"I sound tactical. There's a difference."
She stares at me, then sits back down heavily. "This could destroy my business. People in my town actually read reviews. They'll believe this."
"Not if we prove it's fake first."
"How?"
"Let me work on it."
"Korgan—"
"Trust me."
The words hang between us. She nods slowly. "Okay. But carefully. The last thing I need is this turning into a bigger scandal."
"Agreed."
I leave her there and head for the production offices. The building's a maze of converted warehouse space, but I've learned the layout. Executive offices are on the second floor, overlooking the main studio.
I'm not looking for executives.
I find Marcus again outside the craft services area, deep in conversation with someone from sound mixing. He sees me and excuses himself.
"Need something else?"
"Information. Off the record."
His expression sharpens. "What kind?"
"The kind about who might benefit from Trinity leaving the show. Contestant-wise."
"You think someone's actively sabotaging her?"
"I know someone is. I need to know who."
Marcus glances around, then lowers his voice. "There's been talk. Mostly crew gossip, but... you know Vanessa? The influencer contestant with the pink hair?"
I picture her vaguely. Loud, performative, constantly filming herself. "What about her?"
"Her agent's been on set a lot. More than normal. Heard him arguing with producers about screen time, about making sure Vanessa's storyline stays central." He pauses. "He's also some hotshot crisis management guy. Specializes in reputation warfare for celebrities."
"Name?"
"Derek Lingard. Works for Apex Entertainment Group."
I commit it to memory. "Where is he now?"
"Probably in the green room. He practically lives there."
"Show me."
Marcus leads me through back corridors to a door markedVIP Lounge. Through the small window, I spot a man in an expensive suit, phone pressed to his ear, pacing like a caged animal.
"That's him," Marcus whispers.
I watch Derek Lingard for thirty seconds. His body language speaks volumes: aggressive gestures, sharp head movements, the way he punctuates sentences by jabbing at the air. Someone used to controlling situations, to bending circumstances to his will.
"I need to get into his computer."
