“Okay, you’re right. Can you be ready with flight options for Phoenix, and I’ll fill you in on the rest when I have more information? I have to make a call and confirm some things,” Natalie said and hung up before he could ask more questions. She wasn’t ready to trust Matt with the scoop.

Her second call was to Huntington Recovery Center in Phoenix, which Siri blessedly found after just two attempts. The receptionist said she’d have to take a message for the executive director who could only be reached for emergencies, “due to this being Saturday.” Summoning her most authoritative slash threatening tone, Natalie explained that she was a reporter for ATN, the national television network, and on deadline with important information about your center so a call back in the next hour would be great.

She hung up, confident that would get a quick reply.

As she rounded a corner on the leafy parkway, Natalie saw the silver water of the Potomac and the Washington Monument piercing the blue sky in the distance, and a sizzle raced through her body. This was the image they showed in every Washington spy thriller—right before the agent nabbed the bad guy and broke the mystery wide open. She grinned to herself, feeling it was a sign, confirmation she was finally on a real story.

Watch out, Ryan.

Turning on the car’s satellite radio, she flipped to a simulcast of ATN’s live broadcast. “A brand-new poll from ATN and SurveyMonkey shows the nation is divided.” It was Nelly Jones’s voice, promoting her Monday show. “Half of Americans believe Sonia Barbaro is telling the truth. The other half believe it’s all made up,” Nelly said. “Does that mean it’s impossible to know? Tune in Monday.”

Glancing at Cronkite, Natalie pointed to the radio. “Do you hear that? We’re not reporting actual information. We’re reporting what viewers think the facts might be. You get how that’s crazy, don’t you, Cronkite?”

Cronkite farted, which she took for agreement.

Her phone rang.

“Hi, Ms. Savage,” a thin male voice said. “My name is Curtis Norton. I’m the manager on duty here at Huntington Recovery Center.” Natalie, heart racing, worked to stay focused on the road. “As today is Saturday, I’m afraid our executive director is unavailable, but I wanted to return your call. How may I help you?”

Natalie’s excitement was dulled by a tinge of disappointment. She wanted to speak to the boss, but the manager on duty would have to do.