is no such thing as a real secret in this town, Pearce.” Ian lied out his ass.

“It’s a good deal, Ian…I think it’s going to be my best offer and I am charmed enough by you not to waste your time.”

“Pearce…the CNN deal can’t possibly be the best you’re going to get because I’m not involved in it. If you want proof, just call our mutual friend for my references.” Even Ian wasn’t sure what that meant, but he was having trouble being vague since he didn’t want to let Pearce know that he hadn’t the foggiest what the CNN offer was or even his for that matter, but he knew he could come up with it by later tonight.

“Okay fine, I’ll hear you out. I’m in Vegas so I should be home by nine tonight. I’ll add you to my buddy list…catch me if you can.”

Ian realized that this was a very possible gentle brush off, so he had to make Pearce Warner determined to take his IM. He looked at the magazine cover and thought, “Use what you got.”

“Tell you what, Pearce, have a good safe flight, take your time getting home, get relaxed, get comfortable and we’ll just have a nice…long…casual chat…say sometime after midnight?”

“…duh….”

“Nice and casual. Catch you then.” And Ian closed his phone as quickly as possible. He knew it was a big risk, but he also knew that it was fuck or be fucked time. He’d recently done both, so one more time shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Now he had more work that needed to be done.

He marched out of his office and gathered the troops. He needed to find out what CNN’s offer was, and if it was a serious offer. He also thought to have Blake messenger a copy of the tapes of his old talk show to Pearce Warner. He had an impromptu power meeting and reminded everyone about the next day at his house and made sure everyone had directions, and excused himself explaining that he had some work to do for “America Alive!” himself.

As he grabbed his briefcase and strolled from the office, he walked by Trish’s desk. He had put her in charge of the team of receptionists that he now needed. “Goodnight, Trish.”

“Goodnight Ian,” she said without looking up.

He started to leave, but his gut told him something else. “Trish? You will be there tomorrow, correct?”

“Need someone to answer your home phone?”

“Actually, I have a former Miss America doing that for me. Actually I would like you to come. Let’s see if maybe we can start to trust each other, and see what happens. I know you are just dying to toss some ideas around.”

She looked up at him, not surprised but uncertain. “I’ll think about it.”

“I make a mean cheesecake…?”

She smiled, “Just what my hips need.”

As he stepped in the elevator he tossed out. “See there’s the problem Trish you’re supposed to eat cheesecake, not rub it on your ass.” He heard her laughing as the doors closed.