RC.

Ch4 ................ P

The journalist shakes my hand.

Journalist:"Hello, I'm Stella Young from Famous People magazine."

I shake her hand smiling but feeling a little taken aback. A people magazine ...?

T:"Pleased to meet you, I am Tayla White, Mr. Carter's personal assistant at Carter Corporation."

I hide my confusion. Carter didn't tell me that the interview was for this kind of paper ...

(I propose coffee.)

T:"Would you care for coffee ?"

Journalist:"No, thank you ! Maybe we can get started?"

T:"Yes of course."

Journalist:"We could go to the living room, it would be more convivial."

I nod in agreement and sit on the seat opposite her.

She take out a notepad and pen. She arrange a lock of hair, with a perfectly manicured hand.

Journalist:"Okay ! Could you start by introducing yourself, Miss ...?"

T:"Uh yes ... my name is Tayla and I work for Mr. Carter."

Journalist:"What is your role in the company?"

T:"I'm his assistant."

Journalist:"Okay ... How long have you been his assistant for ?"

T:"It's been a few months now."

I should've added a couple of months to the truth, just so she doesn't take offence that Carter should send her a newbie.

The journalist raises her eyebrows slightly but takes note all the same.

Journalist:"What exactly does your work as Mr. Carter's assistant consist of ...? I mean, how does one assist the most powerful man in New York?"

T:"Well, I sometimes accompany him in business trips; I handle some of his interviews; I'm also brought to work on the firm's actions abroad ..."

Journalist:"Mmh ... Mr. Carter is a very demanding man, isn't he?"

T:"He is a man who has worked very hard at making what the company is today."

Journalist:"Are you implying that the Carter Corporation success story is largely due to the man that owns it?"

My heart is pounding in my chest. I sense this is a trick question ...

T:"I think so, yes. Mr. Carter gives himself fully to the firm. I think that it has its effect on a global scale."

Journalist:"For you who see Mr. Carter on a regular basis, how do your daily exchanges go? He must be a very busy man."

I don't really understand where she's going with that question.

(There's nothing, in particular, to be said about that.)

T:"There's nothing special to say. Mostly, we communicate by e-mail or during meetings."

I stay as evasive as possible. The journalist's questions make me feel increasingly uneasy. I get the impression that she is looking for gossip more than for information.

Journalist:"Okay..."

My answers are obviously a bit too dull.

Journalist:"Our readers are primarily interested in the man, rather than the businessman if you know what I mean ..."

She gives me a knowing smile as if we were friends. I don't like the dangerous turn this exchange is taking ...

Journalist:"I'll get straight to the point, he's one of the sexiest men in New York."

T:"Uh ..."

I have to say I don't really know how to get out of this one. I can hardly see myself contradicting her ...

I clear my throat and drink a sip of water, in order to come to. Carter's words come back to my mind. "Most importantly, say nothing personal ..."

T:"The firm is very much involved in overseas actions, helping underdeveloped countries."

Journalist:"Mmh ... Has it got something to do with Mr. Carter's past?"

T:"Sorry...?"

Journalist:"Rumour has it that it's because of his childhood if he's so engaged today."

(What's this two-bit psychology ?!)

T:"I'm not interested in rumours."

Journalist:"You mean to say that you don't know why Carter is investing so much in these countries?"

T:"No, I'm just saying that. . ."

Journalist:"Maybe you haven't been working for him for long enough ..."

What a bitch! I stand gaping for a few seconds. I knew she didn't like it earlier ...

(I put her in her place.)

T:"Look, I'm not here to talk about Mr. Carter. On the other hand, I'm perfectly willing to answer questions concerning the firm and its actions."

Journalist:"Yes, I guess you your lines."

She smiles at me but I'm not fooled, she's jerking me around!

Journalist:"Mr. Carter tries very hard in giving himself the image of a benefactor, a modern day humanist, and yet we find it hard to believe ... Don't you?"

T:"He's much more humane than you could imagine."

Journalist:"Oh really ...?"

She's judging him without knowing.

I find myself taking her judgements on him personally.

T:"Mr. Carter does have a role to play, things to fulfil, but he is a different man within the privacy of his home."

T:"He is very close to his sister, who nicknamed him Ry. I assure you that he has nothing of the cold and calculating businessman ..."

Suddenly, a shiver runs down my spine. I've just said too much and fallen head first into the trap ...!

A ferocious smile appears on her face. She is fully aware that she just got the little piece gossip she came here for.

(I try to put things right.)

T:"Anyway, nothing that could interest your article ... Perhaps we could address the more important subjects?"

Journalist:"No ... I think I have what I need..."

(Ouch...)

She gathers her things, looking satisfied, then stands. I get up too.

Journalist:"Thank you for your time, Miss White and all the best. The article will probably be online by this evening."

T:"Okay ... Thank you ..."

She smiles and disappears.