Making headlines, p.27
Making Headlines, page 27
Rachel flipped through the pictures. ‘They’re all gorgeous, Jules. God, you’ve lost weight. You’ll have to give me some tips.’
‘Thanks. No special tips. Just stress and desperation.’
‘Oh, well I’ve got those down pat already.’ She grimaced. ‘This is hard. They’re all lovely . . .’
‘Um, Rach, there’s another thing we need to talk about.’ Julia wrinkled her nose.
‘Yeah?’
‘Well . . . um . . . you know Derek and Tim are mates? The thing is, Derek has asked Tim to be one of his groomsmen. Will that be a problem for you?’
Rachel realised she hadn’t thought about Tim for ages. ‘Nope, shouldn’t be a problem. Not for me, anyway.’ She paused. ‘Yep, just checked my feelings, and they’re fine with it. Honestly, I’m just so happy with Mitch.’ She returned to the photos. She really was fine.
‘That’s such a relief,’ said Julia. ‘You have no idea how long I’ve been worrying about it.’
‘I think this is the one, Jules.’ She picked out a photo of Julia in a strapless gown with a beaded bodice. Uneven layers of fabric in different tones of white made up a full skirt. ‘It’s perfect, and very flattering.’
‘I love that one too, and so does Mum. So I guess that’s it.’ She looked at Rachel nervously.
‘Relax, Jules, it’s divine. You’ll be the perfect bride.’
‘And you’ll be the perfect bridesmaid.’ She put the photos back in a folder and stood up. ‘Better get back to work. You’re staying for Helmut’s announcement? This could be your chance.’
‘Don’t count on it.’ Rachel sighed. ‘I think I’m destined to always be the bridesmaid.’
***
After the bulletin finished Helmut stood before the newsroom staff. No Carlin in sight. The group was unusually silent as they waited for him. He shuffled his feet, eyes darting around the room, then cleared his throat.
‘Well, I didn’t expect to be back here quite so soon with another announcement over a change in newsreaders, but, as we all know, television can be an unpredictable industry.’ He coughed into his hand. ‘It appears Carlin Williamson has some . . .’ He rolled his eyes, ‘. . . health issues she needs to address, so she’s taking indefinite leave. Which means we need to find another newsreader pretty damn quickly.’ Frowning, he glanced at Rachel and her temples pounded. Perhaps it was her turn after all?
He continued. ‘We don’t want to make any rash decisions. But we have found a lovely young woman from Queensland who has left weekend reading at Channel Eight and happens to have moved down to Melbourne. Name’s Suzanne Holder. But we’re not signing her on just yet. She’s here on a one-month trial and we’ll take it from there.’
Rachel felt her face flush and stared at the floor, feeling everyone’s eyes upon her. Overlooked again.
***
Before the next weekend news shift, Rachel wandered along Chapel Street on her way to meet Lou for coffee and shopping. It was a humid, windy morning, the heat already soaking into the asphalt and giving off steely fumes when trams rattled by. Blustery weather usually made her irritable, but today she just felt numb.
She passed her favourite shops but she had no interest in fashion. Since Helmut’s announcement, she’d been flat all week. Not even Rex had been able to lift her spirits. She’d considered cancelling today, but Lou wanted help choosing an outfit for a special party that evening.
She nabbed an outdoor table at the cafe where they were meeting, and took a pile of letters from her handbag. They were the other reason she hadn’t cancelled. She hoped that Lou, with her new career as an art therapist, might be able to help. Yes, at first she’d been sceptical of the profession, but Lou’s success stories about clients had changed her mind. And she was becoming desperate.
‘Hi, Rach!’ Lou waved from across the street. She was hopping out of a car, taking her time to kiss Neil and Josh goodbye, while a motorist honked at the hold up.
‘Hi there,’ puffed Lou, leaning over the table to peck Rachel’s cheek. ‘Sorry to keep you. Trying to get those two organised is a bloody nightmare!’
‘That’s okay. I’ve ordered coffee.’
‘Great, can’t wait to hit the shops. Been ages since I’ve checked out Chapel Street.’ Lou looked up and down the street, eyes bright and expectant.
Rachel wished she felt like that. ‘So how’s the new job?’
‘Oh, just brilliant. I absolutely love it, Rach. How’s things for you? Mum told me you missed out on the main newsreading spot again. I am sorry, you know.’
Rachel could see she meant it. It was astonishing how much nicer Lou had become since she’d started working again. ‘Thanks. The only upside is that the new girl, Suzanne what’s-her-name, is actually dreadful. I shouldn’t be happy, but I am. She’s got the most coarse ocker accent. Lots of viewers are complaining, saying she’s always making mistakes and mispronouncing words.’
She moved her letters to the side of the table as their skinny lattes arrived.
Lou reached for her cup. ‘I did see her one night. She’s a shocker. Her inflexions are all over the place.’
‘Exactly,’ said Rachel. ‘And her position isn’t guaranteed. Helmut said she’s here on a trial basis.’
‘Brilliant. We’ll start a campaign of phoning the network to complain about her.’
Rachel laughed. ‘No, don’t do that. They might keep a record of phone numbers calling in and then I’d be busted!’
A gust of wind blew one of Rachel’s letters into the air and she caught it before it was swept away. ‘Oh, Lou, I wanted to show you these. Mind taking a look before we hit the shops?’
‘Sure.’
She pushed the letters across the table. ‘At first they were pretty lame, but now they’re getting worse. More sexual and threatening. I’ve shown them to Helmut but I don’t think he’s done anything. I just wondered, because of your course, if you might have any advice?’ She sat there waiting while Lou unfolded each letter and read them one by one, eyes widening as she drew breath at the threats.
‘Oh, Rach, these are bad. He’s writing as if he knows you. God, this is serious.’ She clasped Rachel’s hand. ‘I hate to say this, but I am concerned. This guy is obsessive, delusional and narcissistic. What is security like at work? Is there any chance he may have been able to get your home address?’
‘Security’s good and no one is allowed to give out home addresses. But he wrote that I look sexy in my gym gear. That means he might even be a member at the gym. He could have followed me home. How would I know?’
Lou started flipping through the letters again to find the gym reference. She nodded slowly. ‘You’re right, Rach, you need to show the gym manager and the police. This is scary stuff.’
‘I know. But I’m also worried about Helmut. What if someone leaked this to the media? He’d be furious. He even said that if it got out, it could spark copycat stalkers.’
Lou sat back, her face darkening. ‘This Helmut character sounds equally vile. In fact, are you sure it’s not him who’s the stalker? I mean, he did have a thing for you at the beginning, didn’t he?’
Rachel snorted. ‘Mitch wondered that too, but no, I don’t think it’s him. He hates me. This guy wants to hurt me, but he also wants to sleep with me.’
‘Exactly!’ said Lou. ‘Helmut is a nutcase. Maybe he wants to frighten you away from a job in the limelight? Maybe he wants you to leave, but a part of him is attracted to you.’
‘Lord . . . I wonder . . . No, it couldn’t be . . . It’s too far-fetched. Helmut? No.’
‘I think it’s a serious possibility.’ Lou sipped her coffee. ‘It’s definitely worth raising with HR. You have to tell them what’s going on, just in case. They have to keep everything confidential.’
Rachel nodded.
‘Oh, and Rach? Lou leaned forward, her elbows on the table and hands clasped. ‘I’m so glad you shared this with me. It’s been kind of hard, watching you career soar while I was just a stay-at-home mum. In a weird way, I feel like this problem is actually bringing us closer. That you respect my opinion.’
‘I always respected your opinion and you being a stay-at-home mum!’ Rachel took her hands, squeezing tightly. ‘Oh, Lou, what wouldn’t I give to have a child like Joshie? You’re my big sister. I’ve always looked up to you. Surely you know that?’
‘No, I didn’t. In fact, I thought the opposite.’ Lou pulled back her hands, gulping down the last of her coffee. ‘But thank you. That means a lot. Come on, you start work at one. Let’s get shopping. And don’t forget these.’ She handed Rachel the letters. as they stood to leave.
Rachel popped them in her handbag and gave Lou a hug. It was good to have her support and friendship. She’d make an effort to be a better sister in the future. As they walked off, Rachel looked at men passing by, checking their faces, wondering whether she was being followed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
Six days later
‘So there you go,’ Steven Cohen said sternly. ‘This may seem unprecedented, but as we all know, strange things happen in television. Perhaps it’ll be third time lucky, eh?’
Rachel stared at the general manager, trying to appear calm, as she sat in his opulent office for the first time. It didn’t seem real. Her mind was in over-drive. He spoke to her as if he was issuing a reprimand — probably to cover his embarrassment about having to replace two newsreaders in less than six months. He’d been left with no choice. It didn’t matter. All she had to do was maintain composure despite wanting to swing from the rafters and squeal with joy at the top of her lungs.
She had just been offered a one-year contract reading the main news bulletin at Network Six.
It was the article in last Sunday’s newspaper that had sealed Suzanne Holder’s fate. An exclusive story reported that not only had the network received an overwhelming number of complaints about her, the Morning Herald itself had been inundated with hundreds of negative emails and letters. Sunday’s scathing editorial from the paper’s TV writer was the final kick that killed Suzanne’s career. The backlash was too strong for management to ignore.
Steven handed Rachel a wad of paperwork. ‘Of course, you might like to get a lawyer to look over the details but when it comes to your financial remuneration, but that’s the final figure. You have to remember you are being offered this position in unusual circumstances and you are rather young for the role.’
A loud snort of derision came from her left. She turned to see Helmut shaking his head.
‘Too right she’s too young. And if Sydney hadn’t interfered, she wouldn’t be sitting here now.’
Rachel felt like one of Henry the Eighth’s wives. There’d already been a couple of executions. Her initial excitement subsided. Perhaps she’d be the sixth wife, who survived. She needed to phone Adam Montague. He’d done a good job with her last contract and she needed to make sure this one was watertight.
‘Ah, Helmut you’re a right bastard, you are!’ Steven chortled. ‘Don’t you worry, Rachel. His bark’s worse than his bite. Once this old bugger calms down and remembers what an outstanding newsreader you are, he’ll be fine. He’s just a mite miffed the decision was taken out of his hands, aren’t you, buddy?’ He winked at Helmut. ‘Don’t you worry now, love,’ he said. ‘It’ll all be hunky-dory.’ He flashed a perfect set of shining dentures and put out his hand to shake hers. She was about to leave when he called out. ‘Oh, Rachel? You can move into your new office on Monday.’
Not sure if she really wanted to be separated from her friends in the newsroom, she smiled and thanked him anyway.
***
It happened so quickly. Rachel began reading the main news on Monday, without a signed contract. It was on its way to Adam’s office and he’d promised to give it top priority. Reading her first bulletin passed in a blur of excitement. As she left the studio with Jack Nolan, the rush of adrenalin started to subside, but it still felt quite surreal.
Jack threw his arm around her shoulders. ‘Well done, young lady! A fine job. Much better than those other two. I know we’ll get it right this time.’ He squeezed, drawing her close. He smelt slightly musty, as if his coat had been among mothballs a tad too long.
They walked into the newsroom and cheering erupted. A crowd of about thirty people filled the producers’ area. Rachel stopped in her tracks. No one stayed back for the bulletin on a Monday. Her surprise translated into something between a hiccup and a giggle. She covered her mouth and laughed.
She took in the faces — Julia, Gerard, and Dan. Even Kevin and Jeff had stayed back, along with several of the cameramen. Surprisingly, Ned, her favourite producer was there too. He rarely socialised. And of course, Mitch. There he was with his wide, proud smile and eyes shining blue.
Helmut came towards her. She braced herself.
‘Well done,’ he said gruffly, thrusting a glass of wine at her. ‘Even made sure it was Sav Blanc. Just for your first night mind you.’ With that he walked off.
***
The bonhomie didn’t last. By some miracle, Adam had managed to wring more money out of the network, making her salary quite reasonable. Rachel knew it was probably a quarter of the pay Jack Nolan received, but she was happy. Helmut was not. It was as though she’d stolen money from his own wallet.
Her new postage-stamp-sized office was a trap. When she was at her desk, Helmut could swing past whenever he pleased, throw an insult without anyone hearing, and walk off. Rachel had no recourse. If she made any slip-ups during the bulletin, he would be by her office in a flash.
By the end of the second week, her stress levels were peaking. The smallest fracture in her day left her feeling like someone had raked fingernails down a blackboard. Now it was Friday and she had ten minutes to finish writing her last update before the six o’clock bulletin.
It was hard to concentrate. Mandy had just delivered a letter. Another missive from her Devoted Admirer. She shouldn’t open it. She needed to focus on writing her update. But it was taunting her, sitting there on her desk. No, she would be strong and concentrate on work. Better not to give him the power. She shoved the letter under a newspaper on her desk.
Typing away, she heard a knock. Helmut was at her door.
‘Mind if I come in?’ Without waiting for a reply, he landed heavily in the chair opposite. A sour odour drifted her way. He’d been to a long lunch. ‘So . . .’ He leaned into her. ‘You like your new office?’
‘Yes, thanks, it’s great. Look, I really have to finish this update and—’
‘And I bet you like your new contract. Quite a job your lawyer did, eh? Saw him in the city the other day, driving a new Mercedes. You helped pay for that, you know.’
‘Well, I haven’t received my bill yet so I’m not sure about that. But right now I really have to—’
‘That’s okay. I’ll go. Not a problem.’ He stood up, wobbling slightly then placed both hands on the desk to right himself. ‘Just one piece of advice — the most important piece of advice you’ll ever get in this business.’
‘Oh? And what’s that?’ She tensed, waiting for the bullet.
‘Never think you’re irreplaceable. That’s the thing.’ He turned to leave then spun around and held the doorframe, jabbing a finger in her direction. ‘Never think you’re irreplaceable.’
His words ringing in her ears, Rachel finished her update and recorded it on autopilot. Returning to her desk, the envelope beckoned from under the newspaper. She had to know if the weirdo had calmed down or if his threats would be worse. She ripped it open.
Dear Rachel,
Write to me, bitch. I want us to swap fantasies so we can have the hottest sex ever when we finally hook up. That WILL be soon.
The plans are set. But maybe you have been deliberately playing hard to get all along? Maybe you want me to rough you up, you slag. That’s fine – I can easily do that. I am going to have to tie you up and teach you a lesson for not doing as you were told. I’ll laugh when I make you cry and then punish you so hard you’ll be screaming. I want to make you HURT BAD. I will enjoy your pain as I watch your body bleed until you die. I will remember your final moment. You won’t remember a thing.
Your Devoted Admirer, X.
She should never have opened it. Breathing deeply, she reached for some water, her hand trembling slightly. Now it was time to read the news.
***
When Rachel put her head on the pillow that night, the room started to spin. She closed her eyes, willing it to stop. She’d definitely drunk too much at dinner. She turned on her side and curled her back into Mitch. She felt his breath on her neck and wriggled against him to soak up his warmth. She couldn’t get close enough, even after ten months of being together.
‘Aren’t you sleepy?’ he murmured.
‘Hmm? Oh, yes, I am. Why?’
‘You’re fidgeting.’
‘Just getting snuggly.’
He pulled her towards him tightly. ‘Long as nothing’s bothering you. Been a big few weeks.’
‘Uh huh.’ But there were things bothering her.
They’d been out to a pre-wedding dinner for Julia and Derek so the bridesmaids and groomsmen could meet before the reception in two weeks. It was slightly awkward when Tim and Mitch shook hands, but they’d blundered their way through. It hadn’t bothered Rachel that Tim had a new girlfriend, and she was only slightly miffed to find out they were living together after just three months of dating. She wasn’t jealous of his girlfriend, but she was envious his relationship had moved to the next stage when hers hadn’t. All those months of working weekends hadn’t helped. As well, Mitch was often away with his surfing buddies down the coast, so their time together was less than she would have liked.
The stalker letters were disturbing her more than ever. The most recent one had been hand-delivered to Network Six. He had been in the building. Rachel felt like he was closing in.
She rolled over to face Mitch. ‘Actually, I fibbed. There is something bothering me,’ she whispered.
