Rate now, report later. Candy now, protein later.

But suddenly she saw that with Bibb and the Chief in charge, there was never going to be a chance to do that. Under the Chief, ATN was a candy division always in need of more refined sugar and trans fats. The irony was, he’d been honest about that from the very beginning. He’d said it plainly. She’d just refused to hear it.

No one had lied to her. She’d lied to herself. She’d let herself become numb, obedient, unquestioning. All things a reporter should never be. ATN didn’t want her to follow the truth wherever it might lead. ATN wanted her to get the network ratings without questioning their choices.

Suddenly the way forward became clear. She would repay the Chief’s candor with her own. “Chief, I appreciate the opportunities you’ve given me.” She inhaled, already feeling more herself. “But I’m not a good fit for your rebranding. It’s not me. To be honest, I don’t think I belong at ATN, at least not this version of ATN.”

He chortled, apparently tickled by her reply. “My girl, I understand, you’re feeling gun-shy before your big breakout.” He was back to friendly, coercive dad. “So go ahead and take the weekend. Let’s talk Monday.” The sound of footsteps came across the speaker and a woman’s voice demanding, “Are you on the phone?” broke through his words.

“Ladies, sounds like it’s time to go. Natalie, think it over. You’ll get used to this in no time. Bibb, let’s speak later.”

And he was gone.

Natalie found herself staring into space doing a recap in her mind. She had said no. She’d quit...hadn’t she? Was it so inconceivable a reporter would pass on the opportunity to become a TV star, that the Chief was unable to hear it?

“I’m quitting. I quit,” she said to the empty air. When she turned her head, she almost jumped at the sight of Bibb’s enraged face.

“You just got an opportunity any reporter would die for, and you can’t even show gratitude?” Bibb replied in a Mommy’s-not-coming-back-you’re-stuck-with-me-now tone. “If this is some kind of negotiating strategy, if you think that just because the Chief likes you, that you can manipulate me and get the White House job, you’ve got a surprise in store.” Bibb’s face was a hard, mean mask. “Childish, selfish tactics like that will not work in my bureau. And threatening me with stories of Hal and the Chief won’t get you anywhere. I’m in charge here. Don’t even try to outsmart me because one day you’re going to find us taking what you say seriously.”