Chapter 17
When the text came through, Christie couldn’t believe her eyes. Not only was this a huge product launch but it was for one of the biggest on-line betting sites around. She felt excitement surge through her and prickle against the back of her neck. If she could get a lock on this story, she’d be in. This was bigger than any of the other stories she’d been chasing, including the one about the underground fights.
That one, while important and groundbreaking, was a little predictable, but this one, this one nobody would have expected would launch in Phoenix. Christie did a quick bit of research on the facts of the company and printed it out. She texted the contact that Ace had sent her and grabbed her jacket, camera and everything else she needed.
It wasn’t until she was half way out of the office that a painful thought struck her. This was very convenient. What if it was all just a ruse to get her to stop sniffing around? To rough her up, like Ace had said? Maybe it was just something terrible. She shifted on her feet, weighing up the pros and cons.
Ace had come all the way out last night just to warn her and keep her safe, so it seemed very unlikely that he would go out of his way to trick her and put her in even more danger. That didn’t make any sense. Then again, maybe he was bitter, but Christie didn’t know why he would be.
On the other hand, this story was good and could be the big break she had been looking for. Excitement fluttered in her chest. She would get a permanent contract for sure, bigger work would naturally start flowing and everything would be okay again. And, after all, Ace had said that he wanted to help her.
Maybe this was his way of helping. He did have contacts in places that Christie didn’t. After an agonizing moment, Christie decided that she just couldn’t afford to waste time. She hurried to Jane’s desk instead, “I need you to come with me.”
“Wow, what’s the rush?” Jane looked relaxed, but she jumped up and slung on her jacket. All reporters knew how to move fast.
“Grab your stuff, I’ll explain on the way!” Christie called. They raced through the halls and Christie called a cab. When Jane tried to question her, she glanced at the cab driver and shook her head. Everyone had twitter, everyone had some way of sharing with the world.
If the story was leaked too early, Christie could be in just as much trouble. She needed to keep this quiet. It wasn’t until she stepped out of the cab that she turned to Jane, “Huge new product launch.”
Jane gasped and grinned, “You sly dog.”
Christie smiled as they hurried up the stairs of the building, “It’s been hush hush for a while, but it’s meant to launch today. If we’re first on the scene…”
Jane nodded in understanding and Christie continued, “Problem is, I think my tip is valid, but in case it’s an elaborate way to get me alone…”
Jane nodded again, “I have pepper spray, and a phone.” She chuckled, though she sounded serious, “I’ve got you covered.”
Christie nodded, feeling relief and elation fight each other in the depths of her chest. If Ace was to be believed, his contact would meet her in the lobby of the building inside the front doors.
When she reached her destination, Christie was surprised. She was standing face to face with a very attractive looking man, a man who might have been on a television show, or in a magazine. He looked like a model, thankfully not a gangster or a fighter, or a man who was involved in the underground at all.
He grinned when he saw Christie and chuckled at her expression, “I don’t know how Ace found a lady as beautiful as you. You are Christie, I take it?” He held out a hand to her and she took it, feeling herself blush.
“Yes, and you are-?”
“Kevin.” Even his name was simple, suburban, middle American life. He let go of her hand and gestured, “Follow me. Just through here.” He paused and looked at Jane, “And you are?” He smiled.
“Jane.” She smirked, “Camera back up.”
“Of course. Then right this way, Jane.” He stepped aside and led them through the lobby, until Christie was face to face with a large set of doors.
The moment they stepped through, Christie knew that this was as legitimate as they came. Everything was set up for a media uptake to showcase the creative genius of the iBet company and to make sure that everyone could see their innovation and latest product.
Christie took a deep breath and she took it all in. This was going to be one heck of a media storm. This was going to be fantastic. And she was at the helm of it. She felt a tingle all through her body. If she got this story first, no one could say that she had not earned her place at the newspaper.
As she stepped forward and Jane grabbed out her camera, Christie found herself wondering how Ace had pulled these strings - how he had managed to get her first dibs on the story.
She began to look around and realized that everything was going to be okay now. And she couldn’t find it in her heart to hate Ace. The hope that she had pushed down started to blossom again, burning and bright in her chest.
Maybe there really was hope. Maybe things were going to be okay.