There had been a time when Jan would have scoffed at the very thought of commuting back and forth to the same office and the same job, day in, day out. As a star journalist for the World News Network, she had once viewed the entire globe as her office. From the Middle East, to the Far East, with occasional stops in Europe whenever there was an international hiccup there, Jan had dashed about, bringing the latest breaking news to America. Even after her marriage to Scott Dixon, she had managed, somehow, to juggle her career, his career, and a love affair that never seemed to fade.

Yet, after making the move to Colorado two years prior, “following the flag” as Jan called it, she had been offered the opportunity to scale back and host her own one hour show. To everyone’s surprise she had taken it. When asked why, not even Jan could explain it then. Only now, as she maneuvered her car into the parking lot of the local Denver station from which her show originated, could she look back and explain what had caused her to throw away a lifestyle and career that many thought of as being glamorous and exciting for a home nestled in the foothills of the Rockies.

She hadn’t even finished crossing the threshold of the station before the tranquillity of Jan’s early morning slumber and her leisurely drive into Denver evaporated. From across the room, a producer shouted out to her. “Jan, five minutes. I need a bit of advice.” Trying hard to hide her annoyed look, Jan made for the communal coffee pot and began drawing a cup of coffee without responding to the producer. Though this producer had no connection at all to her show, people who worked in the newsroom at that station were always seeking her opinion or advice on various matters.

Ann Warren, who did research and background work on developing stories for Jan’s show, saw Jan and made straight for her in an effort to get to her before the producer did. With a nod of her head, she signaled Ann to meet her in her office. With that taken care of, Jan turned to face the producer. “James,” she stated firmly as she raised her hand and started moving briskly toward her office, “unless the Martians have blown up the White House and you have video of it, I don’t think anyone cares what your lead story is.”

“But Jan,” the producer pleaded as he pursued her, “I really could use your expertise and judgment. The jury in the Henderson case could come out with a verdict any minute. Do I cut into regular programming and announce it, or wait until a regular news update?”

Pausing at her door, but only for a second, Jan looked the producer in the eye. “James, use your judgment. Keep an eye on the other networks. The instant you see them cut into their regular programming, jump in yourself. Okay?”