Milly Houston Pt. 01

Matt remained standing, scratching an ear. "Er, we might be able to allow that to happen but first could we get some clothes off you?"

They laughed like two people would amid an enjoyable activity.

They went for a short drive in the new car and Milly's verdict was, "Stunning. So sexy." Matt tried to explain that should have been his comment.

"About me?"

"No the car you fool," and for his pains took a bite on the shoulder.

While Milly prepared to slow roast steak, Matt poured wine and asked, "I'd like to have a working session now."

"Okay."

"We have to extend you mind with clarity along certain channels. You have to learn how to regard your subject as prey – benign prey unless you have reason to think otherwise. You must regard all people you interview as potential liars and possessing the ability to withhold information from you and that of course is their right unless that information properly belongs to the public arena. Then there are shy people who have something really outstanding to say. It could come out if properly encouraged. People also have unintentional memory lapses."

"All people are not liars. I never lie," Milly lied. But she reddened under Matt's steady gaze and found reason to drop her gaze before whispering, "Well, not often."

He continued relentlessly for exactly one hour.

"You can't stop now, this is extremely fascinating," Milly said, turning the vegetables in the second roasting pan.

"One hour of intensive counseling is enough. We don't want to push you into memory overload."

Two hours later Matt began another hour session. He called that session and ones to follow, "Going that extra mile." He was aware she had been tutored well in the basics but needed to develop greater skills. What she was undergoing now was being sole student in the master's class sessions. Although those sessions were all theory he'd accompany her on assignments as well.

Milly then had to put on a dress parade for her tutor, although she only had to wear one of her suits. Matt sent her back when she walked out in the suit.

"You have great legs; patterned stockings are not for you. Near sheer black stockings please."

She returned and received acclaim and scuttled off looking ever so pleased to change into fashionable jacket-skirt-accessories wear.

The boss' comment was, "Very smart; sexy and right for a woman in her prime."

Matt was up next morning before her and arrived back in the bedroom carrying the blue halter-top with built-in bra and tight running shorts.

Milly was delighted and then blushed and said, "I'll get arrested wearing this on the streets." To her relief Matt produced the shorts.

He set the pace and after four miles said, "Go on, accelerate for the last mile so you know you've had a good workout."

Off she went, not bothering to argue. He appreciated that. They then went off to lunch with friends of Matt's. He'd been invited to bring a partner and Yvonne and Milly hit it off well.

As they drove home Matt asked, "Did Yvonne whisper to you I used to fuck her before she married and have done so a few times since?"

"No, why should she – like this was Yvonne's and my first date? She may confide in me at a later date."

"But women are always in a rush to pour secrets into each other."

"Are they? Not the women I know and I would class Yvonne in that group. You must associate with some very undesirable women."

"I don't, or more correctly I'm not aware that I do. It was just an impression I had of women."

"Well, perhaps you should consider facts before jumping to male-like conclusions."

"What are male-like conclusions?"

"Well for a start, thinking all women like to fuck."

"Don't they?"

"Oh Matt."

"Milly please, don't cut me off. I was honestly under the impression they did although I was aware not all women would specifically want to do it with me."

CHAPTER 2

Monday dawned a lovely day and Matt came home alone from the last mile of their run feeling in better shape. Milly was already showered and dressed, reading the Chronicle.

"Who is our best reporter Matt?"

"Sharon Street."

"And you know that for a fact? We all think it's Tony Linn as he does and as does Sharon."

"Fucking typical male egoist."

Milly almost edged into hysterics. "God, he would probably top himself if he heard you saying that."

"Well that's why clever editor's don't rate any reporter as their best but probably rate their best three or perhaps best ten in a big office."

"Why."

"Because it's horses for courses. Most top reporters perform best in certain areas. We can put Sharon on to any assignment and she'll return a better than workmanlike job every time."

"But she's virtually colorless?"

Matt hesitated and then said, "Yes, she doesn't have a standout personality and killer smile. But you watch her. Everything she does is immaculate. If you look closely you'll see the sub editors watching her writing and when she finally sits back for a breather there's a rush to look in the posted stories file to grab her latest contribution."

"Why?"

"Because it will be immaculate. The sub will search for something to change to improve it, to suspect she's missed out on some facts. They like to think subs are superior to reporters but rarely do they get one over Sharon with her copy. She's earmarked to replace Bruce when he retires as chief sub. I won't have to work her in with a year on the sub table beforehand because she already knows what they do, how they do it. She's already questioned me about what I do and why."

"Good heavens, she thinks like a male."

Milly had blurted that out and blushed when Matt looked at her in surprise and complimented her on that comment.

Matt said Sharon was well educated, constantly studied her craft and was aware that although she was good she was not perfect, so regarded criticism as a challenge rather than a slight, and would review what had been said with determination never to make that mistake again.

"Sharon thinks incisively and decisively but yet always leaves the door ajar. Those are signs of a good reporter. She has honed her skills and pushes to her limits to achieve results. Those are the signs of a very good reporter. She then combines those qualities and writes superbly. That makes her into a sublime reporter. Really about the only thing she lacks in ambition. I've suggested she moves on to carve out a real career but says no, she wants to stay here and remain close to the guy she hopes to marry."

Milly said thoughtfully, "You've told me all this about Sharon, your private thoughts, using it as a teaching tool."

"Yes, excellent work Milly."

"Thank you. That information shall remain confidential. Christ Matt, she's only twenty-three."

"Oh, is greatness limited to age and extent of experience?"

Milly sat in deep thought. Matt wore a big smile. They then dressed for work and went to the vehicle dealership in separate vehicles. Milly handed her late model basic sedan car over for appraisal and accepted the offer. When Matt refused to take the check she refused to sign the ownership document so Matt relented and took her check, the amount of which was almost 20% of the cost of the Eos.

At the office with the assignments not yet been given out Matt chose one for Milly and then asked Jim to fill in for him for three hours and write the editorial.

"What should I write about?"

"When topics are short just write about the need for greater courtesy on the roads," Matt said sagely. "It never fails to bring in a flurry of letters to the editor for publication and readers are generally pleased to see us discharge our public duty."

"Oh yeah," said the news editor, a real menace when behind the wheel.

Milly looked at her computer screen indignantly. "You have chosen a crap assignment for me. What is this about – 10:30, Traffic Court, Mayor's son on inattentive driving charge?"

"Do you sense a story?"

"No, of course not."

Matt said just a minute and called over Sharon.

"Sharon, look at this assignment and just answer me yes or no. Do you sense a story in it?"

"Yes, I think so."

"Please return to your desk and write on a piece of paper what you think an angle might be and the three questions you would ask. Then seal in it an envelope and place it in Milly's top drawer on her desk. Thanks."

"Is this to embarrass me?"

"Not really. It's just a test to let your learn the approaches of three people. Come on, we have time to have coffee before we hit the press bench in court."

The case was over in three minutes. David Pembroke White pleased guilty to the offence. He was not legally represented. The prosecutor said it was a first driving office. The judge said 'Hmmm. Have you anything to say for yourself."

"I regret my indiscretion, your honor. I was changing CDs while driving and was spotted. I realize it was stupid of me and expressed my regret and will try to ensure I never repeat that irresponsible action."

"Hmmm. You have a clean sheet and since your appear remorseful I aim to keep it that way for the moment. I dismiss the charge subject to you performing four hours community work. Step down."

"And that's my hot story of the day?" Milly asked bewildered.

"No, it's only the start. The real story is probably sitting behind us. Let's wait outside."

As Mayor White and his wife came out of the court Matt said, "In you go."

"Oh good morning Milly. My word you look beautifully dressed this morning."

"Thank you Mr Mayor. I wanted to ask were you relieved that David escaped without conviction."

"Very relieved."

"Will you give him a lecture?"

"No, I did that at the time he told me he'd received a ticket for the offence."

"Um, is David a good driver?"

"Very good in my opinion."

Milly closed with a thank you but Matt chipped in.

"Charlie, just a minute. Hello Muriel."

"Oh hi Matt," the mayor and wife chorused.

"Charlie, do you think two hours' community work will ram home to David he needs to be really careful when driving?"

"I certainly do."

"What can you do to show David he has your support Charlie?"

"I-I really don't know Matt"

"You disappoint me Charlie. This is your opportunity to get some good publicity. Think Charlie."

Charlie looked at Muriel who shrugged. He then beamed. "I'll work alongside David when he's doing his community work if permitted. I believe that means picking up foreign debris around the perimeter of Lake Brookes. That can be done in two hours."

"Oh brilliant Charlie. We'll find out the time and turn up with a photographer. Please tell David not to feel embarrassed by this; parents of kids his age will took at this and use it as an example to tell their kids about the need to drive with due care an attention. You'll receive credit for supporting you contrite son."

As they walked back to the office Milly said, "You've created a story out of nothing?"

"Something like that," Matt sniffed. "I was only expecting Charlie to say he'd stand there watching his son do the chore. What Charlie plans to do is even better. Today we just publish a par about the decision of the court. Nothing else. Then you use all the material gathered by us for your story to go with the photo. It will probably be early next week."

"You are a miracle news-making Matt."

He laughed and said it was only going that extra mile; anyone could have done it.

Milly said she hadn't thought it and Matt hugged her by the shoulders and said, "But you are still my protégé."

At the office Matt went off to check his mail. Milly remembered the envelope and read what Sharon had wrote:

– attend the hearing.

– if Mayor in court interview for reaction; if not there find him.

– if the sentence is a fine ask who will pay it.

– if the sentence is community work will Mayor go with son in support.

– ask how David reacted when Mayor learned he'd been ticketed.

"Jesus," Milly whispered. "I have a long way to go."

Matt came back and said they were off to the mall with a photographer where the Baptist Church Choir was making its first public performance after an absence of four years. "This will be hard so don't be surprised if we come away without a story with a good angle.

Jerry took a routine photo and the two guys turned to go when Milly said hold on, she thought she could see something. The guys came up to her and Jerry said were they not wearing knickers and received an elbow into the ribs from Milly.

"That tall blonde, second left back row, elderly woman center middle row very white hair and young blonde third from right on front row.

"Small tits? Jerry asked.

"You think same family – could be," Matt said. "If they are could be a better photo than what you've taken Jerry."

"Right, in you go at next break and ask Milly," said the photographer.

Matt and Jerry looked at Milly asking the question and saw the young woman nod.

"That's good spotting by Milly," said Matt, who said yeah and wondering why Milly and the younger woman were looking at the group of elderly woman seated in the audience.

Milly raced over to her colleagues. "Come Jerry, work to do. They are three generations of the one family in the choir, and two ex-choir members, the great-grandmothers are seated over there."

"Christ," Jerry said. "This photo will be taken up nationally."

Matt watched Milly and Jerry at work, with the choir leader looking so pleased as she gathered her three choristers around the two rather old ex-choir members. He wondered what they happy group would think of the photographer they were beaming at if told Jerry had alleged they all had small tits. An assault on bad-mouthed Jerry with handbags perhaps? What a photo that would make!

* * *

Dialabo was a small city so usual coverage was small-city news. Matt, Jerry and Milly were heading out of town, just beating the end of day peak traffic flow when Matt called Jerry to pull over.

He did and complained. "It's only a fucking routine inspection."

"Then why are all those council engineers there for the routine independent inspection? I can see chief engineer Larry Smith, Smokey Rimes and Erick Johansson."

"Shit."

"Jerry could you modify your coarse expressions and foul language when we have a lady with us?"

"Oh, sorry boss. My apologies Milly" but Milly was already out of the vehicle and walking into the cordoned off area leading down the side of the city's main river crossing.

"Jesus, it's that good looking dame from the Chronicle," Milly heard someway say and they heard a heap of bad language.

"What's up boys?"

"Ah, nothing. Just routine." said the city council's chief engineer.

"You're pulling my left tit Mr Smith."

All nine or ten guys looked at her left breast.

"I think the bridge is in danger of collapsing."

"Fucking press, they're on to us unless we drown her," someone said.

Everyone laughed nervously.

Milly pulled out her phone and hit the fast-dial for Matt.

"Get down here fast."

"Come on Larry, the truth and we publish it in tomorrow paper," Matt said. "Milly this is your story, into it."

"Mr Smith we would prefer the official explanation," she said.

"We haven't discussed it to find consensus."

"Then do that now. Those cracks up there – can someone spray around the perimeter of them so we can get close-ups that make sense?"

"Do what she wants Smokey, ask her what color she wants."

Jerry picked phosphorus lime."

Smokey jumped on to the temporary scaffold and sprayed and then jumped down to join the other engineers.

Larry Smith came back to Milly. "We cannot afford to take any risks. That main member – call it a beam – has failed. All the others are okay. It will have to be replaced and until that is done the two lanes on this side are closed to all traffic and the other two lanes will each take one-way traffic with vehicles over three tons prohibited from crossing this bridge."

"Okay, that's plain enough," Mr Smith. "What caused it?"

"We don't know. This side of the bridge was constructed in 1955. The other two lanes were added in 1984. Faulty production of that beam could be the cause. We won't know until it's removed and opened up."

"Will the same contractor replace the beam?"

"Higgins Concrete Components are still in business and will have the original plans. One of our engineers will supervise the pouring and delivery."

"How long before this side of the bridge is open to traffic?"

"Possibly forty days. Perhaps ten days if we opt for a steel replacement member. We need to study the plans. We may have to add on a day if I stay here talking to you."

"Mr Smith, two final questions. How much will this cost the city?"

"Who knows what traffic congestion and diversion of freight will cost? The engineering costs including removal and replacement of the actual beam will be perhaps $50,000."

"Finally, what can you say about routine bridge inspections?"

"It's a fabulous system and has proven itself in this instance, saving the system from a possible catastrophe perhaps a few years out if the cracking had continued and one day the member had just given up under loading. The concrete decking is reinforced but is not meant to carry traffic unsupported. Thank you for asking that question young lady, it needed to be said. Call the road traffic manager in an hour from now. By then he'd have his emergency plan figured out. He won't be taking calls but here's Malcolm Lynch's unlisted number. I'll tell him to expect your call."

"Thank you Mr Smith. You were a pleasure to deal with. We'll have big headlines to alert the city and environs to expect chaos, but we don't subscribe to sensationalism. Now please up on the scaffolding with the head of the inspection team with Jerry so he can get his pictures."

"Right – you have five minutes Jerry. We have work to do."

Matt placed an arm around Milly. "Well done darling; this will be your first lead story. We'll run it all over front page and into page three. Other reporters will be assigned to contribute stories. You'll have to work your butt off on this one, finding new angles every day. By the way, that last question of yours was a real honey and shows you've learned something today. We'll break that response by Larry into a prominent box. "

"You called me your darling. It's just sunken through to me."

"Well aren't you?" Matt said, snapping open his phone and phoning Jim to clear the front page and most of page three and to have reporters on standby.

Milly remembered to call the stud breeders to apologize for their non-arrival and to say someone would arrive tomorrow to photograph the first foal sired by their hugely expensive imported stallion.

On the way back to the office Matt said to Milly, "You'll need someone assigned to you to work on this story for the next fortnight. Frank is a drop-out engineering student so will know more than all of us put together."

"But we all know how to ask questions. I'll have Sharon working with me thank you."

Matt turned around to grin at her. He picked up his phone, spoke to Harry, briefing him about the story they were bringing in and then said he wanted Milly assigned to lead field coverage for the next week.

"What. We've agreed she's next to hopeless," Harry complained. Matt had his phone on speaker.

"Aw, I don't know Harry. She got us this story."

"What?"

"I want her kept on the story Harry, it's big enough to make her or break here. It's a pity we don't have a good buddy for her to form a reporting duo."

"Sharon, for god's sake Harry. Sharon."

"Oh yeah, good thinking. Tell Sharon but make it quite clear I want Milly in charge. By the way Milly is living with me."

The car swerved as Jerry the driver absorbed that shock.

"You're shafting lovely Milly so she gets the big story?"