Making Headlines by Jennifer Hansen Page B

frantically typing a court story. She sensed someone behind her and she turned around.
    Mary Masterson smiled from under her thick black bob and fake eyelashes. ‘Oh, Rachel dear, just wanted to congratulate you on your reading attempts this morning.’
    â€˜Oh.’ She paused. ‘Well . . . thanks.’
    Mary’s smile widened. ‘I heard it was a bit of an ordeal, but you survived without suffering a complete anxiety attack.’
    â€˜Thanks, Mary.’ She sighed. ‘Look, I agree it was complete crap. Thank you for being the only person in the newsroom honest enough to tell me.’
    â€˜That’s fine, dear.’ Her mouth continued its upbeat dance, her eyes steely. ‘I’m just glad you realise newsreading isn’t as easy as everyone thinks. So many young things these days think they’ll be instant stars.’ She gave a half-snort and walked off.
    Before she got too far, Julia piped up. ‘Hey, Mary, ever think of volunteering for the education department’s mentoring program?’ She looked at Mary pointedly.
    â€˜Not in the job brief, darling.’ She continued walking, stilettos stabbing the floor.
    â€˜Guess that says it all,’ said Rachel flatly. ‘You’re hilarious, Jules.’
    â€˜No, she’s the joke,’ Julia said. ‘Such a bitch. Although, still not a patch on Helmut Becker. I heard that last week at Channel Three work drinks, our soon-to-be news director had a right hissy fit. A reporter complained about the cheap wine they were drinking. Made Helmut so mad, he grabbed the glass and threw the wine in his face. Now that’s nasty.’
    Rachel picked up her phone. ‘More like scary,’ she said. ‘What an arsehole.’ She tried calling Tim for the tenth time that day. She needed to see him to explain herself, to see if there was any hope for them at all. For the tenth time that day, he didn’t answer.
    ***
    By Friday, each time she read an update Rachel’s nerves settled to a low jangle instead of a roar. After the nine o’clock went to air, she went to her desk to sort out some mail and prayed she could leave early so she could catch up on sleep. The week had been draining. Tim still hadn’t returned her calls.
    Sifting through the mail, she opened one letter with old-fashioned handwriting on the envelope.

    Dear Rachel,
    I’ve admired you from afar for quite some time. I’ve watched you this week with great interest as you’ve made the complicated transition from reporter to newsreader seamlessly and with much aplomb. Already you have become my preferred newsreader. Not only due to your impeccable delivery, but because of your intoxicating eyes, your beautiful hair and charismatic smile.
    I would be delighted if you could send me an autographed photo to place on my mantelpiece. I feel a wonderful connection to you and hope that one day we will meet. Only then, all my dreams will be realised.
    Much love, your Devoted Admirer, X.
    Thrusting the letter under Julia’s nose, she wasn’t sure whether to laugh or be alarmed. ‘Jules, quick, take a look at this!’
    She scanned the page and screwed up her face. ‘What a nutter. They’re the sort of fans you can do without.’ She crumpled up the page. ‘And this is what you need to do.’ She threw it in the bin.
    â€˜Such a hard heart! That could have been the start of a beautiful relationship,’ said Rachel. ‘Shouldn’t I at least reply?’
    â€˜Don’t be ridiculous!’ said Julia.
    Rob’s roar sliced through their conversation. ‘Bentley, get your butt over here. You’ve got a helicopter to catch. Grab your overnight bag.’
    Julia nodded towards Rob. ‘I reckon he went to the same management school as Helmut Becker.’
    Mitch was leaning against Rob’s desk. God, he was good-looking.
    â€˜Rob, I’ve been doing early updates all