‘Are you aware she’s also been posing as anAmplifyreporter to go through Will Bailey’s personal possessions at his parents’ house?’
My phone rings and I’m flustered because leaving it on makes me look unprofessional. I pull it from my bag. It’s Liv calling. I reject her call and switch it to silent.
‘I just found out about that myself but––’
A muscle at his jaw twitches. ‘Do you know we have strict safety measures in place to make sure our journalists are safe when out in the field?’
‘I don’t doubt––’
‘We don’t allow our journalists to meet strangers without us knowing where they are. Did she tell you where she was going?’
My face is on fire. ‘Well, no…’
‘I have a reputation to uphold,’ he continues. ‘If an artist thinks they’re being interviewed by anAmplifyjournalist and in reality, they’re being interviewed by a fifteen-year-old schoolgirl, how does that make me look?’
‘She’s sixteen actually… Look, I understand where you’re coming from, but she got carried away. She didn’t think through the consequences. All she needs is another chance and some direction. She’s a talented writer and it would be a waste––’
‘I agree––’
‘Mr Raymond, I’m not leaving here until you promise to give her a decent reference.’
‘Mrs Lawrence, you’re not listening––’
‘It’s Miss!’ I snap.
‘Miss Lawrence, I’m agreeing with you.’
‘You are?’ My phone vibrates.
‘Yes, I agree. Your daughter’s writing is extraordinary for her age. She has an obvious love of music, and it shines through her work. She’s not restricted by the rules – she writes what she thinks, and although it needs a bit of polish, her voice is fresh and compelling. In answer to your question, yes – Ihaveread her feature. I didn’t reply because you and I were speaking today. The feature shows promise, but it needs a lot of work before it’s publishable. I’ve emailed her my suggestions and if she’s willing to put in the work, we’ll see if we can get it into shape.’
I’m relieved to come out of confrontation mode, and that, mingled with my pride for Liv, almost brings me to tears. ‘You emailed her?’ That might be why Liv was calling.
‘Just this morning. I wanted her to sweat a bit.’
‘She has been.’
‘The only way I can publish a special on Will Bailey is if it coincides with an anniversary, and this twenty-yearFragmentsanniversary could work, otherwise I can’t run it.’
‘I’m sure she’ll do whatever it takes to get it ready in time.’
‘I’ve told her we need an interview with you.’
I freeze. ‘With me?’
‘Yes. We need the personal relationship angle to give a more rounded portrait of the man himself.’
‘I… I don’t talk about that…’
‘You could give the piece the edge it needs – so it appeals to everyone, not just his fans.’
If her feature got printed, Liv would be thrilled. All her hard work, her heartfelt words out there in the world, but I can’t do an interview.
Paul Raymond checks his watch. ‘Now if you’ll excuse me, Miss Lawrence, I’ve got a meeting to prepare for.’
‘Of course. Thank you for your time.’
‘Liv could go far, but she needs to listen and do as she’s told.’