“You’re a funny one, my boy,” The Chief’s eyes weren’t smiling. “But let’s not make light of headaches. Twenty-eight million American women experience migraines. Headache meds are huge advertisers. This is a story that brings it home.”

“The parent company has a big pharma division,” Hal whispered to Natalie, as she leaned away.

Driven to the far corner of her chair and desperation simultaneously, Natalie said, “Why not do boys against girls? Andrea and me versus Ryan and Matt?”

The Chief shook his head. “Out of the question.”

Bibb’s eyes flashed with disapproval. “That kind of talk is inappropriate, Natalie. Gender is not a factor in assignments.” She shook her head. “Besides, as you know, Andrea and Ryan are already accustomed to working together. They are a well-oiled team. I’m sure you and Mike—”

“It’s Matt,” Matt put in.

“—will do very well,” Bibb finished, ignoring him. Something in Bibb’s tone suggested she thought exactly the opposite. Something that kindled Natalie’s competitive spirit. She looked at the Chief, weighing her options. She could say no and get sent back down to general news purgatory. Or she could play the game, get the White House job, and do the work she believed in. Eventually. Candy now, protein later.

“I’m in,” Natalie told the room, with fake enthusiasm. She felt something in her soul contract and burrow into a ball. Might that be your professional integrity? She silenced the voice in her head. “When do we start?”

The Chief was beaming. “Wonderful. It looks like we have our plan. Each night I’ll circulate the VOP. This is only for our internal use. So Ryan and Natalie know where they stand and what they have to do to improve. Sound good?”

Natalie glanced around the table. Bibb was scowling, which seemed like a good sign. Ryan gave her a thumbs-up, which could mean anything. Matt was nodding, engaged. Andrea was looking jaundiced. Hal was staring at Natalie’s legs.

“Arrange it!” the Chief boomed happily. “This is going to be great! Two stories full of intrigue. Two stories that will make you believe rich people’s lives are worse than yours! I’ll see both of you on TV!”

The screen went black.

Bibb turned to Andrea, all business now. “Andrea, you’re going to have to postpone your trip home, I’m afraid.”

“Of course,” Andrea said quietly.

Natalie felt like a knife had been plunged through her own chest. She looked at Andrea from the corner of her eye, holding back the impulse to scream no!

Bibb was gazing adoringly at Ryan who leaned forward to grab a handful of Red Hots. “We’ll get you the best crew we have.”