“Welcome to No Man’s Land,” said the cheery receptionist seated behind thecounter.
“Hi. If Cece is available, I wanted to ask her a quickquestion.”
“I’m Cece,” said the other woman, tugging out a bite-sizeSnickers.
Alexandra smiled. “I’m AlexandraReed.”
Her friendly expression waned. “I told you, Ms. Lizzard isn’tavailable.”
“Yes, you did, but it’s critical I have her input. I can’t in good conscience report on a story without consulting all legitimate sources. I passed a coffee shop. What can I get youboth?”
“We have coffee here.” Cece’s flat expression didn’t deterAlexandra.
“Not like the coffee at Arnold’s,” whispered thereceptionist.
“Why don’t I buy all of you something fromArnold’s?”
As Cece glanced at the other woman, her expression softened. “I could use a mocha with a double shot ofespresso.”
“I’d love a sweet drink with whipped cream,” said thereceptionist.
Alexandra smiled. “Done. What can I get Ms.Lizzard?”
“Large dark roast. Black,” saidCece.
“Thank you,” Alexandrasaid.
“I can’t promiseanything.”
I’ll camp here all week if I have to.“I understand,”Alexandra said and strodeout.
Fifteen minutes later, Alexandra handed Cece the hot cup. “One mocha with a double shot of espresso. And one caramel latte with whippedcream.”
While sipping, Cece closed her eyes. “Chocolatey goodness with an energy boost.” She took another sip. “You must really want to talk toRuth.”
“So much is riding on Ms. Lizzard.” She handed Cece the black coffee forRuth.
“Have a seat,” Cece said. “I’ll run this in toher.”
Alexandra waited.This is such a long shot.If Ruth was up to something—and Alexandra believed she was—she’d never divulge her plan. But Alexandra wasn’t there for a confession. She was there to determine if Ruth Lizzard was the puppet master and Larry her dutifulmarionette.
Several moments later, Cece returned, this time with a friendly smile. “You’re in luck. She respects women who make their own destiny. Plus, she likes her egostroked.”
After escorting Alexandra into an area filled with tall, gray cubicles, Cece sat behind her desk, located across from a closed office door. She gestured to a chair across from her desk. “Ruth will be out shortly. You can waithere.”
With a smile, Alexandra eased into the chair. “Thanks again. You’re a lifesaver. How long have you workedhere?”
After discussing her job history at NML, Cece explained that she also worked for another executive. Then, she leaned across her desk and whispered, “I had it easy before Ruth came on board. My other boss is super laid-back. Ruth is obsessed with execution. Now now now! Several great employees have resigned since she started workinghere.”
“It’s a competitive market. News is like that,too.”
“If you’re late to work, your dog had better be dead. No more mid-morning dashes to Arnold’s. And forget about having to leaveearly.”
Several questions tumbled to the tip of Alexandra’s tongue, but she bit itinstead.
“I’ve circulated my resume,” Cece whispered. “I can’t work ten hours a day and be on call every weekend. I’ve got alife.”
“I totally getit.”
