Sam shook his head, apparently equally as puzzled. “My guess is still that the new owners, New Western Media, is linked somehow to a rival news outlet, and they bought us to get rid of the competition even though our readership has been shrinking, and, the way things were going, we might have died a more natural death, so to speak.”
“So New Western Media is in some kind of hurry. Is there any way to talk to them?”
“Only through their attorney, Murray Jones. I tried to find out more information about New Western, but all I could dig up was their LLC filings with the Secretary of State. No owners listed, only the law firm of Jones and Finch, LLP, is listed as the agent of representation. The LLC is newly formed, probably for the sole purpose of acquiring the Tribune.”
“They won’t even let us print a final paper? A goodbye issue? What about the readers who have subscribed and paid for the paper?”
“I’m guessing they’ll get refunds. If New Western Media can afford to pay us to do nothing, they can probably afford to prorate the subscriptions.”
Kimani still couldn’t wrap her head around the strangeness of the acquisition. She thought about the profile of Gordon. Robin had showed her a draft, and it was shaping up nicely.
“So what do we do with all the stories we’re currently working on?” she asked Sam. “Do you think we could sell them to...”
But Sam was shaking his head. “We’re to cease and desist all activities and pack up our things today. They’re going to lock the offices at midnight tonight.”
“Jesus.”
“I need a few minutes before I make the announcement on the floor. Drinks on me tonight.”
They sat in silence for a few moments.
“I knew my stint here might not last long,” Kimani said at last, “and though I didn’t think it would end like this, I’m grateful for each day I was here and thankful for the opportunity you gave me.”
Sam returned a wan smile. “I’m sorry it didn’t turn out.”
“Don’t be sorry. I appreciate your support of me. And it was fun while it lasted.”
“Well, I hope you find something else that’s fun while job hunting.”
“You should find something fun, too.”
“I think I’ll take that camping trip to Yosemite that my husband has been bugging me to do.”
“I’ve never been, but Yosemite looks beautiful.”
She got up to give Sam the time he needed to gather his thoughts and what he wanted to say to the staff.
Everyone else was as shocked as she was to hear the news. Most were dedicated journalists who would have happily worked instead of getting paid to do nothing.
“Guess I’ll go back to doing wedding photography for a bit,” said Ron, as he, Kimani and Robin ate lunch at a nearby bakery.
“I wish happy hour started now,” said Robin.
They at their lunch of soup and sandwiches in relative quiet.
“You guys go on ahead,” Kimani said when they were done. “I want to order an iced tea to go.”
As she ordered, she marveled that she chose an iced green tea. She had fully acquired the taste for green tea now.
Upon exiting, she heard a voice that sent chills through her bones.
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Slut #2.”
She decided to keep walking until he said, “What? Not even a ‘hello’ to your Master?”
She whipped around and met the bright blue eyes of Jake Whitehurst. Except for the stubble, he looked exactly as he had during their time together: a Ken doll with his good looks and soft golden hair. Too bad they masked a complete SOB.
“You’re not supposed to come within a hundred yards of me or you’re in violation of the restraining order,” she told him.