Soulful Strut by Lynn Emery Read Free Book Online

line of
bull, the same way she had when trying to wriggle out of
trouble.
    “Can you give us a sneak preview of what’s to
come?” Nikki gestured again that Monette should continue.
    “Since I’m so notorious, I’m going to talk
about how I ended up on the wrong side of the law. I’ll talk about
life on the inside of a women’s prison. Who knows? I might even
share some tidbits that didn’t make it into my book, Ticket Out!'
Monette wasn’t sure what she was saying, but it sounded good.
    “Intriguing indeed. I’m gonna be listening in
for sure. Okay y’all, tune in to the hottest new ticket in town.
Monette Victor’s talk show starts Monday nine o’clock a.m. on the
FM. That’s right, FM 106. Check it out. That’s all for me, good
people. I’m gonna get outta here and let my man Shawn Dell slide
behind the microphone. Until next time be safe, take care and be
cool.”
    When music played, Monette let out a long
sigh. “Whew.”
    “You did great, girl. I can’t wait to hear
that first show.” Nikki draped an arm around Monette’s shoulders as
they left the studio.
    “Thanks. Now all I have to do is deliver on
those big words.” Monette shook her head. Monday seemed far off
right at the moment. She didn’t feel nervous, but maybe the
adrenaline rush of thinking on her feet hadn’t worn off.
    “Hey, you must have met a lot of interesting
people inside and outside of prison. I’m sure you can come up with
guests.”
    “Uh-oh. Guests. I’ll need to line up guests.”
Monette’s rush came to a screeching halt. “By Monday.”
    “Chaz probably didn’t give you much notice.
The man moves at the speed of light. Don’t worry. I’ll bet you’ve
got more resources than you think. Here is the office. We share it
with two other disc jockeys. They both work overnight shifts.”
Nikki led Monette to a large room with four desks and a long table.
“You can use my phone to network if you want. I’m going to get some
coffee. Want some?”
    “I can tell we’re going to be good friends,
Nikki. I would love a cup. And thanks for helping out in there.”
Monette grinned at her with affection.
    “No problem. Just settle in. Chaz will
probably sprint in here any sec.”
    Monette had a flash of inspiration. She dug
Jim’s business card out of her purse and dialed his office. Her
luck held. Jim’s secretary said he was in and could talk to her.
After a few minutes of chitchat, Monette invited him to be her
first guest. Jim hesitated, and then asked her to hold on while he
checked his schedule. Monette spent the next two minutes praying.
When he came on the line again Jim said he was available. She then
spent another two minutes thanking him profusely. Just as Monette
hung up, Nikki came back carrying two large black mugs with the
KTQL logo on them.
    “Here we go. Brought sugars and cream, too.”
Nikki put the mugs down and took out the small packets from her
pants pocket “Found a guest?”
    “As a matter of fact I have.” Monette started
to say more when Chaz walked in.
    “Irvin says you were fab on air. Knew you
would be. Listen, sponsors are lining up for your show. Does my
heart good to hear about ad spots being sold. In fact, you can meet
one of your sponsors right now. Hey, Darlene. You finished your
meeting with our new account?” he called down the hall to someone.
“Excellent.”
    Monette wasn’t sure she could take any more
of Chaz’s surprises. She drank coffee for fortification and
prepared to memorize another face and name. When the tall dark man
appeared next to Chaz, Monette was definitely pleasantly surprised.
Jayson turned on his radiant smile and brightened her day more than
a ray of sunshine ever could. Dressed in a crisp white shirt and
charcoal gray slacks, Jayson took the phrase “business casual” to a
stunning new level.
    “Jayson Odum came in to buy thirty-second
commercial spots for his auto repair shops. Heard about your show
and signed up. Told you we would do great