“I just want to congratulate my reporter on getting an anchor spot with McChesty,” Matt said, sounding unusually cheery. “And make sure she understands her role.”

“Meaning?” Natalie asked. Even with her eyes closed she could feel him standing too close.

“Meaning DO NOT let Ryan interrupt you. You need to get in there. Equal time. Think of this as a WWE matchup. You’re going for the smackdown. Bury him. Have no fear, show no mercy.”

“I left my Lycra unitard at home so I don’t think WWE is happe—”

Natalie felt a tap on her chin, an indication it was okay to open her eyes. She did and the mirror showed her lashes the size of small tarantulas. Natalie forced a smile at the makeup lady who beamed back and started looking through her kit of lip glosses.

Natalie turned to Matt. “More important, where is Jazzmyn? Any gossip?” She paused while Dusky Rose lip gloss was painted onto her lips. “I’m dying to know why she can’t be here.”

Matt shook his head. “Other than the thing in EarlyBird, no clue.”

“What was in EarlyBird?” Natalie asked, studying the lip color in the mirror.

“She was spotted doing a bad walk of shame out of the Jefferson Hotel last night. Tears ’n’ all,” he said. “Some Mr. Right must have turned out to be Very Wrong.”

Natalie turned to face Matt, realization dawning. “Matt, she was there with the Chief.”

“Definitely Mr. Wrong,” Matt said, gloating.

“Shit. What if something terrible happened?” Natalie whispered, staring at the floor.

Pulse flaring, Natalie felt her chest pool with dread. Except it wasn’t dread, it was guilt. After what happened with the Chief in the kitchen, she should have found Jazzmyn. She should have stepped in. She’d let Jazzmyn march into that. Why? Was she jealous? Trying to hurt her? Honestly, she hadn’t even thought about the younger woman. She’d just taken the pills and checked out.

“Listen, lie down with dogs,” Matt said.

“Jazzmyn can take care of herself,” the makeup artist declared, squeezing Natalie lightly on the shoulder. Turning, the woman faced Matt, brandishing a flatiron like a weapon. “Now back up. We need to get her ready.”

“Okay, okay, don’t brand me please,” Matt said, putting up his hands in surrender.

Natalie’s eyes were wet when she turned to Matt. “Matt, can you please find out where Jazzmyn is today and how I can reach her?” Her throat was starting to go sore.

“Just focus on nailing this gig,” Matt said. “I like the idea of producing for an anchor.”

“Please,” Natalie implored.

“Fine. If you’re going to be a downer, I’ll go raid the office supply cabinet. Did you know they still stock office supplies? Welcome to the modern office of the new millennium, have a number 2 pencil. See you in the studio, Hot Nerd,” he said as he ambled out of the room.