Private Scandals

again, she took out a cigarette. “And what do you think of Finn?”
    “I’d have to say he’s one of the best reporters on CBC or any of the networks. Powerful. He has a way of cutting to the heart of an issue, and letting just enough of himself sneak through to intrigue the audience.”
    “No, no, not professionally.” Angela blew out an impatient stream of smoke. “As a man.”
    “I don’t know him as a man.”
    “Impressions, Deanna.” Angela’s voice sharpened, putting Deanna on alert. “You’re a reporter, aren’t you? You’re trained to observe. What are your observations?”
    Boggy ground, Deanna decided. The station had been ripe with rumors of past history, and the speculation of a current affair between the two stars. “Objectively? He’s very attractive, charismatic, and I suppose I’d have to use the word ‘powerful’ again. He’s certainly well liked by the techs, and by the brass.”
    “Especially the women.” Angela began to jiggle her foot, a sign of agitation. Her father had been charismatic, too, hadn’t he? she remembered bitterly. And attractive, and certainly powerful—when he was on a winning streak. And he’d left her as well, her and her pathetic, drunken mother for another woman and the siren call of a royal flush. But she’d learned since then, learned a lot about payback. “He can be very charming,” she continued. “And very devious. He isn’t above using people to get what he wants.” She drew deeply on the cigarette, smiled thinly through a mist of smoke. “I noticed him seek you out at the party, and thought I’d give you a friendly warning.”
    Deanna lifted a brow, wondering how Angela would feel if she knew Finn had used the same phrase just a few hours earlier. “No need.”
    “I know that you’re involved with Marshall at the moment, but Finn can be very persuasive.” She tapped out her cigarette, leaning closer. Girl to girl. “I know how news travels at the studio, so there’s no need to pretend you don’t know about what was between Finn and me before he went to London. I’m afraid since I broke things off, he might try to salve his ego and strike back at me, by making a play for someone I care about. I wouldn’t want to see you hurt.”
    “I won’t be.” Uncomfortable, Deanna shifted back. “Angela, I really am running thin on time. If this is what you wanted to talk to me about—”
    “No, no. Just making small talk. And here we go.” She beamed as their drinks were served. “Now we have the proper tools for a toast.” She lifted her glass, waited until Deanna had lifted hers. “To New York.” The flutes clinked joyfully together.
    “New York?”
    “All my life I’ve been working toward it.” After a hasty sip, Angela set her glass down. Excitement was shimmering around her in restless waves. Nothing, not even champagne could compete with it. “Now it’s reality. What I’m telling you now is in the strictest confidence. Understood?”
    “Of course.”
    “I had an offer from Starmedia, Deanna, an incredible offer.” Her voice bubbled like the wine. “I’ll be leaving Chicago and CBC in August, when my contract’s up. The show will be moving to New York, with the addition of four prime-time specials a year.” Her eyes were like blue glass, her fingers running up and down the flute like excited birds searching for a place to land.
    “That’s wonderful. But I thought you’d already agreed to renew with CBC and the Delacort syndicate.”
    “Verbally.” She shrugged it off. “Starmedia is a much more imaginative syndicate. Delacort’s been taking me for granted. I’m going where I’m most appreciated—and most rewarded. I’ll be forming my own production company. And we won’t just produce Angela’s. We’ll do specials, TV movies, documentaries. I’m going to have access to the best in the business.” She paused, always a showman. “That’s why I want you to come with me as my executive producer.”
    “You want me?” Deanna shook her head as if to clear jumbled thoughts. “I’m not a producer. And Lew—”
    “Lew.” Angela dismissed her longtime associate with a toss of her head. “I want someone young, fresh, imaginative. No, when I make this move, I won’t be taking Lew with me. The job’s yours, Deanna. All you have to do is take it.”
    Deanna took a long, slow sip of champagne. She’d been expecting the offer of head researcher, and because ambition pointed elsewhere, she was