Heart in the Field

by Dagg, Jillian

  She thought she was in good shape for the few flights of stairs, but she was out of breath by the time she reached the suite. All the lights were on. Nick was there, so were Cam and Don.

  Don said when he saw her, “We’ve decided to go with City Streets next week.”

  Serena was so tired that Don’s comment didn’t register at first, but when it did, anger fired up inside her. Hell, it was bad enough that Nick kissed her one night and ignored her the next morning, but to take away her scheduled program. Oh, she saw his agenda clearly. She really did. Reduce her to mush and then he’d have his way with all the programming. He obviously didn’t want to share the fame. But, instead of showing them she was close to losing her cool, she said, “Haven’t we scheduled Bad Men, Good Women for next week?”

  “We did,” Cam said, “But we’re on a track here. The switchboard is buzzing. This show started a heartbeat. Nick and I figure if we jazz up the footage we already have, we can draw this into a few more weeks and really cause a stir.”

  Nick looked at her. “You haven’t got much ready, have you?”

  “I’m working on the script and I have a contact.” She needed to sound confident about her story. She’d have to go and look for Angela’s brother again. He was becoming her imperative link to Angela.

  “It sounds like you haven’t got enough. Which means, now you don’t have to rush,” Don put in. “If this works, we’ve got a few weeks programming in the can. Then we can do your story. All right?”

  Serena lost it then. “No. It’s not all right. You scheduled my show for next week and I was going to produce a product.”

  “You’re tired, Serena,” Nick said. “Go home and think about this. In the morning it will make perfect sense. We’re only postponing the other show.”

  She glared at him. “You told me you thought John’s idea was garbage.”

  “It won’t be when I’ve finished with it.”

  “You bastard.” She walked into her own office and slammed the door. She changed into black slacks and a sweater and hung up her pristine white suit. She hated Nick. Hated him for what he was doing to her. She’d been conned. Thoroughly conned. Her mother thought he was unreliable. Well, unreliable was too good a word for Nick Fraser. And Seth thought he’d be a good man for his sister.

  Well think again, Seth. He’s a bastard.

  She sat down in her chair and realized she was shaking so much she felt sick to her stomach. Had she actually considered going to bed with Nick? Had she actually considered she might be falling in love with him?

  When there was a rap at the door she didn’t acknowledge it. The door opened and Nick was there, reminding her of that first night, which wasn’t that long ago, when he walked into her other office. She’d been furious that night as well. She was being deceived right, left and center.

  Nick pushed his hands into the back pockets of his jeans. “It’s only a postponement.”

  She avoided his gaze. “It’s rotten.”

  “You hadn’t got anything concrete anyway.”

  “I do. I was going to deal with it tomorrow.”

  “That’s fine. This will give you time to present it well.”

  She clasped her hands together and stared down at them. “Don’t sweet talk me, Nick.”

  “I’m not. Reality says keep going with what is causing a stir. We have to wing this show. It’s new. But let’s give the viewers what they want, and they want a chance to explore the questions we laid on them tonight. We might even bring some political changes about because of this.”

  “Always the journalist.”

  “Aren’t you?”

  “No. I have some sense of decency when it comes to other people.”

  “You don’t think I’ve treated you decently?”

  “It’s not only you. It’s Don as well. I feel like I’m being shoved around.”

  “I can understand that feeling. But all we’re doing is re-scheduling programs. Shuffling them around, in other words, to make sense. There was no sense to Neon Nights. It was a concept. Don had some idea in mind but he wasn’t sure what it was exactly. Tonight we showed him a direction. Hell, you were up there on the screen doing your thing as well. You asked some pretty tough questions and got some pretty vast answers. You broke the dam on this as well.”

  She stood up to give herself more power. “If I reschedule my program, I want definite dates for it.”

  “You’ll get them. And it’s not your program. It’s our program. It’s our show. Remember that.”

  Nick walked out of her office and closed the door behind him. She didn’t feel quite so vehement about him now. She could understand his desire to succeed. His career was on the line as well.

  •

  “They sizzled,” one reviewer wrote in the morning paper. “Black and white, neon color, music, sharp editing, ingredients that make Neon Nights work.”

  One newspaper columnist dropped her usual topic to salute, dissect and discuss Neon Nights. “Steel TV has pumped some new life into what is usually old life. Nick and Serena make it happen.”

  Paul chucked one of the papers down on the boardroom table. “Nothing about me. I thought I shot some pretty hot footage the other night.”

  “You did,” Serena told him. “But it’s like the screenplay writing of a movie. It doesn’t get any credit. The actors do.”

  He gave her a lopsided grin. “I should have known that Fraser could overshadow an elephant. I should have signed off as soon as I heard John wasn’t available.”

  Serena leaned her hip against the table. “That’s half of it, isn’t it? You don’t like Nick.”

  “Ah, I don’t really dislike him, but he does have a sort of power over people. And I have to admit I’ve been set straight by my sister. When I talked to Lise the other night, she said, “Don’t be silly, Paul, that’s all over. It was an affair in my own mind.”

  Serena felt relieved about this. “Really?”

  “She said nothing happened but a couple of dates.”

  “Well, then. You don’t have to be mad at Nick anymore. Just ignore him. I try to.”

  Paul pursed his mouth at her. “He tries to control you, doesn’t he?”

  “Not exactly, but he’s been used to being number one and it shows.” She pushed away from the table edge. “We have to be strong, Paul.”

  He laughed. “Well, I guess I was a bit edgy about him from the beginning. Maybe if I relax things will improve.”

  She touched his arm. “Good idea. And remember that Nick wants this to succeed. He won’t let the show fail.”

  Nick strode into the boardroom at that moment and gave her hand on Paul’s arm a look. “If you’re not busy, Serena I thought we should go through City Streets and see what we can salvage?”

  “I don’t have time right now. I have to meet a friend for lunch.”

  “I’ll see you around Serena. Nick.” Paul left the boardroom.

  “Who are you meeting?”

  “A friend of mine.”

  “A woman?”

  “She happens to be, yes.” Serena passed Nick and went to her office. She walked behind her desk and pulled her purse out of her drawer. Then she slipped on the burgundy suit jacket over her slacks and pink satin blouse.

  Nick had followed her. “Who is this woman?”

  She straightened her jacket and blouse collars. “A friend of mine from university.”

  “Is she linked to your story?”

  “She’s not the woman who fell in love with the prison inmate, if that’s what you mean.”

  His eyes narrowed. “But she is connected?”

  “We were all roommates together.”

  “So she knows the woman who fell in love with the prisoner?”

  “Nick. Please don’t interrogate me.”

  “I’m just trying to figure out why you’re being so secretive. Your reaction to having to change time slots for your show tells me you’re possessive about this story.”

  “Naturally, I am
. It was my concept.”

  “And it could be dangerous.”

  Serena shouldered her purse-strap. “Why could it be dangerous?”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Because you’re dealing with a story from a woman who loved a criminal.”

  “Who is probably still behind bars.”

  “Don’t count on it.”

  “What do you mean now?”

  He shrugged his shoulders. “People don’t always stay in jail forever. They get out. Women could tell stories on them over the air and they might not be happy about it. Have you looked into him still being in prison?”

  “No.”

  “That’s exactly what I mean. Yet you get so damn mad at me. You haven’t got this story yet. I think you need help. Therefore, I’m coming to lunch with you.”

  She went up to him. “That is only because you want complete control of the show.”

  Their eyes met and locked. “That’s from your perspective.”

  “It’s the perspective you’re giving me.”

  “I don’t mean to. I want you to put in your fifty percent as well. I’m not leaving you out.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “Serena, please don’t make waves between us. It’s difficult enough keeping Don and Cam off our backs.”

  “Is that what you’re doing?”

  “I want it to be our vision on the screen on Thursday evenings. That’s what I want. Now, come on. Relax with me and realize I’m on your side.”

  Serena’s shoulders slumped as she thought of her non-creative brain trying to write her script the other day. “All right. I’d like your viewpoint. I’m a bit stumped.”

  He shook his head at her. “I appreciate that admission. It doesn’t diminish you in my eyes one bit. But you have been tied in by studio news reporting for a number of years. It’s bound to be a little stifling.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “Because I’ve done it myself. I did an anchor job for a year once.”

  Serena couldn’t help laughing. “I didn’t know that.”

  “I don’t make it public. Now, let’s go. We’ll keep your friend waiting.”

  Serena gave up. He was right. They were supposed to be a team. And she did need his help. She was floundering with the story.

  Outside the suite, Serena ignored the elevator and headed for the stairs.

  Nick followed her down the steep stone steps. “Now what?”

  Their footsteps made a hollow echo and the light was harsh. Serena glanced over her shoulder. “After we got stuck, I don’t want to use the elevators anymore.”

  “Are you walking up seven floors all the time?”

  “Yep. Keeps me in shape. You can take the elevator. I’ll meet you down in the foyer.”

  “No. This is fine.” He moved beside her. “Are you okay after Monday night?”

  “I didn’t think you remembered it.”

  “I’ve got a better memory than that.”

  “Well, I’m fine. All I’m interested in now, is my story and meeting Rita.”

  “Point taken.”

  Serena glanced at him, but he seemed quite in control. Good, she thought. They’d sorted out a few things between them about work and that should be their main focus.

  Rita was a tall, slender woman with lots of auburn hair. The black patent high heels she wore with her green tweed suit made her even taller. She had been married twice and divorced twice. Serena thought Rita seemed nervier after each occurrence.

  Rita gave Serena a surprised look when she introduced Nick, then shot out her hand and smiled in her best real estate manner. “I’m so pleased to meet you, Nick. I know you’re Serena’s co-host on her new show. Unfortunately I’ve only seen the commercials, as I work most evenings.”

  Nick shook her hand. “I understand. It’s also my pleasure.”

  They sat in the same booth in the pub that Serena and Nick had shared the first night they were together. Serena could barely believe that night was only about a week ago. So much had happened to her.

  Rita nudged her side. “People are staring at us.”

  Serena glanced around. They were being stared at. But of course they would be. It made sense. Their show had debuted last night. “It’s the nature of the business. You recognized Nick.”

  Rita whispered. “Who wouldn’t. You’re so lucky.”

  Was she?

  Rita glanced at her watch. “We’d better order. I’ve got an hour and a half before I have to meet a client.”

  Nick didn’t set out to charm Rita, but Serena saw it happen, as it did with most women. Even Serena enjoyed the conversation, the salads and Cajun-style grilled chicken, and realized she could relax with Nick—sometimes.

  Over coffee Nick said, “Rita, I understand you used to room with a woman who had a relationship with a prisoner.”

  Serena could have thrown her water, ice and all, over his head.

  “I did,” Rita said, “But we’ve lost track of her.”

  Nick looked at Serena with one of his cool, journalistic gazes. “You didn’t tell me you’d lost track of her?”

  “We haven’t really, have we, Rita? We know where her brother is.”

  Rita glanced at Serena. “I didn’t know this was an interview.”

  “It’s not. Nick, stop it. I didn’t invite you to lunch. You invited yourself. And Rita really has nothing to do with my story.”

  “Story?” Rita asked.

  “I suggested a program on Angela because she’d been in love with a criminal.”

  “I thought you just wanted to see her again?”

  “I do. But I also wanted to see if she’ll be willing to be interviewed.”

  “About the creep she said she loved?”

  “Was he a creep?” Nick asked.

  “I never met him, but I was pretty upset with Angela for being involved with him. Although I don’t think he was a real hard core case. He was on a manslaughter charge, and there was always some question about the killing being accidental, because it was during a hunting expedition.” Rita turned her head to Serena. “You know my thoughts on hunters. My father was one, and I hated him killing animals. I wouldn’t eat anything he brought home. So I figure, well, the guy did us a favor by knocking off another hunter.”

  “Rita, that’s a terrible thing to say.”

  “I know, but that’s the way I feel.”

  So she hasn’t changed much, Serena thought. She’d been an activist for just about everything in university. “Then you don’t know what happened to the guy?”

  “No. When I got married the first time, I lost track of Angela. Then we met one day in a department store. The Bay, I think it was, and we went for a quick coffee. But she didn’t say much about anything. In fact, I thought she was very vague.”

  Serena frowned. “That’s strange. Angela was always pretty real.”

  “You call corresponding with a prisoner real? Personally, I thought it was sick. Anyway, I knew her before you did, so I’m privy to lots of stuff about her you never knew.”

  “Like what?” Nick asked.

  “Oh, we went to high school together. She was always a little rough around the edges, and my mom didn’t really like her very much. My mom being from a sort of upper-class background. Angela’s dad drank a lot and caused problems at home. Max, her twin brother, was like his father, but all the girls went mad for him. Angela went for guys similar to her brother. I thought university would straighten her out. But it didn’t. She fell in love with a prisoner, of all things and that sort of did it for me with Angela.”

  Rita turned to Serena. “Do you remember his name?”

  Serena said, “Lawson Thomson.”

  “Unusual name,” Nick mused. “Distinguished for a criminal. Is it his real name?”

  Rita glanced at Serena. “I don’t think I even knew his name before.”

  “I wrote it down because the case interested me.”

  “She’s always been a journalist at heart,” Rita told Nick. “She doesn’
t believe me, but I think it runs in the blood. You have a father like hers and it’s bound to be there inside you, isn’t it?”

  “I believe so,” Nick said.

  Serena saw that he was amused by Rita’s comments, but she wasn’t about to bring her father into this. All right, so she did over-compensate for her background. She knew that. She didn’t want anyone to think that Stuart Redding Brown’s daughter was a wimp. She wished she didn’t come from such preeminent journalistic lineage. And sometimes she wished she’d ignored her calling and gone into a different career.

  The lunch continued without any more mention of Angela until they were out on the street.

  “If you do get to see Angela,” Rita said, “say hello for me.”

  “I will,” Serena told her.

  “And it’s been great meeting you, Nick. I’ll watch your series from now on.”

  “Series?” Nick remarked as they walked away from Rita.

  “Well, you know, she’s one of the masses.” Serena spoke with a hint of sarcasm.

  He looked at her. “I don’t think that way.”

  “I thought you might.”

  “Well, for your information, I don’t. And that’s hardly the way I’d describe Rita. She’s got some fiery activist blood in her veins.”

  “That’s very true.”

  “Which makes me quite eager to meet Angela. The three of you together must have been quite a trio.”

  “We got along. Sort of. We had some good discussions, late into the night sometimes. It made university a lot of fun.”

  “I bet.” He grinned. “It gives you another angle.”

  She liked being with him when they chatted this way. “Is that good?”

  “Excellent. I can imagine you getting all het up and excited over an issue and losing your cool.”