Time: Modern Day
Location: Sydney, Australia

"Jesus . . . Layla! Tony is really pissed now. Did you see his face. He couldn't contain his contempt. I don't think he wants to find Carter's killer at all if you ask me."

"Perhaps because he already knows who did it?" Layla speculated.

"Wait. Are you seriously suggesting Tony is involved in some way?"

"Makes sense in a fashion . . . why he's been so sloppy, disinterested . . . on purpose almost. And now his incompetence is rewarded with promotion, to the Head of not one, but two departments, ahead of Craig from Homicide. That just astounds me. Almost like someone very high up is covering their tracks," Layla postulated.

"Well . . . Carter was investigating the land scandal at the Mayor's office," Mal said, thinking out loud.

"The mayor is a scum bag but no, I don't think he would go this far. The priest angle has me intrigued. Maybe the Church is involved in the land deal. Maybe we should look at that. And then there is Peter, and the shenanigans at the Vatican recently. There's something awful fishy in Italy if you ask me. Let's run it all past Ed."

Ed gestured for them to sit down. He closed the glass door and pulled the screen closed.

"Glad to see you two . . . want coffee, or something stronger? Sun's over the yard arm, hehe," Ed chuckled to himself.

"Kill for a wee scotch," Mal ventured casting a glance at Layla. Layla shook her head but smiled a go-ahead.

Once the glasses were clinked, Layla started, "Look Ed, Mal and I have a proposal to run by you."

"Bet you do Layla. But before you do, I have just received this advice from HQ. I am to offer you After Dark. Lead anchor. . . solo if you prefer. . . double the salary.

"Mal you will be promoted to Assistant Producer and Production Manager. It's your baby if you want it? What do you say?"

Layla was flabbergasted,  Mal too.

"But what about Carrie? She's been doing a great job on her own," Layla argued 

"Marketing have tested and it shows people don't like her Kiwi accent. They prefer your laid back style. She is too intense. Tries too hard. That's what's come through the Board," Ed lied.

"No . . . no, I couldn't do that to Carrie, not after all we've been through together." Ed smiled at Layla's appeal.

"Well. It's decided I'm afraid. Regardless of your decision she's gone. Unless . . ," Ed baited.

"Here we go . . . unless what?"

"Unless you take the job, as I said it's your baby. You and Mal can decide to keep her on, even co-anchor. It's all up to you Layla. That's Show Biz! You of all people know that. The top three things are Ratings, Ratings, Ratings," Ed pushed out his chest and pulled his braces forward with his thumbs. Looking extremely pleased with himself.

"I was thinking NO!" Layla retorted. The twang of Ed's braces slapping his chest and his high pitched, "Ohh!" filled the tiny office.

Mal rushed in, "I accept. . . it means we can look into Carter's death, right? It's our baby you said, cause I'm running out of money you know. Ouch!" Mal rubbed his knee where Layla's red nails had dug in.

"Technically yes," Ed said, "within budget constraints you'll have editorial content control. I will be overseeing only, and reporting to the both Boards of Directors. So as long as your ratings are up so are you . . . caprice?"

"And I can keep Carrie on?Definitely? I'll need it in writing," Layla capitulated.

"You don't trust me?" Ed feigned hurt.

"It's not that . . . on second thoughts it is that." They all laughed.

"Well, I'll get legal to draw up your contracts. The Board will be as pleased as I am. Thank you both."

"Now what was it you two wanted so desperately to talk about?" Ed quizzed.

"Tony, . . ." Mal started to say, "Ouch!"

"What about Tony? Ed raised his eyebrows." Don't you worry your little heads about Tony! I'll see to him. Besides you won't be crossing paths for a while. You two have an exciting trip ahead. You're both off to cover the coming US elections . . . tomorrow actually," Ed announced gleefully.

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