Birdsongs by Jason Deas Page A

reigned in his personality as to not give her a true snapshot of who he really was. Although he was holding out, Rachael decided she trusted him anyway and Benny had his reasons for playing poker with his thoughts and information. He didn’t get to where he was and establish the impressive resume he had without learning how to play the game along the way. She resolved to play his game until he crossed her, which was the same sentiment Benny had relayed to her. Rachael began to rehearse in her mind the evening broadcast which would include the information Benny desired. She hoped to get more as she drove towards the Tilley Bee headquarters for an impromptu meeting with Jerry Lee.
        Jerry Lee’s office door was open and he was staring blankly at his computer monitor. Jerry Lee was a giant of a man with a potato nose that did not fit even his bulbous head. His dirty blonde hair was real but looked like three toupees intertwined in a hairy game of twister. His face was similar to a topographical map that told the tale of severe teenage acne. His eyes were a piercing blue, which diverted the focus from his scarred complexion. He looked more like a farmer than he did a reporter. His country twang matched his overalls.
        Rachael stopped at his door and waited for him to notice her. There was a window behind Jerry Lee and Rachael thought it curious that he had the blinds down when it was such a gorgeous day outside. The walls were mostly bare and his desk was spotless which Rachael also found odd. Most reporters she knew lived in a world of clutter with enough papers on their desks and walls to account for at least a couple of trees. After a few seconds she kindly knocked and said, “Excuse me, Mr. Lee?”
        “Holy Larry Wilson and Jim,” Jerry said as he popped back in surprise. “Well I have been sent straight to Slim Lenny’s basement attic of rainbows and joy.” Jerry Lee stood up with shock still ringing on his face and said, “Ms. Martin, you have obviously startled me and I apologize for my absurd reaction.”
        “I am sorry I frightened you Mr. Lee. And may I say that this is the first time I have ever heard of a basement attic.”
        “I sometimes use the term basement attic where most would use a curse word, like H, E, double hockey sticks, because it doesn’t make any sense, just like foul language.” Jerry Lee paused, looked at his feet and continued sheepishly by saying, “I guess you are here to steal my thunder. I knew I wouldn’t have an exclusive story for long. It’s kind of like when the FBI comes into town and takes over the local police department’s case, leaving them to play second fiddle. That’s why I have the window shades drawn on such a pretty day. I heard you were in town about an hour ago and it gave me a splitting headache.”
        “Jerry Lee,” Rachael began cautiously, “I don’t want you to feel that way. This is evolving into a big story the nation is becoming interested in and my network will do everything to respect you and the town of Tilley. I’ll tell you what,” Rachael said as she thought of a way to pacify Jerry Lee. “Our website gets thousands upon thousands of hits per day and I will call our Webmaster today, and if it is all right with you, I will have him provide a link on our site to all of your articles pertaining to the case.”
        “You would really do that for me?” Jerry Lee asked as his eyes began to sparkle. “I would have national exposure?”
        “I’ll do that for you if you cooperate with me and form a partnership.”
        “What do you mean a partnership?” Jerry Lee asked a bit confused.
        “You share information with me and I will share my discoveries with you.”
        “It’s a deal Ms. Martin.” Jerry Lee smiled from ear to ear which was a long way on his gigantic head. “Where are my manners,” Jerry Lee said as he motioned to one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Please