Both men nodded as if the conversation had gone exactly as planned, then turned in the sand and headed back toward the house. It took Avery a couple of minutes to stop shaking after they were gone. Finally, she walked up the beach and across the gangplank. The remnants of sunset cast her shadow in a thin silhouette in front of her as she walked. The breeze was fresh and cool and made her realize how much she had been sweating. When she made it to the patio, she slipped her feet back into her high heels and walked along the side of the pool, which was glowing red from underwater lights, past tiki torches that lined the perimeter of the patio, and around propane fire-pit tables that gave off enough heat to hold off the chill of the ocean breeze. Servers pushed carts that held the evening’s feast—roasted duck with mixed vegetables—and began serving dinner. Just as Avery took her assigned seat, Mosley Germaine stood from his throne at the head of the table and used a fork to lightly tap his wineglass and capture everyone’s attention.

“I’d like to formally welcome everyone to this magnificent evening. We have all gathered here to celebrate our collective success as the cable news leader for the eleventh straight year. None of us alone are responsible for such a splendid accomplishment, and none of us alone can take credit. It was, and will continue to be, a group effort.”

He raised his glass. “To past accomplishments and future success.”

Everyone joined him.

“Cheers!”

Avery reached for the champagne flute in front of her, raised it quickly, and then took a long swallow, breaking her one-drink rule. Her strategy had already gone to hell. What was the point of staying sober?

CHAPTER 5 - Coronado, CA Tuesday, June 15, 2021

CHAPTER 5

Coronado, CA Tuesday, June 15, 2021

“SEVEN-FIFTY A YEAR, FOR FOUR YEARS. THAT’S THE NEW OFFER. IT includes a fifth-year option based on ratings during the final year of the contract. Incentives for reaching benchmarks in certain demos will be included as year-end bonuses.”

“Seven-fifty?” Avery asked. “That’s what they came back with? It’s still low, Dwight.”

“They came up from six-fifty, Avery. Three million over four years is a solid offer,” Dwight Corey said. “As your agent, I strongly advise that you take the money and run.”