Flashpoint: Reed Series

by M. C. Cerny

  Katie reported the news that evening, then had dinner with Trevor and a few other co-workers. At the table, Lindsey, who normally kept her distance, joined the lively group. A few people quieted down, the tension between Katie and Lindsey was an obvious work hazard between the two competing tigresses. The other reporters and camera crews kept their heads down and out of Lindsey’s line of fire.

  “Hi, Lindsey,” Katie greeted her warily. She saw no point in provoking the catty woman. Trevor ignored the other woman, until Katie nudged him under the table and he nodded at Lindsey. Trevor disliked her outright due to her comments about his sexuality made behind his back, and her attempts to sabotage his work.

  “Hello, Katie.” Lindsey made the icy greeting with a toothy smile. Katie never understood why the other woman acted so bent out of shape with her from the first day they both showed up as interns, then getting hired around the same time. Katie liked to think she earned her achievements through hard work, unlike the rumors about how Lindsey earned them upstairs with the executives.

  “So how’s the 7 spot?” Katie asked. Lindsey reported after Katie, mostly on brief items before the network aired Prime Time shows. Most television affiliates considered that time the “filler space”.

  “It’s good. I’m always busy. I guess things have changed for you recently?” Lindsey smiled and Katie had a sinking feeling.

  “Changed? I’m not sure what you mean?” Stay neutral, Katie thought to herself, never let the competition see you sweat. She had to earn her 6 spot back after her screw up a year ago, and she wasn’t going to let Lindsey intimidate her.

  “Well, it seems that our dear Katie has a man in her life now.” A few of the other anchors and camera crew nodded and nudged each other. “I’d hate to see you give up your career to be some posh, city housewife. It’s so sad when independent women lose their identity.” Of course, Lindsey’s chatter brought the gossip mongers out at the table. Katie started to blush with anger, and Trevor gave Lindsey a dirty look.

  “Mind your own business, Lindsey,” Trevor, always protective of Katie, practically snarled. Katie put her hand over Trevor’s to stall whatever he was going to say next. She was sure that it would be some comment about Lindsey finding her news on her back or under the big bosses desk.

  “Well, I’m just observing that if Kate is so preoccupied with shopping, he must be someone important. I mean, Jacob Reed isn’t just anybody. Is he taking you somewhere special?” Lindsey smirked as she spoke the last statement. Katie was angry, but not enough to respond to the goading.

  “I think my personal life is just that, Lindsey…personal. We’ll leave it there.” Katie was wondering if she should call Jacob and ask him to not come by the station tomorrow, but decided against it. She’d have to deal with it soon enough, even if she was reeling from just discovering details that Jacob had yet to share with her.

  “I’m going to head out. Good night, Trevor. See you guys in the morning.” Katie got up and left the table, friendly nods acknowledged her finality on the conversation as she walked out of the cafeteria.

  Katie went home that night and tried to relax. Zoning out on the train wasn’t working, and the walk to the apartment was less refreshing by the time she got there. Since she was seeing Jacob after work the next day, she tried to clear her mind from the conversation with Lindsey. She unpacked the bags from her shopping trip, smiled at the very revealing white bikini that Trevor obviously picked out, and hung up the dresses, matching cardigans, and coordinating accessories. Afterwards, she watched the eleven o’clock news and saw Trevor’s newscast. She said goodnight to the television as her best friend signed off, and fitfully tried to sleep. Punching pillows seemed to incorporate the rest of her night.

  Without her knowledge, Jacob continued to keep watch on Katie. He noticed that she seemed a little stressed on her way home today, and he desperately wanted to comfort her. He could have called her, but she looked tired and he didn’t want to push her to become suspicious of him. He wished he could confess all his past sins to her but, without having her fully integrated into his life, it might prove difficult. Kidnapping one’s girlfriend after barely the first week of dating would be hard to explain and he doubted it would go over well in the long term.

  Jacob wasn’t totally sure why anyone would target Katie in the first place. It wasn’t common or even insider knowledge that she was involved that night, unless there was a leak somewhere in their organization. Or, as Eli suspected, some kind of set up that night which she unknowingly happened to get involved in. She was a good reporter, hungry for details and inquisitive by nature. She would follow a lead and turn it into a story, protecting the underdog and getting the villain prosecuted. If their meeting was a set-up, someone was trying to blow open their covert operation. But who? And why? More importantly, if the wrong person knew about what they did, why not just uncover them themselves? Nothing seemed to make sense and everyone on the team had secrets to hide; nobody was a sterling-crowned angel, least of all Jacob. Third World governments and terrorists abroad would love to have their Intel and personal information.

  THURSDAY SEEMED TO DRAG ON relentlessly both for Katie and Jacob. Trevor was pulled into meetings so they missed their usual daily banter and coffee. Katie was busy interviewing summer production and news interns with her boss, who seemed to find fault with all of them, except the buxom ones. Katie swore that he just wanted pretty girls to get him coffee, as opposed to serious news interns. She saw this being a long summer. Unfortunately, Lindsey was also helping to interview interns and it seemed that, while both Lindsey and Jeff agreed on their choices, their reasons were so cross-purposed to Katie’s point of view. Lindsey even had the audacity to mention Jacob Reed in front of their boss, who then suggested a person of interest story. Katie deflected the idea and was pretty much ready to finish this day. During her newscast, her co-anchor was out and the teleprompter was off, forcing Katie to ad lib to stall for time. She felt pretty wrung out by the time 6:30pm rolled around, and she had a few fleeting moments to herself before Jacob arrived.

  She was feeling oddly nervous and disorganized. Trevor left her a note on her desk saying: Go get ‘em, tiger! And ditch the cardigan, grandma! Katie laughed and did, indeed, leave the sweater at her desk. She was just about to check a few last minute emails when one of the lucky interns, a flashy young blonde with big green eyes who wore a cheap suit that looked a size too small on the top, came over to tell her that she had a visitor at the front desk. Katie thanked the intern, whose name she couldn’t recall, and grabbed her purse.

  She saw him through the glass before he saw her. She liked that it gave her an opportunity to observe him unnoticed. He wore dark grey slacks and a light grey dress shirt, sleeves rolled up again. Another flashy silver watch was on his left wrist, accentuating his tan and muscular forearms. He was standing with his back to her, intently watching the TV broadcasts in the entryway. His hands were in his pockets and he looked relaxed. The outer room to the news den housed a growing wall of achievements by the Channel 10 staff. He must be looking at the awards, she thought. Her stomach clenched slightly because her own award, while a great achievement, also brought back memories of the dear friend she lost. Shaking her head, she let the past go.

  She took a deep breath and went out to meet him. “Hi there.” Katie pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and walked up to him. He turned around and almost gasped out loud. She reminded him of one of those JCrew models. Her look seemed effortless and flattering, but not so over-the-top in being too fashion forward like some of the women he might have dated in the past, even for show. He felt that lightening spark of attraction just by taking in her tired smile.

  “Hello, Katie. I was admiring the work of Channel 10, though I am sorry I missed your broadcast tonight. I was held up in a meeting across town.” Jacob took Katie’s hand and rubbed his thumb affectionately over it. It felt so comforting that she could feel herself start to calm down, almost the way Trevor did with her; however
, it was nowhere near as brotherly in nature.

  Katie smiled. “That’s okay. Today was kind of a drag and nothing seemed to work out the way that it was supposed to. Our teleprompter suddenly went out so I’m sure there will be competing coverage about that. I had to stall for about thirty seconds until our live coverage person could be reached. I’m just glad to have gotten through it.”

  “I’m sure it was outstanding work either way. How do you feel about going to a sushi house tonight?” Jacob changed the subject when he saw that they were gaining some attention in the news office.

  “I think that’s a great idea.” Katie agreed and Jacob led her out of the building. He hailed a cab for them and they took off, headed for a quiet and romantic Asian restaurant on the other side of town.

  Unseen by them, Lindsey stood glaring through the glass wall, clenching her fists and her mind spinning with anger. Katie managed to get through the teleprompter flub with flying colors. Even Jeff, who was never pleased with anyone, said she did a good job. Lindsey needed to find something to take down Katie, but that wouldn’t incriminate her. Lindsey decided that one of the new interns would have to be expendable. In the meantime, she put in a call to one of her acquaintances, who happened to be a staff photographer for a few tabloid rags.

  Jacob and Katie decided to get out of the cab a few blocks early and walked the rest of the way in the cool, late May evening. Faint Asian music reverberated through the thick, red ornately-carved doors. Jacob held the door open and led Katie inside. They were greeted by a hostess dressed in a full Japanese kimono, who instructed them to take off their shoes and put on complimentary silk slippers. They were led down a long hallway to a small room with a low table and candles ensconced on the walls. Low lighting illuminated the relaxing atmosphere. When they kneeled down, Jacob made a point to sit close to Katie, his suit clad leg up against her bare skirted one.

  “This is different.” Katie appreciated the varied selections of food and tried most everything offered. Though Jacob was close to her, she didn’t feel crowded as she might have with someone else that she barely knew. He seemed to know to not push the boundary.

  “It’s certainly a whole experience of the culture and food. Have you ever been to Asia?” Jacob liked that Katie was eager to try all the foods and wasn’t afraid to politely ask questions. His past dates were often squeamish and too model thin to want to eat anything of substance. Guiltily, he realized that he was probably using his past dates as much as they used him for show. Luckily, he didn’t have any concerns about Katie.

  “Nope, I’ve never been. Born and raised in Kansas City, and only a fairly new transplant to NYC. Actually, I can’t say for certain that Kansas City has any sushi establishments that I know of. I’ve only eaten it here,” Katie said.

  Jacob chuckled. “Really? Maybe we should go sometime?” Jacob shrugged, testing Katie’s response. If she said “yes”, he could always have the corporate jet readied. Katie laughed and smiled nervously. She certainly didn’t take him seriously, but Jacob reminded himself that Katie probably did really just think that he was joking.

  “You’ll have to ask my mother’s permission. She’s still hoping that the big city life is just a phase, and that I’ll move back home. They still tape all my evening reports.” Jacob sensed that she was half-kidding and decided to leave the subject alone. He had a lot of work cut out for him if he was going to get her to go away to the farm with him without telling her the truth just yet. The waiter interrupted them by bringing out some steaming sake with the next course.

  “What’s this drink?” Katie held up the small shot-like cup to her nose, inhaling the warm and slightly alcoholic aroma.

  “This is sake, traditional fermented rice wine. It has some alcohol content, but we’ll just enjoy it with dinner and not take several college shots of it.” Jacob sensed that Katie was leery to drink the sake and watched the debate play out over her features. She must have been remembering her friend Tully. Jacob cursed himself for being so thoughtless.

  “Um, well I’m not really a big drinker but, like you said, we’re not doing shots so I think I’ll try it.” Katie took a sip. She obviously wasn’t a big fan, scrunching her face a little.

  “I guess it’s more of an acquired taste. Please don’t feel pressured to drink it.”

  The taste was definitely acquired, she thought. “I promise I won’t start dancing on table tops.” Her sweet face puckered up slightly and Jacob laughed.

  He watched Katie tentatively try the sake a second time. It wasn’t the most appealing of drinks, but he enjoyed it. He’d stick to a small amount, though. Through the dinner, he watched Katie slowly sip the sake. She finished about three cups of it because the waiter kept coming back to refill their cups. She seemed much more relaxed than before, but not the least bit drunk. They continued to enjoy their dinner, ending it by sharing some green tea ice cream. Jacob took her spoon and fed Katie some of hers. When she was finished, he took the last bite from her bowl.

  Katie felt more relaxed after the draining day. The sake warmed her stomach and tasted better the more of it she had. She knew she wasn’t drunk, but she did feel a little more tipsy than she wanted to. It had been over a year since she had a drink and this was probably not the best way to start. They left the restaurant and headed towards Jacob’s loft, chatting. Just outside his building, Katie stumbled on a sidewalk grate. He caught her arm so she wouldn’t fall.

  “Wow, I’m sorry. I think I’m a little tipsy. How embarrassing.” Katie put her hand up to her flushed cheek.

  “No, it’s my fault. I shouldn’t have ordered the sake and just stuck with the green tea.”

  “I think the fresh air should clear my head in a minute.” Katie felt just slightly unstable, but not enough to embarrass herself further. Anyone could have tripped over that grate, but it had to happen to her.

  “I adore how honest you are.” Jacob turned Katie towards him and cupped her face gently in his hands. “I’ve wanted to kiss you all evening,” he said. Before Katie could respond, he put his lips on hers. Instantly, she felt lost. His hand went to the back of her head and into her loose hair, easing her closer. The faint ridge of the scar under her hair made Jacob’s stomach knot and he felt more protective of her than he should. He shouldn’t be here with her, but he was and there was no place he’d rather be. Damn Eli and his rules; damn the government and the mission. Katie reached up and leaned into Jacob, her own hands going into his short hair and pulling it gently. Her own thoughts were scattered and flooded her mind. He made a primitive noise low in his throat and the vibration went through Katie. She moaned, lost to the kiss.

  It took them both a second to register the flashes in their peripheral vision. “Damn it,” Jacob growled and pulled Katie protectively towards him, shielding her, her face cradled against his broad chest and shoulder. He tried blocking their view of her, but they continued to snap photos. He let go when he felt Katie wince, probably from her sore shoulder. Damn, he thought. I just pulled her roughly into an embrace. Obviously, the photographers thought his new found personal life, which came with his wealth and mysterious background, was a news story. There were at least three of them. Fucking predators, he thought. Two shouted that she should kiss him again, and another one asked if they were dating exclusively. Jacob wouldn’t be able to pull these photos from print, which meant that Eli would be hounding him. He’d have to deal with it later. Right now, he had to protect her. Saying nothing and eyeing the photographers, he moved closer to the entrance of his building.

  “Let’s go inside, sweetheart.” Jacob ushered Katie inside his building. Firmly holding her arm, he pushed past the last brazen photographer. Katie was still a little confused and blithely followed suit. As soon as they reached the elevator, she had gained her composure back. Jacob could tell that she was rattled by the way she tucked her errant loose locks of hair behind her earlobes…delicious looking lobes that he wanted to sample. Maybe later.

  “Who were those men
taking pictures?” Katie could feel her cheeks flushed and hot at being caught so publicly.

  “Probably some paparazzi who think I’m newsworthy, or maybe more of your adoring fans. We’ll be safe in my apartment and we can wait them out here.” The elevator dinged and they reached the hallway to Jacob’s loft, stepping out of the sleek, stainless steel cage, two doors faced opposite sides of the hallway and Jacob reached the one on the left.

  “But…but then they’ll all be thinking that I’m…that we’re…?” Jacob took Katie’s hand and led her into the apartment.

  “We’re what? Dating? It’s not illegal, as far as I know.” Jacob smiled kindly, seeing the confusion on her face.

  “Well, I suppose.” Katie continued to fidget, pushing her hair behind her distracting little ear lobes again. It seemed that being behind the camera in a studio was different than being pursued by photographers on the other end of the story.

  “And that would be bad because…?” Jacob thoroughly enjoyed the confused mass of emotions playing across her features. He was just as rattled, but was quicker at containing it. Katie really was a country girl in the city, still innocent in a lot of ways.

  “Um…because we just met each other on Monday and it’s only Thursday! My parents don’t even know I’m seeing you, and my family is a little protective and overbearing.” Katie absently rubbed the bridge of her nose. She couldn’t believe that she just mentioned her parents at a time like this. Smooth, Wilson. Real smooth.

  “Would that be so horrible?” Jacob leaned against the kitchen counter, giving Katie plenty of breathing space. Jacob couldn’t explain how protective and overbearing he was with her. Hauk padded into the kitchen to be petted and fed. Katie leaned down to pet the dog between his soft ears. He pushed into her with his comforting warmth.

  “No, not horrible. Just unexpected at the moment.” Jacob thought about what Katie said. She seemed nervous and a little too deep in thought.