Something Fishy by Lois Schmitt

Author:Lois Schmitt
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Encircle Publications
Published: 2019-06-11T19:44:27+00:00

Chapter Twenty-nine

“Corporate is considering the merger of Animal Advocate with their newest acquisition, Green World,” my editor, Olivia Johnson, stated near the end of the staff meeting, causing me to nearly choke on my donut. I realized our new corporate owners were looking at changes, but I never expected such drastic action so soon. Judging by the “deer in the headlights” stares on most of my colleagues, they didn’t expect this either.

“How will this affect our jobs?” asked the production manager, who was sitting across from me.

“If it happens, there will be lay-offs. We could lose as much as fifty percent of our staff. But right now the merger is still in discussion stage. A final decision will be made by the end of December. That’s all for now.” As Olivia rose from her chair and proceeded to the door, she leaned over me and whispered, “Kristy, see me in my office in fifteen minutes.”

*****

As I entered her inner sanctum, Olivia rose from her chair. At almost six feet, dressed in a tailored navy blue suit, and wearing her gray hair in a short no-nonsense style, she was a formidable figure. An African American who grew up in the south Bronx, Olivia had street smarts as well as the reputation of being an excellent editor.

“Anything new on the murder investigation?”

I shook my head. “Too many suspects, and I haven’t been able to break alibis. But I’m still hopeful.”

I expected Olivia to push more, but instead she said, “How’s the land acquisition story?”

“With the death of Katie Chandler, it’s up in the air as to who will acquire the property. It’s a long shot for the aquarium, but we won’t know the outcome until after we go to print.”

“That’s okay. Cliffhangers can be good for circulation.”

Olivia walked around her desk. “The fight over the twenty acres has grabbed media attention. “As my granddaughter would say, ‘it’s trending.’ People will buy this issue of Animal Advocate to find out who wins—the aquarium or the developer. If the controversy isn’t resolved by then, readers will purchase future issues until an outcome is reached. We need articles like this so we don’t go the way of the dinosaur and dodo.”

“Of course, I—”

“Dig deep. Find out about special interests. Uncover hidden motives.”

*****

Bradford Monroe handed me a cup of coffee, while once again commenting on the cost of his espresso machine.

As we sat down, he leaned forward, spreading his hands across his desk, “Now, how can I help you?”

“I’m updating my land acquisition story. Can you tell me where you are in terms of reaching your goal of ten million dollars?”

“We’re on our way to victory.”

“I need you to be a bit more specific. How are your sponsorships coming along?”

“We will have the Mulgrave check for the turtle exhibit early next week.”

“That’s great, but it’s just one sponsorship for one hundred thousand dollars. You’re still a long way from your goal?”

He smiled. “I’m actively pursuing many leads. Commander West and I have a meeting later this afternoon with another potential sponsor.

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