Fast Fiction: Working Lunch
Do you have to be a journalist to edit a tabloid newspaper? Richard Mallinson’s tale tells of a chance sighting that could lead to a big job.
'Don't look now . . . No, keep looking this way . . . I'll tell you when to look .. . Meanwhile I'll keep talking to you ... As I was saying, I intend to spend a few weeks in Cornwall. . .' .
'May I look now?'
'No, not yet. ..'
'Now?'
'Yes, now, be quick .. . she's just going out of the door.'
'Good lord, it's - '
'Yes, and did you see who she was with?'
'No.'
'Dean Hepper.'
'Dean - ?'
'Yes, he's a children's tv presenter.'
'Oh, god ... By the way, I thought we were here to talk about the Daily Blare editorship. You said you wanted my advice.'
'Yes, yes, of course . . . Let's have some more wine ... I'm in a good mood today. I really think the Blare is turning the corner - or will do when we've got the new man installed.'
'Or the new woman? Why not a female editor?'
'Oh, I can't think of a likely one at the moment, can you?'
'Well. . . what about our friend who's just gone out?'
'Lala Blooes? Are you serious?'
'Of course.'
'But she's not even a journalist.. . Hm, on second thoughts . . .'
