Jackie
certainly would not give the story to Kristen. All awaited a response from
Jackie.
Kristen aware of her mistake absently shuffled the photograph between her
fingers. On the verge of tears she braced herself against the onslaught and
prepared for the worst. She would not lie down.
Interrupting the silence Kristen asserted a response, “This story is big.
News is cool now, not a lot happening. I know I could fuel the case.”
Jackie, silencing Kristen with a wave of her hand questioned, “What makes
you think you could cover this better than Sheila, Kristen?”
“Because I was born and raised in Greenville. I know the town and its
people. I could get the meat from the back-fence,” Kristen said.
Sheila let out an angry cry, “Jackie, you can’t give her the story. It’s
just not done. Everyone knows once a story is pitched it’s set. Dog eats dog
before the meeting. But, we all know the rule! I’ll agree to give her second
byline if I have too, but I’m not going to let her steal my story.”
Eyebrows rose in surprise as Jackie turned her attention toward Sheila and
said, “Might I remind you of another rule Sheila. One does not pitch shit.
If all I had to feed on were the fluff you gave me earlier I would have
shelved the story. Kristen, Sheila I want to see both of you in my office
immediately following the meeting. The story airs in two hours.”
Kristen hastily put the notes and loose papers in her folder. She had not
fully realized the line she crossed by upstaging Sheila. Sheila sent fuming
glances toward Kristen. Kristen knew she overstepped herself, but it was too
late. Shoulders aching, Kristen followed the rather rigid Sheila into
Jackie’s office.
Jackie’s office presented itself as textbook testimonial of an editor’s
workspace. Neat piles of new stories aligned Jackie’s desk. Edited ones in
the out box ready for rewrite. Current queries neatly stacked waiting
consideration. Behind the glass-top desk were the numerous awards Jackie had
earned through her tenure. Most recently, exhibited was the coveted Golden
Pear Award. Awarded to the program displaying excellence in TV journalism.
Waiting on Jackie’s entrance into the office, Kristen casually studied
Sheila. Detached cool could best describe Sheila with her long manicured
nails on well shaped hands, alabaster skin, liquid clear blue eyes, classic
brunette hair neatly pulled into an upswept coif elegantly complicated. Her
fragile beauty easily belied the lack of depth to her character.
Kristen, despite all Sheila’s groping for position, admired her. She was
self-made. Everyone was always underestimating Sheila. Time and time again
Sheila managed to parlay some inconsequential story about a playboy,
rock-star, or model with just the right twist. What surprised Kristen most
about today’s meeting was Sheila’s lack of presentation on the Petal Loma
story. Sheila usually asserted herself stronger and for her to falter so
badly on a story she thought would rank her confused Kristen.
Still fuming, Sheila sat next to Kristen and both awaited the word from
Jackie. Silence filled the office as the editor made her way toward her
desk.
Jackie slowly remover her Channel jacket and placed it on the back of the
executive leather chair. Leaning forward intently her attention was caught
on an intruder. The three women directed their attention toward a large
carpenter ant that had somehow managed to reach the twentieth floor of this
downtown Los Angeles building.
Jackie retrieved a number two lead pencil from behind her ear and slowly
sharpened the point. The ant laboriously crawled along the edge of the glass
top desk completely encumbered by a crumb destined for its nest.
Absorbed in its task, the ant never wavered on its course. Jackie slowly,
almost gently, lowered the pencil edge into the back of the ant and
immediately the crumb was forgotten and dropped. The pencil pierced the
insect and Jackie slowly raised the frantic ant toward Sheila and Kristen.
Legs and feelers in contorted movement the agony and desperation apparent to
the witnesses.
Without emotion, Jackie illustrated the finer points of the ant kingdom.
Ants are quite noble creatures with their willingness toward teamwork, their
support of the entire nest, their focus on ensuring the regeneration of
their young, and their quest for the common good.
Kristen stole a glance toward Sheila. Her pained and confused expression
spoke volumes. Jackie, with the wriggling insect still midair, shifted her
focus on the two women.
Pointing the pencil toward Sheila, Jackie asked, “What do you think of our
little prisoner?”
Sheila cleared her throat, “I don’t know what to say. It makes no sense to
me. I don’t know why you did this. Put it out of its misery.”
The corners of Jackie’s mouth momentarily creased in a fleeting smirk. “Your
solution to this little problem is a quick and humane ending,” Jackie
stated.
Kristen knew her turn was next, and as predicted, the pencil now directed
toward her. Jackie raised her eyebrow at Kristen. Kristen could only answer
honestly.
“I feel nothing for the ant. You wielded a weapon against a defenseless
insect. Inner prompting known only to you urged you to sharpen your pencil,
prepare yourself and skewer the insect,” Kristen said and then continued,
“My mind is filled with questions. At what point did you decide to kill the
insect? Did your pencil need sharpening and when you put the lead into the
sharpener did you thought flash across your mind to inject the ant? Or, when
you saw the ant crawling across the desk did you know you were going to kill
it and decided the best way to accomplish this feat was to prepare your
weapon. Either way, I’m intrigued as to your motive and actions after the
ant was pierced.”
Listening intently, Jackie asked Kristen’s impressions on Sheila’s behavior.
Kristen replied, “I noticed the look of appall on her face and was
interested as to why she was so upset. It’s only an inconsequential insect
it was going to die anyway.”
Losing the battle for existence the ant’s legs and antennae slowed. Jackie
lowered the pencil into the holder on her desk with the graphite side up
displaying the impaled corpse.
Her attention directed once more toward the two women she handed down her
decision, “I’m quite disappointed in both of you. One of you for not being
prepared and the other one for upstage theatrics. Regardless, we have a
story to run.”
Sheila and Kristen exchanged furtive glances and both shifted uncomfortably
in their seats.
“Sheila, facts are facts. You’re not cut out for field reporting,” Jackie
stated, flatly.
Sheila opened her mouth to interject, but was remanded by Jackie’s upheld
hand, “However, you did pitch the story. Kristen followed up. This story is
not going to stay down for long. We need someone who can get the pulp
first.”
Kristen’s hopes soared. Jackie was going to give her the story. She knew
using her hometown influence was a cheap shot, but it worked.
“I’ve decided Sheila will anchor the story from here and Kristen will cover
the story locally. You will share byline and work as a team,” Jackie said.
Moments passed before both women could react. Recovering quickly, Sheila
composed herself and thanked Jackie.
Kristen’s face reddening by the second knew she was going to lose her
temper. Sharing byline with anyone was bad enough. It was the beacon of two
who could not handle a story alone. But, sharing byline with the fashion
queen would be the cut up of jokes for months. Kristen felt the heat of
humiliation crawl up her neck and ignite full flame into her cheeks. Reduced
to rookie reporter was too full for her to handle she would withdraw from
the story.
“Sheila, get started on tonight’s coverage. I want the specs back here in
forty-five minutes,” Jackie ordered.
Sheila nodded and quietly exited the office.
Kristen, still too upset for words, remained silent.
“Is there something you wish to say to me, Kristen?” Jackie asked.
“Jackie, I’m withdrawing from the story,” Kristen responded. Taking a deep
breath, Kristen tried explaining to Jackie as quickly as possible the
reasoning for her decision.
Before the opportunity arose to proceed, Jackie drowned Kristen’s train of
thought with unabridged laughter. She laughed so hard tears were forming in
the corners of her eyes. Thoroughly amused, Jackie dabbed a tissue on each
moistened lash and adjusted her posture.
Kristen was infuriated. This was not some laughable guffaw. Withdrawing from
this story held a tremendous loss for her. She counted on this story to edge
her toward a wider audience. Her initiation into national publicity would
simply have to wait, biding her time until the next opportune story
presented itself. Feeling utterly dejected she looked to Jackie.
“Kristen, let me interrupt your thoughts before you break a blood vessel. If
your suggestion about withdrawing wasn’t so ludicrous, I’d be angry you even
mentioned it,” Jackie responded.
The editor raised her hand defending any and all response from Kristen.
“Let me finish,” Jackie halted, “these are you choices. You can accept my
decision and stay employed or you can withdraw and resign.”
Kristen knew when she was beat. She had worked too hard to walk away from
her job. Grabbing the folder with the day’s documents tucked inside Kristen
rose to leave.
As the thought occurred to her Jackie asked Kristen to remain seated, “I
think it’s interesting you became so emotional over my decision about the
story and yet, moments ago you were completely emotionless when I killed our
poor friend,” Jackie said motioning toward the dead ant suspended in the
pencil holder. “Grist for you to think about.”
Kristen momentarily looked at the ant. Jackie’s attention was now caught in
proofing another story set to run on this evening’s edition.
Gathering her things, Kristen picked herself up from the chair and headed
toward the office door. Tears pooled around her eyes. She simply would not
give into the sensation until she was well away from Jackie’s perceptive
observation.
Turning slightly to see if Jackie noticed her condition she witnessed Jackie
take the wadded tissue from her clasped hand. Unrolling the paper she
removed the pencil from the holder and deposited the ant into the center of
the tissue. Assuming free throw position she shot the tissue-ball into the
trash receptacle next to her desk and scored two points.
Kristen hurried toward the ladies room thankful she did not pass anyone on
her way. The nearest restroom was only a few feet from Jackie’s office, and
once inside the stall, she could not stop the tears from falling. Rage,
indignation, humiliation, regardless of the source, Kristen succumbed.
Minutes passed and finally the jag did to. She wiped her eyes and blew her
nose. Removing a paper towel from the sink she wetted it ant tried to remove
all traces of crying. Little bits of white paper stuck to her cheeks and
eyelashes. Intent upon removing the pieces of paper, she did not hear the
door open.
When she looked up she saw Jackie head toward the nearest stall. Her editor
appeared not to have noticed her. All she needed was for Jackie to think she
was some big unprofessional crybaby.
As she neared her desk Kristen remembered a chocolate kiss stored in her
side pocket. Planning to eat it on the way to the editorial meeting, she
never got the chance. Peeling away the aluminum wrapping and inserting the
half melted chocolate into her mouth a plan of action began to unfold.
Savoring the pleasure of the taste of chocolate sliding down her throat she
absently looked toward Sheila’ desk. Vacant as usual.
Sheila was probably off on some fact-finding mission usurping information
from anyone willing to offer it.
Kristen removed her jacket and began to log on the Internet. She wanted to
see if there were any updates on the story. Hopefully, she was not too far
behind the other networks. Her E-mail prompt blinking she had twelve new
messages. Due to office policy, in order to log on she had to address her
E-mail causing yet another delay into her search for information regarding
the abduction of the little girl.
The Teleprompter located in the corner of the office signaled a newsbreak
interrupting programs already in process.
Focusing her attention on the screen, Sheila’s radiant smile beamed back at
her. In the sub field located in the upper right hand corner was the picture
of Petal Loma, the little girl. The subscript at the bottom of the screen
captioned the words “Innocent child abducted from home. Details at nine.”
Traveling the length of the office in order to hear Sheila’s commentary she
caught bits of the story... Ten-year-old, hometown darling, politics, power,
greed. Kristen swore to herself she would not react. This was not her ideal
situation, but she would make the best of it.
At least Tonight’s Edition was news breaking. They had beaten the other
networks on-line. Minute solace, but solace none the less.
Sheila said, “This is Sheila Markum signing off.”
With those parting words the screen resumed its original programming.
Murmurs filled the office and the phones began ringing across the room.
Shuffled and quickened paces ensued. Kristen’s phone rang. The flurry of
activity stirring through out Kristen felt completely detached from her
surroundings. As if in some kind of slow motion fog she felt completely and
utterly alone. The turn of events still whirred in her head as she reached
for her phone. Picking up the receiver her voicemail started and whoever was
on the line could leave a message.
Staring blankly at her computer screen she saw Sheila return to her desk.
The other reporters surrounded her and offered their congrats. Sheila
composed herself like the queen of all bees reveling in their sweet
attention. Basking in the limelight she deserved, Sheila stole a glance
toward Kristen. From her peripheral vision Kristen sensed Sheila’s look.
Ignoring her, Kristen pretended to be engrossed in her work.
Jackie walked in the office and the reporters around Sheila’s desk scattered
to their respective cubicles. Sheila pulled a compact out of her purse and
checked her make-up offering a triumphant smile at Jackie. Jackie leaned
closely toward Sheila and whispered into her ear. Sheila’s face lost all
color. Jackie pulled away and waited for Sheila to respond. Sheila was
visibly upset. Jackie stood her ground. Fighting emotions within herself
Sheila focused her attention in Kristen’s direction. Caught off guard, it
was too late for Kristen to look away.
Whatever was discussed between Sheila and Jackie definitely included her.
Jackie leaned on the edge of Sheila’s desk and watched her approach Kristen.
Kristen, completely puzzled, also watched the approaching Sheila.
With fluid grace, reluctantly, Sheila stood in front of the baffled Kristen
and in a barely audible whisper stated, “Jackie has instructed me to
apologize to you.”
“Why?” Kristen asked.
“Because, I did not mention you,” Sheila replied. “Jackie’s ordered me to
include you in my signoff.”
Sheila robotically turned and left the office. Jackie soon followed.
Kristen, motionless at her desk, began digesting the happenings of the last
few hours.
Interrupting her thoughts, her attention was drawn to her E-mail window
blinking a constant reminder she had not answered them. Clicking online she
began addressing her list of messages.
Message one was a memo reminder of the editorial meeting. The next few were
general staff information. The fourth, fifth and sixth messages were from
her boyfriend Rick wanting to know when she was coming home. The remaining
mail included information from the story and her contact in Greenville.
Scratching the phone number from Greenville into her organizer Kristen
decided to answer her phone message. Accessing her voice mail password she
heard the familiar voice of Rick wanting to know what time she was going to
be home.
Irritated, she reached for the phone. As her hand neared the receiver the
phone rang. It was Rick.
All the pressures of the day compiled on her into this one single event, and
she lost her temper.
“What the hell do you think I have to do all day?” she screamed. “Answer
your messages? This is the fifth interruption from you today.”
Kristen was out of control, “If you’re calling to find out when I’m coming
home, I’ll be there when you see me!”
“With that kind of attitude, I might not be here when you get home,” Rick
responded.
With a loud click, the dial tone echoed in Kristen’s ear. Redialing their
number she heard the hollow ringing. Before the third ring, Kristen decided
to hang up the receiver. She would deal with Rick later.
As if the day could not get any worse, Jackie was making her way toward
Kristen’s desk. Expressionless, she handed Kristen an envelope.
“You have a plane to catch,” Jackie said. “I suggest you wrap it up here and
get on your way.”
Jackie placed her hand on Kristen’s shoulder and awaited Kristen’s response.
She nodded her head affirmatively. Jackie, satisfied, left the room. Kristen
clutched the envelope to her chest and straightened the clutter on her desk
as best she could. Removing her potted plant she handed it to the
receptionist on her way out. Walking toward the elevator, she passed Sheila
as she exited the ladies room. Nose upturned, Sheila tried ignoring Kristen
as she walked the remainder of the hallway.
“Sheila?” Kristen asked.
Sheila stopped in mid-stride and turned slightly toward Kristen.
“I’m really sorry about this morning,” Kristen started, “I never intended
this to happen.”
Avoiding eye contact, Sheila blankly said, “You think you’re sorry now. Just
wait.”
Regaining her original stance Sheila proceeded mechanically down the
hallway. Sheila was not fooling anyone. Kristen saw her red-rimmed eyes and
knew what she was doing in the ladies room.
Pausing in front of the elevator, Kristen pushed the down button and peeked
into the envelope. Inside was her flight schedule and reservation for car
rental. Next to the reservation was a three-by-five package of Kleenex
tissues. Kristen’s face flamed in embarrassment. Jackie knew.
Entering the empty elevator, Kristen shifted her weight and pushed the
button for the parking level. In a little less than six hours she managed to
alienate herself from her peers, piss off her boss, lose control of her
emotions and start a fight with her boyfriend.
Shared or not, considering present circumstances, in less than six hours she
did manage to land the story of her dreams. Buckling her seatbelt and
shifting her car into drive Kristen cracked the window, and smiling, headed
home. |
|