‘It was an excellent series,’ Rathour declared, putting his cup down. ‘As were those that came before. There’s an intriguing mix of the personal and professional in your work that makes it both unique and compelling.’
‘She’s the real deal,’ Paul assured him. ‘An actual investigative journalist with a lot of kudos behind her.’
Embarrassed and of course flattered, Cristy said, ‘I have a first-class team supporting me, and my co-producer, Connor Church, is also an experienced journalist. We worked together in TV before setting upHindsight.’
‘He doesn’t hanker for the screen?’ Kinsley asked. ‘Most guys his age still see it as the holy grail. Or am I wrong about that?’
‘It’s changing,’ she replied, knowing he was fully aware of that – in his position, how could he not be? And he knew Connor’s age. Interesting.
‘But you do have ambitions for your series?’ Kinsley prompted. ‘I know you do because I knowyou, so let me come to the point of why we’ve asked you to meet us today. Nothing’s been announced yet, and probably won’t be for a while, but Vikram and I are looking into creating a joint podcasting enterprise. We can go into the detail another time – still a lot to be ironed out – but in principle, the new company would have a significant global reach, thanks to our existing media networks, and could greatly expand exposure for the established podcasts we take on board. It will also generate opportunities for strong, innovative and creative minds to gain full recognition in a crowded marketplace with the advantage of having been brought on by RK Media. The name is under review.’
Cristy’s mind was spinning as she tried to get a full grasp of what he was actually saying.
Before she could speak, he continued, ‘Vikram is keen to run operations out of New York. I would prefer them be centred in London, so I’m hoping you’ll help me to convince him I’m right. As someone who knows the podcasting business, who has a wealth of media experience and a knack for building a great team, you are my number one choice to head up the new venture.’
There was a beat before her mouth almost fell open. Her eyes darted between the two men, as though seeking assurance she’d just heard right.
‘You’ll have Vik’s backing,’ Kinsley assured her, ‘if you do decide to join us, but don’t worry, we’re not asking for a commitment at this stage. We just want you to know that the top job could be yours, plus a place on the board, if you want it.’
Cristy simply stared at him, unable to think of a thing to say. This was so beyond her wildest imaginings that she hadn’t even begun to consider such a leap, never mind a monumental change to her world.
‘Naturally, it will be up to you how you run your team – or teams, plural,’ he continued. ‘As the executive producer of all podcasting output, structure and strategy will be in your hands. We’d love for you to bringHindsightwith you, and personally, I’d encourage you to continue presenting where you can. Our focus groups show that people respond well to you—’
‘You’ve already focus-grouped me?’ she spluttered, knowing she shouldn’t be surprised – this was Kinsley, after all – and yet she was.
Clearly amused, he said, ‘You came out well, so don’t be offended.’
Not sure whether she was or wasn’t, she said, ‘I’m sorry, but this … It’s a lot to think about …’
‘Which is all we want you to do at this stage,’ Rathour reminded her. ‘As Paul said, we’re still a good while awayfrom launch, so take a few weeks to think it over – hell, take a few months if you need it. For obvious reasons, we’d like to launch with you on board, but there’s still plenty of time. Incidentally, do you have ownership ofHindsight?’
Certain he must already know the answer to that, she said, ‘I do, but Connor, who I mentioned just now, is heavily invested both professionally and personally. As are the Quinns – Harry and Meena – who own the harbourside studios in Bristol whereHindsightis based. They’re fully involved in running the business side of things.’
‘I’m sure you have great loyalty to your colleagues,’ Kinsley commented, ‘and if it’s your ambition to continue working out of the premises you’re in, with a team of four and limited back-up, in a technical sense, then we, of course, will respect that. Our aim here is simply to open your mind to further possibilities – greater scope, shall we say – and everything is on the table.’
Cristy looked at Rathour again, feeling seriously wrongfooted without exactly knowing why.
‘Carl has drawn up a financial package for you to consider,’ he said. ‘I’m sure you’ll find it generous.’
She looked down at the envelope Carl was pushing towards her, not sure if it was feeling like thirty pieces of silver or not.
Kinsley said, ‘Take your time with this, Cristy. It’s a great opportunity, but obviously it needs careful consideration given the many changes it could call for.’
Swallowing, she said, ‘Leaving Bristol being one of them?’
He crooked an eyebrow. ‘As I said, take your time with it, and contact me any time with any questions you might have. I am anticipating a lot,’ he added with a smile.
Her eyes returned to the envelope. It wasn’t sealed, and there was no name on the front, but it looked to contain several folded pages that could, if she wasn’t dreaming this, be outlining the next chapter of her life.
It was a moment before she realized Kinsley was speaking again.
‘… so we’d like everything to remain confidential for the time being. I know that’ll be hard when you’ll naturally want to discuss it with someone.’
‘Yes, I’m sure my team will—’
‘Can I suggest before you go there that it might be more beneficial to you, in the long run, to know exactly what you want to tell them before you start upsetting the status quo?’
She knew he was right, while hating the mere thought of keeping it from everyone when it was already starting to feel like betrayal. ‘I’m sorry, I should probably be thanking you for even considering me—’
