Charles Grosvenor arrived at the Bentley dealership, went directly to his office, and called Hugh Gordon, Barbara’s newly hired publicist.

“Good morning, Charles,” the man said smoothly.

“Hugh, how are you coming on the editing of Barbara’s interview with that Hale woman?”

“Charles, I was going to call Barbara in a few minutes. I think I may have gotten the entire interview killed. The CEO at WSFO has told me that he has about decided not to run it.”

“‘About decided’? What does that mean?”

“It means he’s seriously thinking about not running it. Pam is beside herself, of course, but it’s her boss’s decision, and he’s leaning toward not running it.”

“How can he be pushed all the way?”

“That’s my job, Charles, and I’m working hard at it. I’ve told the man that Barbara feels she was sandbagged, which she was, and that if the second part of the interview runs, she will consider legal action. He knows that Barbara has deep pockets and that a successful lawsuit could break his company, and I’ve also been feeding his concerns about the reaction of the arts community in San Francisco, which depends so heavily on Barbara for large contributions. I think he has begun to see that the consequences of running the interview are unpredictable, to say the least.”

“Please be sure to convey all this directly to Barbara, Hugh. She’s very upset, and frankly, she’s driving me crazy. I need to get this business favorably settled and get her out of town. A change of scenery will do wonders for her.”

“Is she awake now?”

“She is, and she would be grateful for your call.”

“Then I’ll call her as soon as we hang up. By the way, Charles, I’m interested in talking with you about a Bentley.”

“Wonderful, Hugh. In which model does your interest lie?”

“The Flying Spur, I think.”

“Hold on just a moment, will you, Hugh?”

“Certainly.”

Charles pressed the hold button and checked his inventory on his computer, then he went back to the call. “Hugh, I have a new Flying Spur that’s being used as a press car at the moment. Why don’t you take it for the weekend and drive someplace beautiful? Down to Carmel or up to Napa?”

“I would be delighted,” Hugh said.

“The car is its own best salesman,” Charles said. “If you have any questions, make a note of them. We’ll have lunch early next week and I’ll answer them.”

“Wonderful, Charles.”

“You can pick up the car here anytime Friday afternoon. Or, if you’d prefer, I’ll have it delivered to you.”

“I’ll pick it up, I think.”

“See you then.”

Charles hung up feeling very much better. He could see an end to this interview business, and he had probably sold a car.