The Journalist

Chapter Nineteen

Harry and I were eating breakfast the next morning when Ms. Richmond came. She stormed into the dining room and Harry and I looked up.

“Shit.” I muttered. She sat down at our table and helped herself to a cup of coffee. Harry and I stared at her in silence. I shifted uneasily, feeling suddenly uncomfortable in my sweat shirt and shorts.

“Good morning Emma.” She said unusually cheery.

“Good morning Ms. Richmond.” I said.

“I decided to come out and check on you to make sure you’re completing your work on time.” I had finished every assignment within an hour of it being given to me, she wasn’t here to ‘check on me’ it had to have been something else.

“Hopefully this will be a short trip since I’ve finished everything you’ve given me.” I said, narrowing my eyes.

“Hello Mr. Styles.” Ms. Richmond said, ignoring me.

“Hello.” He didn’t sound very pleased to see her either.

“Where’s Claire?”

“Away on a shoot.”

“What a shame, she and I are friends you know.” I almost choked on my coffee. Ms. Richmond didn’t have friends. Only enemies and disgruntled employees.

“Can I talk to you privately Emma? Over here?” She asked sweetly, motioning away from the table. I got up and followed her over by the door, almost out of sight from the table. She turned around and I saw her fake cheerfulness drop in 3 seconds. Her face turned hard and her blue eyes turned steely.

“Listen to me Emma. The articles you’ve been giving me have been shit. Absolute shit. I thought I could trust you on this assignment but it looks like you’ve failed me again.” My eyes widened and I couldn’t believe the words coming out of her mouth. “I want you to shape up. You’ve already lost your promotion. I’ve given it to Kasandra since you obviously don’t know what you’re doing.”

“But she’s only been working with you for 2 months.”

“Shut up Emma!” She grabbed my jaw with one hand and pulled me close to her face. She was strong and her rings dug into my skin. “I want you to re-do all of your articles and do them somewhat good. Okay? Maybe I won’t fire you afterwards.” I nodded, too stunned to speak and she pushed me away.

“Leave.” She barked. I turned to leave and she made her way back to the table with Harry. I glanced at him before I left. He had seen everything and he looked about ready to kill Ms. Richmond. I smiled bitterly and then went back to my room.