The Last Journalist

by A. C. Fuller

  I walk back into the lobby and nod at Malcolm as I pass his desk. "Nice to meet you. I'll check out your YouTube videos."

  "I'll keep an eye on your website," he says, picking up his ringing phone.

  Waiting for my Uber, I survey the Colton Industries campus. From where I stand, I see three other large buildings, all glass and silver and curves, surrounded by green grass and new sidewalks. Everything screams "new wealth."

  When the Prius arrives, I slide in, pulling out my phone to make sure my flight is on time. I feel calm and accomplished, the way I always feel when I've done something hard, something I was afraid of. As the car pulls away from Building 7, I glance back wistfully, like people do in movies.

  That's when I see Malcolm, running through the front door and waving at my driver to stop.

  The driver doesn't see him.

  "Stop," I say. "Stop for a sec."

  I roll down my window as Malcolm rushes up.

  "What?" I ask. "What is it?"

  "I just realized something important," he says. "If Willie Nelson runs for president, they'll probably drag up his old tax scandals. It's never gonna work."

  I blink for a moment, confused. "You're right," I say eventually. "The single flaw in an otherwise perfect candidate. Um…is that why you flagged down my car?"

  "I wish," he says.

  I raise an eyebrow, waiting for him to explain. Then he leans his head through the window slightly and, for one ridiculous moment, I think he's going to kiss me.

  —Get the book at any retailer—

  About the Author

  Once a journalist in New York, A.C. Fuller now writes novels about men and women at the intersection of media, politics, and technology.

  He also teaches writing workshops around the country and internationally. Before he began writing full time, he was an adjunct professor of journalism at NYU and an English teacher at Northwest Indian College.

  He now lives with his wife, two children, and two dogs near Seattle. For a free copy of one of A.C.'s books, check out: www.acfuller.com/readerclub.

  And he loves hearing from readers.

  www.acfuller.com

  ac@acfuller.com