A Presidential Affair

Ch. 4 - Intercepted

JANUARY 12 2017: Tania Orly

I walked into work, once again with my coffee and bagel in hand. Only to be stopped by Mr. Fabel. "Tania! My office! Now!" I gritted my teeth, like I always do when I hear Mr. Fabel's whiny little voice. What could I have possible done wrong? I just released an amazing article that went viral. Nevertheless, I went to his office.

"Good morning Mr. Fabel." He nodded, half acknowledging my existence. "I just, I wanted to say congratulations on amazing work." I almost died, did my own grouchy boss that hates me just congratulate me?

"Thank you, Mr., Fabel." He smiled, "Keep up work like that, and you'll be on the front page, all the time." I smiled brightly, I couldn't believe that I was getting a compliment from Mr. Fabel, "Thank you so much for this opportunity!"

The smile left his face, "I know that I'm hard on you sometimes kid, but it's because you've got something special and you seem to work better under pressure." I smiled, "Well, thanks for the pressure Mr. Fabel."

He smiled once more, "Now get out there and put in some work! I need your next topic by Monday." I nodded, "Of course Mr. Fabel."

I knew I had to call Henry and tell him the amazing turn of events. I stepped into my little cubicle and dialed his number, he answered after three rings. "Henry, guess what!?" 

With heavy sarcasm, he says, "Um, you won the lottery?" I laughed and rolled my eyes as if he could see my expression, "Ugh, I wish but, no. Something almost as good as that. I just got a compliment from Mr. Fabel!"

He gasped, "You're kidding? That's amazing Tania! Finally, that ass-hat appreciates your good work."

"I couldn't have done it without you, so thank you. I could feel his happiness emanating through the phone.

"Why don't you say we go for round two of pizza and drinks tonight to celebrate your accomplishment? Also, I've got some new information." I liked that Henry and I were working together, "Of course. I'll meet you at your apartment after work."

"See you in a while Tania, bye." We hung up and I got to work, thinking of possible topics for my next article. If I wanted to stay as a front-page writer/editor, I had to work my ass off on this next topic. I knew I couldn't do much until I talked to Henry about his new-found information.

***

Hours passed and I clocked out. I made my way to Henry's apartment and knocked on his door. When he opened it he was dressed nicely, in a pullover sweater and a leather jacket, with nicely fit jeans on, he looked kind of handsome.

"Ready to go?" He asked, I nodded and we made our way to another pizzeria in town called 'Lynette's Pizza House'. We walked in and ordered another large cheese pizza, bread sticks and wine. The anticipation of tonight's information was driving me crazy.

"So, Henry, you said you had information." He nodded, "Definitely, but we can't discuss that here. It's extremely sensitive." I nodded, "Okay, so after this, your place?" He smiled, "Yeah, of course. I have hard evidence." I gave him a sly smile, "Can't wait partner."

We made small talk during our dinner conversation and went on to drink, maybe one too many beers. After dinner, we made our way over to his apartment. It was freezing outside, with this New York winter beating down on us.

Henry turned the key to his apartment and opened the door, allowing me to walk in first. "You can hang your coat here." I turned over to see the small coat rack, "Thanks." He walked over to his kitchen, "Um, do you want some coffee or tea?"