(Disclaimer: the book will never describe, mention, or even imply sexual violence. read comfortably)
A man wheeling a bulky black camera rushes into the studio. The wheels roll smoothly but his shoes squeak against the marble as he runs along with it. The sign over the control room burns a fluorescent red "HOLD." Strange techno-synth sounds can be heard once in a while, phones keep ringing, conversations are sloppy and fast, and now someone is loudly confirming updates to the system checks.
"Wireless T40 still not active!"
"Collin, please. I need you to wear the earpiece," I plead. Collin Hart, the anchor assigned to me, looks unbothered. He leans back on the couch, that is set on the stage, making himself more comfortable.
"Listen, sweetheart. I've been doing this since before you were born. I've been in war zones and interviewed world leaders. I don't need you or anyone else whispering in my ear."
"It's just that they're a little controversial and we have to tread—"
"It's his first time giving an interview of this reach. Do you know the saying, 'the spider's more scared of you than you are of it?' Frankly, I'm offended that you think I cannot handle this," He says, cutting me off.
"You're right. I'm sorry." I sigh exasperatedly and walk off the stage.
Chloe waits outside the control room, wearing a tense expression. When our eyes meet, I shake my head slowly, and her face falls. Faint dark circles are visible under her blue eyes. I bet I look worse.
Once I'm close enough to whisper, I say, "I'm going to kill him one day."
She nods. "I'll gladly be your alibi."
"Are the other two ready?" I ask, pulling my hair into a ponytail and securing it tightly.
"Yes. They are. Sound testing worked fine. We should be close to a minute now," She says with an accomplished smile.
"Okay. Hey, get hold of Ara's assistant and tell him to be ready with the backup," I say. She nods and goes back into the control room.
"One minute!"
The studio grows quieter.
Everything moves into place like cogs in a machine. People take their positions and loudly confirm their presence and Chloe accounts for each of them. Collin adjusts himself in his seat, a young reporter grabs the handheld mic and readies herself before the camera for the opening scene. Lights are switched to their needed setting and pushed into position. The whole studio is transformed before us. The large circular platform has two peach-coloured couches around a sleek coffee table. They fit well against a pale shimmery backdrop.
I move closer to the stage and sit next to the technical director, Abbas. Collin straightens up, waiting for his cue. Abbas gives the final countdown and—
We're live.
The camera pans to Collin. "Good morning and welcome to Coffee Table Nothings for a special episode—"
I stop listening and lean backwards, signaling the runners to guide ONA's Northside candidate onto the stage. The introduction is about five minutes long and he has just begun to introduce their political history. The shiny screen behind him lights up in green and blue dots which translates into videos and pictures on the livestream.
Two young men shuffle towards the stage. One of them gets on to it. Tall and dark, broad shoulders and soft features—the Northside candidate is easy on the eyes. He sits down in front of Collin after shaking his hand, looking surprisingly at ease.
YOU ARE READING
Kingdom Come
Mystery / ThrillerIn the face of climate collapse, life has been trudging on as usual. The rich have gotten richer, countries have fortified their borders, and elections have remained a game of deception. London, a passionate journalist, has clung to the belief that...
