Scandalous Desires

Chapter 6

"Dickson, good morning. Have a seat please," Hearte gestured for him to sit in the only other chair directly next to Micah.

Before she could even look at him, she already knew from his voice, "Good morning, Ms. Hearte, Simone said you wanted to see me?"

Rick Dickson.

His voice was calmer, and more relaxed but still maintained a bit of the edge it had from this morning.

"First things first, this is Micah Rae, our new rookie reporter. Micah, this is Rick Dickson, son of the CEO of the company, of course," Hearte flashed her pearly whites at the two as they turned to each other and shook hands.

Micah smiled politely. He clearly didn't recognize her from the cafe earlier or the elevator. He smiled back but it did not reach his eyes. From this close she could see the iridescent green color of them. But the stare was piercing and held something deep and smoldering behind them. It unnerved her a bit.

"Rick is a somewhat seasoned reporter, he's been with us for a year now. He knows the ropes. He's already filled in on the Russell scandal, correct?"

Rick nodded curtly.

"So, I'm teaming you together on this Russell story."

What!? Thought Micah, God, no!

Micah realized she'd become good at keeping a poker face as she showed no reaction to the news of them partnering. Nor did Rick, except to clear his throat. But inside Micah was screaming. Of all the so-called 'sharks in the pool,' why put her with the worst one? Was this some sort of test? Knowing her mentor, it probably was.

"Russell has a press conference in two days," she continued, "I want the two of you there. It's our only chance to question him before they start the deposition on this case, which starts next week Monday. Come up with some hard questions for Russell. You two have one day to prep."

Thinking Hearte was finished talking, the two reporters nodded, and were about to get up and leave, then she continued.

"Micah, we take lunch at 12 noon around here. And You're needed at HR after that, so you guys only have right now until lunch to get started today.'

"Noted".

They moved to stand up, but then she added, "....Tomorrow, you'll have only the afternoon. We have staff meetings all of tomorrow morning."

"Right.…"

Micah made a move to scoot to the edge of her seat when Dickson gestured to wait; "Oh, and Dickson, use your office for now, Micah's cubicle isn't set up yet, it should be ready shortly."

"Sure."

Anticipating more words, both reporters sat still staring at a now quiet Kathleen Hearte who had been staring at her papers the entire time. After a long silence She finally glared up at them over her frames.

"Well? What are you all waiting for!?" she snapped. "Get to it!" she said with a shooing motion of her hand. They both finally got up and left. Rick got up first, opening the door, but not holding it for Micah, yet again.

"Thanks Ms. Hearte, goodbye," said Micah with a lopsided smile as she quickly closed the door and followed behind Mr. Obnoxious.