Hard News (Rune 3)

"I don't eat hot dogs," Maisel said absently and she caught him glancing at his watch. They walked into a low-lit den, filled with leather furniture and more maps and framed photos of Maisel on assignment. They sat. He asked, "So what's up?"

Rune said, "I got an offer for something and I don't know what to do about it."

"Publishers Clearing House?" he asked wryly.

"Better than that." She told him what Piper Sutton had said.

Maisel listened. She got almost all the way through before she realized that his face was growing a frown. "So she offered you the Brit spot, huh?"

"I was kind of surprised."

She could see that he was surprised too. "Rune, I want to be honest. No reflection on you but it's a tough assignment. I had a couple of people more senior in mind. I'm not saying you couldn't get up to speed but your experience is ..."

"Like, pretty much not there."

Maisel didn't agree or disagree. He said, "You're a good cameraman and you're learning a lot with the Hopper story. But producing involves a lot more than that." He shrugged. "But I asked Piper to fill the spot. It's her call. If she wants you in the job it's yours." He looked across the room. More antique maps. She wondered what country he was focusing on.

"I'm pretty tempted," she said.

"Wonder why," he said wryly. "Couldn't be more than ten, fifteen thousand reporters in the country that'd kill to have that assignment." Maisel stretched his feet out straight. He was wearing bright yellow socks.

"But," he said, "you're worried about the Boggs story."

She nodded. "That's the problem."

"How's it coming?"

"Slow. I don't really have any leads. Nothing solid."

"But you still think he's innocent?"

"Yeah, I guess I do. The story'd still get done. Piper said she'd assign someone local to finish it."

"Did she?"

"Yeah, she promised me."

Maisel nodded.

After a moment Rune said, "She doesn't want me to do this story, does she?"

"She's afraid."

"Afraid? Piper Sutton?"

"It's not as funny as it seems. Her job is her whole life. She's had three disastrous marriages. There's nothing else she can do professionally; nothing she wants to do. If this story goes south she and I, and Dan Semple to some extent, will take the flak. You know how fickle audiences are. Dan and I are worried about news. Piper is too but she's an anchor--she's also got public image to sweat."

"I can't imagine her being afraid of anything. I mean, I'm terrified of her."

"She's not going to have you rubbed out if you tell her you're going to stay and do the story."

"But she's my boss...."

Maisel laughed. "You're too young to know that bosses, like wives, aren't necessarily matched to us in heaven."

"Okay, but she is Piper Sutton."

"That's a different issue and I don't envy you having to call her up and tell her that you're declining her offer. But, so what? You're an adult."