Finder's Fee by Alton Gansky Read Free Book Online Page A

the dim, claustrophobic space. As the door closed behind her, she took a deep cleansing breath, attempting to evict the stale smell of the video bay.
    â€œIs that the school graffiti piece?”
    Karen looked up as her news director, Dwayne Hastings, approached. He stopped a respectful three feet away. “Yeah. A story on graffiti in LA; that’ll make the ratings spike. Sure you don’t want to save it for sweeps week?”
    â€œSarcasm is an ugly adornment,” Dwayne said. He stood six-two, was trim, and still had the piercing blue eyes that had made him the best known news anchor in northern California. San Francisco had been his throne and for ten years, he sat upon it with regal flair. That ended when the alcoholism he had hidden so well became known in the worst possible way. Driving drunk, Dwayne Hastings lost control of his car and slipped over the center line of a two-lane road. He lived, themother of two in the other car didn’t. Lots of money paid to a high-price attorney kept him out of jail, but his days before the camera were over. Only KTOT would let him work in the industry and at half of what he earned before.
    Karen had seen tapes of his on-air work and knew that Dwayne had changed his looks. No longer needing to keep a youthful appearance, he let the natural gray of his hair grow out and now sported a trim mustache and soul patch. It looked good on him. Although age had caught up, he was still a striking man — a striking figure whose eyes had lost the luster of life.
    â€œSorry, Dwayne. I guess I woke up on the wrong side of the web this morning.”
    He gave a nod of understanding. They both stood with their professional feet mired in the tar of KTOT. “How come you’re doing the editing? Where’s Cindy?”
    Cindy Chu served as senior cameraperson — although she preferred “camera tech.” A bright and pleasant woman who had no problem lugging out-of-date video cams around, Cindy was Karen’s first choice for work and friendship.
    â€œShe dashed home. Her son forgot his lunch. She’s making an emergency peanut butter and jelly delivery. She should be back any minute.”
    Dwayne nodded. He never complained or chastised someone for taking time to meet a family need. Most KTOT employees attributed his patience to the fact that his alcoholism had cost him his family and deprived another of a mother.
    â€œHow you coming on the Women in Industry series?”
    Another sore spot. Karen considered such assignments as fluff pieces. Very few viewers would tune in to see how some rich woman is making out in the business world.
    â€œIt’s going. I have my first interview this afternoon.”
    â€œWho’s up first?” Dwayne had given her several names but left it up to her to refine the roll if she found someone more interesting.
    â€œJudith Find of Find, Inc.”
    â€œAh, the new Martha Stewart. Good choice. I met her once at some charitable get-together. She’s sharp.”
    â€œI plan to ask some hard questions.” Karen waited for the response.
    â€œAs you should. Just stay away from slander and libel.” He gave a chuckle then turned serious. “Do your best on this assignment, Karen. I know you want out of this cul-de-sac of journalism. I understand. You deserve a break and I may have a way of helping.”
    Suspicion bubbled up in her. “What do you mean?”
    â€œI’ve made a call to an old friend. I don’t have many friends left, but this guy owes me. I saved his bacon once. Only he and I know what happened and that’s the way it’s going to stay. Anyway, he’s in Seattle. Not the world’s largest market, but it’s far from being the smallest and the station is a network affiliate. It would be a great next step.”
    This was out of character. “I thought you wanted to keep the team together.”
    â€œI do. At least until I retire, but you deserve a