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Little did I know that all of our paths were destined to intertwine in ways I could never have imagined.
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Chapter four
Stephen
Theconstantbuzzofactivity fills the newsroom as I sit in my office, poring over the latest reports and editing articles with meticulous attention. After a while, I reach for the phone on my desk and dial Rosie’s extension. She’s one of our veteran senior editors and just the person to answer the query I have. Within seconds, her voice comes through the line.
"Stephen, what can I do for you?" she asks.
"Rosie, I wanted to discuss the new recruits with you," I reply. "Specifically, I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on Chloe, Nick, and Martha."
There's a brief pause on the other end of the line, and I can almost picture Rosie gathering her thoughts before she begins. "Of course, Stephen. Let's start with Chloe Bloom. She has an impressive drive and an instinct for sniffing out the truth. She is very diligent, and I believe she has the potential to excel in investigative journalism."
I nod, even though Rosie can’t see me, and say, "And what about the others?"
"Well," Rosie continues, her voice taking on a more measured tone, "Nick has a natural charisma and a knack for captivating storytelling. He has a flair for grabbing attention, but he can be a bit . . . self-centered at times. Martha, on the other hand, is a quiet force. She may not seek the limelight, but her work ethic and attention to detail make her a reliable asset."
I absorb Rosie's words, mentally weighing the pros and cons of each reporter. It's crucial to have a team that complements each other's strengths and compensates for their weaknesses.
After a moment of contemplation, I say, "Thank you, Rosie. Your insights are to the point, as always."
"You're welcome, Stephen. I'm glad I could provide some perspective," Rosie replies, her voice carrying a sense of satisfaction. "Anything else you need assistance with?”
"Nothing more for now, Rosie. Thank you, that will do." I respond, a note of gratitude in my voice.
With that, we end the call. As I sit in my office, the weight of responsibility settles upon me. The task of shaping these budding journalists, including Chloe, lies ahead, and I am determined to guide them towards excellence. And nothing less.
But everything changes later that day.
My office door swings open, and Rosie strides in with purpose. She’s dressed in a suit as usual and her glasses hang around her neck. I can see the pencil tucked behind her ears; it’s an endearing sight. Her gaze is sharp, cutting through the air as she locks eyes with me.
"Stephen," she begins, her voice laced with a mix of authority and curiosity. "I've been keeping an eye on the new recruits, and there's one who has caught my attention."
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued by her words. "Oh, already? And who might that be?"
Her lips curl into a knowing smile, as if she holds a secret that she's eager to share. "Chloe Bloom. I've been following her work closely, and I must say, that girl knows her job."
I lean back in my chair, intrigued by Rosie's assessment. "Go on."
"Take the whistleblower story, for instance,” Rosie continues, pacing before my desk. “Stephen, she and Martha have teamed up to create a thorough report of the incident. Chloe has initiative and intelligent ideas. I think she’s ready for more serious mentoring.” Here, Rosie pauses and looks at me pointedly.
I let her words sink in, contemplating the implications of her suggestion. It's true that Chloe has shown promise. But there's a part of her history that Rosie isn't aware of—a connection that runs deep and is entangled in the complexities of my own life.
Before I can voice my concerns, Rosie adds, almost as an afterthought, "And I have just the project for her. I want her to work directly under you, Stephen. I believe you can guide her, nurture her talent, and help her reach her full potential."
My initial instinct is to protest, to shield Chloe from the conflicts that could arise. But as a journalist and as the team lead at Eagle Eye, I have to be fair.
Then there’s also a part of me that is thrilled at the prospect of working with Chloe in such . . . close quarters. I take a deep breath, centering myself before responding. "Very well, Rosie. If you believe in her potential, I will give her a chance. But I must warn you, there is a personal connection between Chloe and me, one that may create complications."
Rosie's eyes widen, a hint of surprise dancing across her features. "Complications? Can’t you handle them, Stephen? I mean you’re a professional at this.”
I meet her gaze head-on, a steely determination shining through. "I'll handle it. Chloe deserves a fair chance, and I won't let personal matters cloud my judgment or interfere with our work."
Rosie nods curtly, as if she expected nothing less from me. "I trust your judgment, Stephen. Give her the guidance she needs, and make a great reporter out of her. I’ll be watching."
I take a deep breath, glancing at the clock on my office wall. It's time to address the pressing matter of the whistleblower story with Chloe. With a mix of anticipation and a slight twinge of apprehension, I pick up the phone and dial Chloe's extension.
