The Journalist

The Journalist (Chapter one)

Chapter one.

　

My grip tightened on my latte. The wind seemed to get colder and icier as it nipped at my rosy cheeks. The streets of New York are paved in a blanket of snow and people are bustling about the streets.

It was my first day back at work after my much needed holiday abroad, I forgot how much I missed the smell of my office and the aroma of coffee. But above all, bossing about the people that I managed. I work for a gossip magazine called Amour, which sells millions of copies around the world.

I entered the reception, the same dazzling white paint hit me just like it has done for the past three years. I brushed my wind-swept, knotted red hair (which the wind seemed to enjoy attacking in all types of weather) away from my blue eyes.

"Dyed your hair again?"

I looked up and smiled at my PA, Jenny. She was a small lady with a tiny frame and shoulder length blond hair.

"Yeah, Blonde was getting boring, and I needed a change of scenery. Could you get me another coffee?"

"Milk no sugar?"

"You got it!"

Jenny stalked off, and I jumped into the elevator which took me to the twenty-third floor. I sat at my desk and sighed heavily slumping into the swivelling, black chair.  Unwrapping my yellow scarf from around my neck, and dumping my overly large bag onto the floor I breathed in the musky aroma which the room has had since I got promoted.

The black phone next to the Apple Mac computer buzzed it's usual old fashion tune. Boy I missed that noise which usually engulfs my office twenty-four-seven.

I picked up the receiver and voice mail automatically kicked in.

"To all Managers, senior Managers and Personal Assistants: there will be a meeting in head office at 10:35pm, It's relevant that ALL employee's mentioned attend. Enjoy the rest of your magnificent morning. This is Jennifer Alison speaking on behalf of mr-"

I slammed down the phone, to the point that it re-bounded and landed face upwards and the engaged sound rang out.

I hate the fact that I share the same PA as my boss, because of this my coffee is going to be cold. I also hate the fact that I have a meeting on the first day back at work.

* * *

I took my usual place at the shiny, pristine desk. I was the last person to walk in because I'd waited 'till I'd finished my luke-warm coffee, clearly no thanks to him. There were two empty chairs at the top of the long rectangular table, which means that Craig Alan must be back in town, much to my joy.

The last meeting he attended resulted in him nearly burning the whole place down, it's a long story, lets just say trying to light a cigarette while spraying your self with deodorant isn't clever. Ever since then Craig hasn't touched a single pack of cigarettes. The door which lead to Mr Alan's office swung open and everyone immediately stood up.

"Everyone, sit down, relax take a break." Mr Alan's voice was deep and husky and sounded like he smoked hundred a day. Everyone sat down in unison.

"So I bet you're wondering why I called you all here today."

Mr Alan paused for a short time until continuing.

"Well, I'm at that age now were I complain about everything - including back ache and the usual that old ones like me suffer."

Another pause, followed by a few chuckles.

"And I am looking for someone to fill my place, as you know my first son, Nathan didn't want to go down my path as a rich business man and decided to become a doctor."