Chapter 3 #2
Irritation riffled through me. “Thank you for deciding to share that information. Do I get to hear the messages left by this alleged stalker?” Since we were going with the absolute asinine terminology.
“No,” Flint said. “Because this isn’t your story anymore.”
Aggravation blew through me like a desert hot wind.
“We’re getting off topic here.” Brewster shifted the full weight of his attention to me and actually stepped into my line of sight, blocking Flint. “How did you link this Auditor and other information to the current string of disappearances?”
“Are you going on record, Agent Brewster, confirming that these cases are the work of one person?” The fact that he asked the question suggested I was right.
“The investigation is ongoing, I have no comment on the veracity of your supposition.” Brewster almost smiled. It was a nice counter. “However, I am curious what drove you to make those leaps?”
“I’m not willing to comment on my process at this time.” Two could play at that game. “As for the rest of this, I’m willing to cooperate with the FBI and with the network—but not at the cost of my time on-air or the stories I’m working on.”
Flint’s jaw tightened. For a second, I thought he might let it go.
He didn’t.
“For fuck’s sake, Mallory,” he said, rounding on me. His voice was low, sharp—too controlled to be anger alone. “This is not a game.”
“No,” I said, meeting him head-on. “It’s not. It’s a story.”
I stepped closer before I could talk myself out of it. “And it’s one I plan to follow until I get to the bottom of it. That’s my job.”
A beat.
His eyes flicked over my face like he was cataloging damage before it happened.
“Even when it scares you,” I added quietly.
“Your job is not worth your life.” The words came out rougher than he probably meant them to. He looked so genuinely distressed that for half a second, I almost wanted to apologize—until he dragged a hand through his sandy blond hair and added, “No story is worth that.”
“That’s not true and we both know it.” I kept my voice even, but I didn’t soften it. “Please don’t pretend otherwise when you’ve walked into war zones for less. We both have.”
He exhaled hard. A long, frustrated breath. “Mal…”
“I’m not an idiot, Flint.”
He opened his mouth, closed it again.
“He hasn’t threatened me.”
“What?” Agent Brewster cut in.
“He hasn’t threatened me,” I repeated. “If he had, that would be the first thing either of you would lead with.” I looked between them. “Every message so far—except the ones I’m not allowed to hear—has been the equivalent of fan mail.”
The word sat wrong in my mouth.
Which, I wasn’t going to lie, unsettled me more than an actual threat would have. Because I had no idea how I’d earned the attention of someone suspected in over fifty homicides across at least a decade—both numbers I suspected were conservative.
Admiration was worse than anger.
Anger ended.
Attention didn’t.
Then again, I wasn’t going to shy away from it either. Opening a dialogue with them would be the ultimate story and could lead to catching him. I wasn’t opposed at all to having that opportunity.
“Being your fan might be worse,” Brewster warned. “It’s a shift in pattern, if this person proves to be the unsub and no, I’m still not confirming or denying.”
“Excuse me,” Colin said, cutting through the fray.
“We’re all relatively on the same side here.
Mallory wants to pursue her story, which would benefit the network and perhaps also garner more information for the investigation.
Flint wants to protect Mallory, which is also why the FBI is here, or so I presume, to protect a potential source. Does that summation about cover it?”
“Except that keeping Mallory on the air may lead to potential threats for other parts of her news team. Both in and out of the studio.” Flint didn’t seem to want to budge.
“We have too many questions to just simply dismiss any and all possibilities.” Brewster and Flint seemed to be in agreement.
“Then before we pull the trigger on what could be a potentially damaging breach of contract, perhaps we could come to a more reasonable agreement that makes everyone only a little unhappy.” Colin glanced at the network’s attorneys before focusing on Guy Reardon and then finally Flint and Brewster.
This time the silence stretched to uncomfortably taut before Flint huffed out a harsh sigh. “Fine, let’s discuss this. But you’re going to need to convince me that putting her back on the air won’t get her killed. Period.”
Just like that, the first round went to us. We were a long way from a true solution, but it was a start.
I’d take it.
INTERNAL MEMO – CONFIDENTIAL
TO: Newsroom Leadership, FBI Liaison, Legal Counsel, Talent Management
FROM: Guy Reardon, VP Media Relations
RE: Strategic Positioning and Security Coordination – Mallory Case
Team,
Thank you all for the swift coordination this morning. The situation regarding the individual displaying obsessive behavior toward Mallory is being actively handled by federal authorities, and I want to be explicitly clear on two parallel priorities:
Mallory’s safety is our top priority. She will receive full protective coverage, discreet transport, and enhanced home/workplace security. No appearances or coverage will proceed without full FBI and legal approval.
This story, when responsibly managed, has the potential to become a defining moment for our brand.
With the correct tone and narrative control, we are positioned to lead national coverage with integrity, gravitas, and authority.
Our messaging will center on themes of resilience, media responsibility, and the psychology of obsession.
Next Steps:
Legal: Please vet all scripts and segment plans for exposure, liability, and risk mitigation.
News Director: Maintain internal information lockdown. Only designated producers are cleared to brief team members.
Mallory’s Team: Prepare a secure, pre-taped interview addressing her experience with dignity and strength.
Marketing/PR: Begin drafting key art and teaser language around a limited series initiative: Obsession: In the Public Eye.
We must strike a careful balance between journalistic integrity and public interest. This is not exploitation—it’s elevation. And it begins now.
Let’s proceed with focus and unity.
— Guy