Page 1 of Rescued Duty

ONE

Naya Michél made it her duty to tell a story and expose the truth. She had a vested interest in each outcome. People’s lives hung in the balance. And her job ensured the light shone through. Her latest story as an investigative reporter was proof of that.

Naya’s cell phone buzzed, and she fumbled around her desk drawer and swiped to answer. “Hey, friend.” Naya propped an elbow on her office desk, then wiggled her computer mouse.

“You ready for your meeting with Drew?” Ingram asked. Naya imagined her best friend sipping her morning tea in her office and perusing the files for the day.

“Nothing like a Monday morning meeting to jump-start the week.” Naya hit send on the email with the final article on the McDaniel family, whose son needed a heart transplant. They’d almost been swindled out of a family heirloom pocket watch worth five grand when they’d taken it to a seasonal worker atTake a Chancepawn shop. Thankfully, a local had caught wind of the situation and made sure the McDaniels got their money, which had helped pay for their son’s life-saving surgery.

“I’ve been praying,” Ingram said.

“Thanks, girl.” Naya wiped her clammy hands along her skirt, then straightened the pencil holder and file organizer on her desk. “Someone’s got to move up in the ranks around here. This meeting could be my shot.”

“God’s got this.”

One way or another. Naya didn’t know what this meeting held, but rumors had been circulating the office that her boss, Drew Warrington, wanted to promote someone to head reporter at the Last Chance Tribune now that the previous head reporter had retired.

“In all things, God works things together for the good of those who love Him.” Naya repeated the truth aloud, but it didn’t make the unknown easier. If only her heart would catch up.

Naya glanced at the pictures framed on her desk.

A portrait of her family taunted her. They’d posed at the local market in Haiti, squinting against the sun. Her little brother—her best friend. Her parents. All of them now gone.

This one’s for you, Dom.

Next to the family photo was an image that brought a smile: Naya and Ingram poking their heads around a palm tree at the beach. A day of sun, finding sand dollars, and a random guy paying for their dinner—although he’d definitely done it to try and get their numbers.

The pictures only told her that the future could bring any set of circumstances.

“Drew always likes what I write.”

“Of course he does.” Ingram chuckled. “You write with passion. You showcase the truth, not just the dry facts.”

“It’s what the people want.” Naya made sure her stories served the readership of Last Chance County, and she would show her boss he could count on her.

Naya stood up and walked over to the break room. Her fingers shook while she poured herself a cup of her favoriteHaitian coffee blend—an ode to her native country in the Caribbean. A place she hadn’t ventured back to in eons.

Naya took a sip of coffee.

“If Drew offers me a promotion, I can make sure the truth stays in the light.” Naya sucked in a breath. “It’s go time.”

“Knock ’em dead.”

That’s exactly what Naya intended to do. Each click of her heels on the hallway sounded in time with her heart.

Naya knocked on Drew’s door.

“Come in.”

She pushed open the door, and it let out a long creak. Naya rounded the corner but came up short. Seated in a chair across from her boss was fellow reporter—and her ex-boyfriend—Tucker Long. “I’m sorry if I interrupted. I can come back later.”

Tucker turned in his seat and smirked. Six months ago, she’d ended their relationship, and he still acted like he had superiority over her. She didn’t like the glint in his eyes at all.

“No, no. Please, have a seat. I want you both present for this meeting.” Drew tapped a few papers on his desk. He extended his hand to the chair in front of him. The smile on his face accentuated the wrinkles around his eyes, and his gray hair testified to his experience after years of work in the industry as a reporter and editor. Naya intended to impress her boss with her own knowledge and skills.

“Okay.” Naya plastered on a smile and took the seat next to Tucker. The chair wobbled on its unsteady legs, and she planted her feet on the ground to keep from swaying. If there had to be an audience, she would take it in stride. No way would she let Tucker intimidate her.

Drew cleared his throat. “I’m sure you’re well aware the position for lead investigative reporter needs to be filled since Terry retired. And you two are my best reporters.”

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