Eeny Meeny

104

Emilia Garanita loved her job. The hours were long, the pay was rubbish and many in authority were openly rude to reporters from the local rag, but none of that mattered to Emilia. She was addicted to the adrenalin, the unpredictability and the excitement that her job provided on a daily basis.

Then there was the power. As dismissive as politicians, coppers and councillors were, they were all terrified of reporters. They were so reliant on the goodwill of the public for career advancement – and it was reporters like Emilia that told the public what to think. Emilia felt that power now as she sat opposite Helen Grace. Emilia had chosen the venue – not Grace – and it was she who was setting the agenda now. Grace needed her help, so there would be no more lies or obfuscations.

‘Two of our officers are missing,’ Grace began briskly. ‘Charlie Brooks and Mark Fuller – you know them, I think. They may have been abducted and we need your help – your readers’ help – in our search for them.’

As Grace continued, Emilia felt that familiar tingling. This was the other great thing about being a reporter – at any given time a juicy story, a real whopper, could fall into your lap. These were the days that you grafted for. All those lost hours spent covering cases at the magistrates’ courts – the vandalism, the fights, the burglaries – were the price you had to pay to earn yourself a real story. And when one did come along, you’d better be ready. These were the stories that made your name.

Emilia couldn’t write quick enough, even though she was using shorthand. The developments in this story were astonishing, she could already see the spread in her head. And to be ahead of the nationals on something like this – that really was gold dust.

Emilia promised to do all she could and Grace departed. The DI said she was pleased with the outcome of their ‘chat’, but she looked rather green around the gills, Emilia thought. Not a woman who was comfortable asking for help or playing second fiddle to another girl. So much for the sorority.

Emilia sped back to the office. The nervous excitement she’d felt earlier had dissipated now and she felt oddly calm. She knew exactly what she would do.

Throughout her working life, she had used journalism as a weapon – to expose, harm or destroy those who had it coming.

This time would be no different.