“Now, Natalie, I know you’re a competitor and you usually don’t disappoint,” the Chief continued. “That’s why I’d like to get you back out there ASAP, to ensure you aren’t tainted by your mistake today. Bibb?”

Bibb pushed her fingers to the bridge of her nose and closed her eyes. When she opened them, they were cold hard stones. “We have a story for you about Sonia Barbaro,” Bibb said through gritted teeth. “It’s no secret that Barbaro is well on her way to sleeping with every actor in Hollywood. Now a source tells us that as a teenager, Sonia had a child out of wedlock, which she apparently gave up for adoption. Venezuela is a Catholic country. That she was sexually active as a teenager is going to be frowned upon. All this should shade the perception of her rape accusation.”

“Great angle,” the Chief said. “Sex, lies, Hollywood, international intrigue, and a secret child. It’s just the kind of narrative that could extend watch time, maybe even expand the Demo.”

“We’d like you to dig into Sonia’s past and tell us what we need to know about her. Who is the real Sonia Barbaro?” Bibb said.

Natalie felt the blood rush to her face. They want me to be their news beard. ATN wants to use me, a “credible” woman, to attack Sonia Barbaro. Why? Because it excites the boss? Because he thinks his excitement is transferable and it’ll rate well with male viewers ages eighteen to thirty-five? Let’s use smart Natalie, the stairs person, to give this celebrity sex scandal an air of respectability.

“You want me to slut shame Sonia Barbaro,” Natalie said flatly.

“I want you to report on her. It’s an assignment, not a choice,” Bibb spat, looking at her with what Natalie sensed was restrained fury.

Natalie understood that the Chief had the power. And she knew that he liked her moxie, the way a murderer likes a victim who fights back. So she would fight.

Natalie walked toward the phone and leaned close to it.

“Chief, I think there is a story we are missing. Instead of chasing Sonia Barbaro, what if we look at the bigger picture?”

She thought of all the money they’d spent hyping side-stories, chasing bad leads, missing news that really mattered.

“Why is the president giving sanctuary to Lystra’s son? The Venezuelans keep saying it’s a distraction. What if they’re right? What if this is about something else?” The Chief wasn’t dumb. He had to see her point. “Sir, if there’s something behind the White House’s protection of Rigo Lystra and if we break that story, it’ll be a major scoop. That would help the brand and the ratings, right? All I need is a little time to do some digging.”