Linsy wasn't naïve. She had spent a week at WBEQ observing the delicate ecosystem of ambition and fear. Elara Vance was the apex predator: a climber who devoured opportunities and discarded those who served their purpose. Being her “partner” meant being her tool, and then being swept aside when the job was done.

Elara’s face, already taut with anger, flushed a mottled red at having her motives laid so bare. “You’re paranoid and ungrateful,” she seethed, her voice low but vibrating ...