Kai
As I stared at the never-ending stream of headlines blaring about my company's imminent doom, I couldn't help but think that if there were a Pulitzer Prize for self-inflicted chaos, I'd be the reigning champion. Enter Lorelai Forbes, the New York Times' latest weapon of mass distraction. With her sharp tongue and a caffeine addiction that could fuel a rocket, she burst into my office like a caffeinated hurricane, armed with a notebook, a barrage of questions, and enough determination to make a pit bull look like a lapdog.
"Don't worry, Mr. Archer," she said, a smirk dancing on her lips, "I'm just here to dig into your company's decline, not to uncover your deepest, darkest secrets—unless, of course, you're hiding a pet iguana or a secret stash of bubblegum ice cream. Then we might have a problem."
Great. Just what I needed: a journalist with a penchant for sarcasm and an uncanny ability to make my life feel like an episode of a reality TV show gone wrong.
"So, Mr. Archer, how does it feel to have your empire teetering on the edge of collapse? A little like standing on a tightrope over a pit of angry alligators, perhaps?" she started, taking a sip of her coffee and scribbling something in that little notepad
"I wouldn't describe it that way. More like an opportunity for—" I started, folding my arms
"—for you to finally prove you can juggle? Because judging by the numbers, you'll need more than just two balls to keep this circus going." she interrupted, I raised an eyebrow
"You certainly don't hold back, do you?"
" Oh please, if I held back any more, I'd be a statue. But really, what do you think is causing all this? A curse? Corporate magic gone wrong? Or just plain old human error?" she said so quickly, I didn't even have time to process everything she was asking, Jesus, this woman was fast- Must be th caffeine
"If it were magic, I'd hire a wizard, not a PR team." I replied stotically. I wasn't going to let this woman get the best of me.
She grinned, "Wizards probably have better rates than PR firms at this point. Maybe you could get one for the next quarterly meeting—turn water into profits."
"Focus might be more effective than any wand-waving." I muttered
She jotted something down, and took another sip of the coffee, "Kai Archer confirms: Stop hiring wizards, start hiring accountants." It has a nice ring to it, don't you think?" she tilted her head and gave me that infuriating grin
"I'm sure there's a Pulitzer in there somewhere." I said flatly
"Ah yes, my documentary on the mystical world of corporate finance. People love a good fairy tale, after all!" she chuckled, clapping her hands together
I leaned in slightly closer to her. She smelled of caffeine and danishes, "So tell me, Lorelai, what's the end game for you here?"
She shrugged, "Just truth—like the old saying goes, "the truth will set you free." Though, I guess it could land me a couple of drinks on the house at the press club too." her grin resurfaced
"And if that truth makes me look bad?" I inhlaed sharply, she smirked and leaned forward, sipping her coffee, leaving a maroon lipstick print on the to-go cup,
"Then I suppose you're just going to have to up your PR game, aren't you?"
"Or maybe I could just put in a good word with that wizard." I said flatly
"Now you're talking! But really, enough about wizards and fairy tales. When are you going to actually answer my questions without dodging?" she laughed, her midnight eyes holding challenge.
"When I have answers worthy of the questions." I retorted sharply
"Well, nobody said journalism was easy. Just know, if I don't get some answers, I might have to start making things up. And trust me, I can spin a yarn." She grinned and leaned back in the chair
"I'll keep that in mind." I grumbled under my breath. She got up from the seat, grabbing her coffee and notepad.
" Oh, and, just remember, if I find your secrets, I won't be shy about sharing." I could practically feel her grin as she walked out of my office, though she didn't turn back.
"Then, I suppose I should keep my secrets closer."
She paused before she exited the room, "Perhaps you should. But I'm a journalist, Mr. Archer, one of the best, in fact, I will get your secrets...and don't think I won't play dirty to do it. Bye now" She grinned and waved her fingers quicky before smiling sharply and walking down the hallway.
I heard the fast clacking of heels on the tile as the door clicked shut behind her with the finality of a closing chapter in a thriller novel where the plot twist leaves you gasping for air. Lorelai Forbes—New York Times journalist, caffeine addict, and verbal tornado—had just stormed out of my office, leaving behind a whirlwind of pop-culture references I could barely decipher and a lingering scent of overpriced coffee. I leaned back in my chair, half-heartedly contemplating my life choices, while trying to shake off the residual chaos of our interview. Seriously, who knew a simple question about security protocols could turn into a dramatic retelling of "Gone with the Wind" amidst a barrage of sarcastic quips? I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of my crumbling empire of Archer Security pressing down like an anvil. Maybe I should've just stuck to dodging questions. After all, maintaining my stoic composure had become my greatest art form—perhaps rivaled only by her ability to cram an entire season of a reality show into a single breath.
I should have knwon she wouldn't rest until she got answers, I just hadn't anticipated my life turning into a real-life 'Law and Order' seires...
YOU ARE READING
Deadlines & Desires
RomanceI'd always thought of myself as an unstoppable force in the world of journalism-sharp-witted, coffee-fueled, and armed with a pen that could cut glass. Yet here I was, staring down the infamous Kai Archer, the CEO of Archer Security, who seemed to p...
