When Natalie had first refused the Chief’s offer, it was involuntary, a survival instinct. But now, aware that no matter how much she spoke and no matter what she did she couldn’t be heard, the decision settled in her. Turned to resolve. When she spoke, her voice sounded clear, steady. “Really, Bibb, you’re not hearing me. I’m not suited to ATN. Not the way you guys want it run. You need someone who—”

“Not possible!” Bibb snapped, and Natalie refocused to see Bibb was speaking into her phone.

Did it ring? Had she just lost track of time?

Bibb was pacing as she barked into the mouthpiece, “Hal, you’ve got to be kidding. How have you not handled this? Hold on a moment.” She covered the mouthpiece of the phone with her hand, looked at Natalie, and said, “Don’t think this meeting is going to be forgotten. I will see you back here on Monday. From this day forward, you do as I say.”

Like a defiant five-year-old, Natalie looked at Bibb and said, “I quit. I’m quitting.” But before the words were out, Bibb was back on her call, pacing the room.

“I quit,” Natalie repeated as she walked out of Bibb’s office and down the stairs. People nodded or walked past without appearing to hear her. “I quit,” she repeated as she went into the makeup room and grabbed a handful of cloths to get the thick foundation off her face. “I quit,” she said to her reflection in the mirror.

“I’m so happy for you,” her reflection said back.

But Natalie wasn’t sure she believed it.

THE EARLYBIRD™/ SUNDAY / 8:27 A.M.

THE E-NEWSLETTER TRUSTED BY WASHINGTON'S POLITICAL ELITE

Good morning, EarlyBirders™. Here are the morning’s need-to-know stories:

BAMBAM LYSTRA TO 60 MINUTES: “THIS IS A FABRICATED ATTACK.” In an interview with CBS’s Norah O’Donnell, the Colombian president alleges Barbaro’s rape accusation was “manufactured by the Venezuelan government.” Lystra: “THIS IS AN ATTACK ON THE COLOMBIAN PEOPLE. WE ARE ALL RIGO.” Watch 7 p.m. EST, @CBS.

We wouldn’t mind being Rigo Lystra for a day! Word is he’s hosting the cast of The Bachelorette at the embassy tonight. Fun, fun, fun.

EarlyPoll™: America Loves the First Lady, Less

FLOTUS’s absence is taking a toll. Her approval falling twelve points in a week, POTUS’s falling with her. Another week of this and she could be underwater.

Viewer Alert: ATN’s Ryan McGreavy to guest host The View (in a shirt). Go Ryan!

**EarlySponsor™: GlobalCom™ Is Proud to Support Old Dominion Recovery. Their Equine Therapy Programs Help Fight Addiction Naturally. Find a Center Near You.**

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