News With The Neverseen

Episode 35

Gisela's POV

"Gisela!" Fintan approached me with the same business-like smile he always wore. "Would you mind doing me a favor?"

I squinted at him. "What kind of favor?"

"Nothing that isn't in your job description. I need you to schedule a meeting with me, Gethen, and the owner of the company."

"Why?" I asked, even though it probably wasn't any of my business.

Fintan seemed to consider his response for a while. "We're going to approach the owner of the company about bringing back the game segments."

My eyes widened. "Really? Can I come?"

"Gisela, I know you were really involved in the game segments back then, but—"

"Please?"

Fintan sighed. "I'm sorry Gisela, but I think it would be best if you weren't there. Gethen needs to focus, and—in case you haven't noticed—your presence appears to distract him."

My cheeks reddened at the implications of Fintan's statement. I supposed he was right.

I nodded. "I'll set the meeting. When do you want it?"

"As soon as possible." Fintan nodded in thanks. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must prepare."

I watched as Fintan hurried off. As soon as he was out of sight, I began to concoct my plan.

Fintan didn't want me to noticeably be in the room, but would he mind if I found some way to sneak in unnoticed? Did I even have to tell him?

My brain answered no to both those questions.

All I needed was a plan.

+++

The day had come, and I watched Gethen and Fintan enter the elevator. I knew they were heading to the meeting room—I had organized the meeting, after all.

The trick was not looking too suspicious as I headed into the elevator five minutes after. I'm sure nobody suspected I was up to no good, though. I could be very stealthy when I wanted to be.

I tip-toed out of the elevator and onto the empty floor. I heard voices coming from the meeting room, and it took all my willpower not to rush in there and demand an answer.

Somehow, I managed to refrain.

"May I see the signatures?" The voice got louder as I approached the room.

"Of course," answered a voice I recognized—Fintan. "They're right here."

It was silent for a long time, and I found myself holding my breath.

"Fine," said the owner finally. "But I have conditions. I'm only allowing the game segments to be brought back on a trial basis. If you don't get an increase of viewers as a result, I will need to end them again."

"I understand." Gethen agreed. "You won't be disappointed."

"I should hope not." I heard a sound like someone getting out of a chair. "Please schedule a meeting with me next month. Then we'll decide if your game segments will stay."

"I'll have it scheduled," promised Fintan. "Have a good day, sir."

"You too," grunted the owner, opening the door. I tried to get out of view, but it was too late. "Who's this?"

"Gisela?" Fintan asked. "What are you doing out here?"

"Uh..." I attempted to act cool. "I wanted to bring you coffee."

"Yet you're not carrying anything," Fintan noticed. I tried not to let out a groan.

"Uh..." I repeated.

Fintan sighed and rubbed his eyes tiredly.

"Would you like me to walk you out?" Gethen was facing the owner, but I noticed that he was peering at me using his peripheral vision.

"That would be lovely." Gethen and the owner headed to the elevators.

"Come with me, Gisela. We need to talk." Fintan led me away.