The Rescue

44

Jean Rose takes a seat in Bettina’s cubicle. She’s beaming.

“Bettina, I love the El Gordo video. And I love your print story even more. They portray a murderous man in a complex manner. The way you work in Keith is extremely strong. I didn’t know, Bettina, other than... well, I’m so sorry. Our readers will be moved. Your fear of being there in those cold mountains, and of asking hard questions of a dangerous criminal, come through very clearly. Our readers and viewers will like that too. This is a story that matters, as you like to say.”

Relief floods through Bettina like a strong warm river. She’s done it. She’s written a good story and filmed a good video. She’s gotten Felix back.

Bettina looks at Felix on his pad in the corner, head resting on his front paws, his face furrowed and his eyes alert.

Jean Rose’s expression confirms she has no idea that the Coastal Eddy stories were Bettina’s ransom for a dog.

“I’m happy for you, Bettina,” she says. “I know you had high hopes for those stories. Thank you. I’ve slotted in the Rod Foster piece for next week, so we can go with El Gordo in tomorrow’s edition.”

“I need a week off,” says Bettina.

“Granted. Get some rest, Bettina. You look like you could use it.”