8 years in the life

Chapter 15

A/N: Because your comments are amazing and that my dear beta had done an incredibly fast and great job, we're treating you with a second chapter today and this one is long... Enjoy

Rory was staring absent-mindedly at her computer screen that morning. She needed to write about next year's Massachusetts gubernatorial elections and the possibility that the actual governor, Deval Patrick, could be running again. Saying that she wasn't inspired was an understatement, no words could find their way to her mind. She was helping the metro politics section while two of their reporters were on maternity leave. The only motivation was that it would be her last assignment before going to Brussels and Paris and cover the future European Union elections. She decided to go to the break room to get a cup of coffee when Bill stepped out of his office and called her.

"Gilmore! Can you come to my office?"

"Sure, I'll be right there just let me grab a cup of coffee." Crap, I hope he doesn't cancel my trip to Europe.

She entered Bill's office.

"Please, close the door." Oh, oh, it's serious. She closed the door and sat in front of his desk.

"Rory, the editorial board wants to continue the changes they initiated since last year. In that line, they are looking for an experienced journalist with strong writing and organizational skills who would like to be involved in investigative reporting and other long-form projects. I remembered that once you told me that if there was an opportunity you would be interested in joining the Spotlight team. Am I wrong?"

Rory raised her eyebrows.

"You're absolutely right, I have been an absolute fan of the spotlight team since high school. I wrote an article about them in the Franklin, my school paper."

"As you were the Yale Daily News editor, you're not reluctant to do some editing, are you?"

"No, it's not a problem for me," she answered cautiously still wondering what was going on.

"Then, I guess you could be interested in a position of deputy projects editor whose job would be to directly supervise some investigative reporters and work with the Spotlight Team editor on investigative projects involving politics? This editor would also have to share oversight of projects throughout the newsroom."

"I'm more than interested. What do I have to do to apply for that position?"

"Well, the board asked if I knew someone in-house, a fast thinker with strong writing and organizational skills who could be interested. I have to submit some names."

"Please count me in."

"You do realize that the job involves a little management like helping guide reporters and shape the narrative? You would also have to find ambitious stories and no more traveling. You'll be the one staying in the newsroom."

"It sure is a huge challenge but I'm still definitely in even if it I have to stop traveling. How many other candidates do you have?"

"I'm planning on asking Hector Ramirez and Steve Jacobson."

"Wow, tough competition, I do love their work."

"The board wants this project to start soon because the Spotlight team is already on a high-profile story so you should know by this evening. If I were you, I would finish anything that is on-going"

"Got it, boss."

"Rory, you're very talented. I think that you're an excellent writer and that's why I'm considering you for the job because these particular skills that you have are very important to wrap up investigative reporting. Don't be too disappointed if you don't get the position though. You're from far the youngest of the candidates. I'm pretty confident that you would be perfect for the job, but the decision is up to the board. I'm sure there will be other opportunities soon."