Adeli by Gordon Philpot

Author:Gordon Philpot [Philpot, Gordon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-0-7414-9356-9
Publisher: Infinity Publishing
Published: 2006-11-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 43

A PUBLICITY STUNT BACKFIRES

Derek Sherman was a tall, slim, dark-haired man who looked younger than his fifty years. Many public figures feared him. Congressmen, Senators, and even the President of the United States went in dread of his sharp tongue, his probing questions, and his offensive expressions of disbelief. The anchorman of the NTN television network made three million dollars a year, and at least one man, Derek Sherman, believed he was worth it.

He in turn feared no man with one important exception. His contract with the network would shortly expire, and his agent was in the process of negotiating a new one, which he hoped would be more lucrative. He cared little for what the extra money might buy. In his profession a man’s salary was the measure of his worth, and a big increase would enhance his prestige in the world of television, for which he cared everything.

He feared Tom Marsden, the president and supreme overlord of NTN. Marsden would have the last word on whether, and on what terms, his contract would be renewed. His involvement in three messy divorces – two his own, the other that of a colleague in a rival network – had brought down the wrath of his employer upon his head, and Marsden’s temper was legendary. He was determined to watch his step very carefully in the future, certainly until the contract negotiations were safely out of the way, and to do all in his power to conciliate the man he feared.

Marsden’s request that he assist in getting some publicity for a new flibbertigibbet the network boss had discovered in the boondocks was demeaning, but he would comply.

“Ellen, this is Derek Sherman.” Marsden introduced them. “Derek, meet our newest newscaster, Ellen Vine.”

“I’m pleased to meet you, Ellen.” Sherman was smiling at her as if to say, Aren’t I wonderful?

“I’ve always wanted to meet you.” Ellen made the expected reply. He was, she decided, by most standards handsome, although there was something wrong somewhere. She knew he had been divorced twice, had the reputation of a womanizer, and had no appeal for her whatever.

“Perhaps you two might have a night on the town together with a photographer or two in attendance.” Marsden was suave. “Several women’s magazines have expressed interest. Ellen, it would put you in the public eye and get you off to a good start in your television career.”

“An excellent idea.” Sherman spoke before she could express an opinion. His tone was professional, but his thoughts were not. She was young, and she was beautiful. Perhaps the evening would not be the dreadful bore he had envisaged. “Might I suggest the Flamingo Club? They know me there, and they won’t object to the photographers. It’s good publicity for them as well as for Ellen.”

“Good. Shall we say tomorrow night at eight-thirty?” Both men seemed to take her acceptance for granted. Ellen did not like the idea at all, but since she was new to the television game she felt uncomfortable about making her objections known.

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