She screwed the lid back on her water with more force than necessary.

After eight months stroking his ego and playing the charm card, she should have gotten concrete results by now.

Shoving her chair back from the computer, she rose and began to pace.

Too bad Eve hadn’t buckled after the bomb scare. That would have made life much simpler. But apparently the woman wasn’t intimidated by physical threats.

Still . . . there were other ways to make people squirm.

Carolyn wandered into the kitchen. May as well finish off the bottle of wine in the fridge. There wasn’t more than a glass or two left.

She pulled it out, removed the cork, and poured a generous serving, swirling the golden liquid as she mulled over how best to proceed.

There was one card she hadn’t yet played in her break-into-radio campaign. One she’d been holding in reserve in case the opportunity presented itself . . . or nothing else worked.

This could be the moment to put it on the table.

She took a slow sip of wine and walked over to the picture window in her condo, giving the city lights below her a slow sweep. Not a bad view—but a larger . . . higher . . . unit would offer a more impressive panorama.

That wasn’t going to happen on her reporter’s salary—although it would be within the realm of possibility if she ever got the chance to host her own radio program.

Propping a shoulder against the edge of the window, she watched the traffic below. Thanks to the new office building that was under construction, all vehicles were being diverted north, toward less-savory side streets in the city. An unappealing but necessary detour if the drivers wanted to reach their destination.

Maybe that’s how she should view the card she held. She didn’t have to like using it . . . but if it got her where she wanted to be?

Worth considering.

Carolyn returned to her desk and pulled out the file she’d been holding in reserve for months. Set it beside her computer.

She didn’t have to decide tonight.

But she couldn’t wait too long or the window would close.

Al

Mon., Aug. 27, 9:35 p.m.

Where do we stand?

Dan

Mon., Aug. 27, 9:44 p.m.

Working on it. Patience.

Al

Mon., Aug. 27, 9:44 p.m.

She needs 2 b gone.

Dan

Mon., Aug. 27, 9:45 p.m.

Agreed—but details must b thought thru carefully & timing must b perfect. Stand by.

5

THANKS FOR CALLING THE SHOW” —Eve double-checked the name on the phone monitor—“Denise. What’s on your mind today?” She glanced at the clock. Seven minutes to go on her Wednesday program. She should be able to take one more call unless this one ran long.

“I wanted to weigh in on that big protest at the abortion clinic yesterday.”