Page 33 of Famous Last

“That’s not going to make the article disappear, is it? It’s already out there.”

“Might feel good though. So what’s the plan, then?”

“Sometimes the best line of defence is attack. Darcy has a strategy. I think she’s going to arrange for me to do an exclusive with a more reputable Sunday paper, through a sympathetic journalist, and tell them my story, the real story. Let them take theTributeto pieces for their shoddy journalism. And in the meantime, our legal team are working on getting the editor to publish an apology and take down the online photos.”

“But if you do another story, won’t you have to come out publicly?”

“Which is honestly such a joke. I’ve been out of the closet since the age of twenty. Everyone at university knew and so does everyone I work with. And I haven’t exactly been a monk since I graduated. There are plenty of men who can and will support my story, if I ask them.”

“Not Joey, though.”

“No, not Joey,” said Marshall a little harshly.

Spencer wanted to ask more about Joey, but sensed Marshall’s deep sadness and disappointment when he spoke about his ex. He did not understand how somebody could betray a person as pleasant and as genuine as Marshall.

“How will they cope without you there today?” asked Marshall.

“They’ll manage. But I know they’ll all be shitting bricks at the meeting this morning, what with no special entertainment slot for the client Christmas bash and the lack of a decent showpiece for the magazines during the holiday season. Muriel Moresby is on a mission to get a top-notch celebrity interview for the December issue ofCollective. She’s even offering an incentive bonus to anyone who can land someone decent. Desperate orwhat? I think she approached you already at the charity event, the one where we first met.”

“I said no.”

“Of course you did. Quite right, too. Those interview articles tend to be a combination of fluff and personal intrusion, and that’s about the last thing you need right now. Somebody ought to bloody well interview her. Give her a taste of her own medicine.”

Spencer took another sip of his caffè latte and savoured another warm hit to his bloodstream. With a soft snort, he wondered who would sort out the coffee order for the morning meeting, but then shrugged the thought away. Somehow they would manage without him. Or not, he didn’t care.

“Wait,” said Marshall, his voice grabbing Spencer’s full attention. “Back up a moment. That’s actually a brilliant idea. How about you suggest to Muriel that I interview her and her husband live on stage at the client event? And they can get the whole thing filmed. As long as she’s happy to have me involved, what with everything that’s going on. That would be a great platform for people to get to know the couple, warts and all. And then they can use the material for the Christmas edition ofCollective? We might even be able to get the station to air something, if Moresby will allow our crew in to record. That way I stay in the spotlight and Muriel gets her interview.”

Spencer sat stunned. An interview with the Moresbys, warts and all? What would the world make of the real Muriel Moresby? With Marshall asking the questions, no punches would be pulled. But would she even buy into the idea? After a few moments, he came back down to earth.

“I’m not sure how she would feel about that,” said Spencer.

“Not a good idea, then?”

“Are you kidding me! It’s afantasticidea. But would you really do that?”

“Why not? Okay, so she’s not the usual kind of high-profile subject I might interview, but like I said, as long as she’s onboard, everybody wins. Muriel gets her interview, and I remain visible—”

“And I get a bonus.”

“And you get a bonus,” said Marshall, chuckling. “I’ll need to square things off with Darcy and the network, but I’m sure she’ll be up for the idea. I’ll ask her when she drops by to pick me up later.”

“Just so we’re clear, that’s not why I invited you in yesterday. To take advantage of your celebrity status.”

“I know that,” said Marshall, before becoming pensive. “But out of interest, why did you let me in? I wasn’t completely sure you would.”

Spencer’s words died in his mouth. How much should he tell Marshall about how much he liked him,reallyliked him? And how he only wanted the best for him. When Spencer looked up into his eyes to answer, he noticed the coffee shop had filled noticeably.

“You’re a complete arse if you need to ask. Have you finished yet? This place is beginning to get busy.”

Marshall smirked at Spencer before draining the last of his coffee. Readying to leave, he pulled his ski hat down around his ears and put on his black mask.

“How do I look?”

“Like a tourist who’s lost his way in the French Alps. Now, is there anyone you need to text or call before we leave? Remember we’re off the grid upstairs.”

“Nope, I’m good.”

“Excellent. I’ve bought pastries for lunch so we don’t go hungry. We need to walk back past my door, so I’ll give you the key and my phone and I’ll see you back upstairs. I’m going tostock up with extra food from the convenience store. It’ll be open by now.”

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