'Kurrattan' Part 2 by Eric Carwardine

'Sorry that took so long, Karen. Couldn't do it any quicker, though. Big sponsor - had to listen to him. Anyhow, you had a look through that stuff?' 'That's okay' beamed Karen 'Yep, I'll do it. I'll do the job. Some background material - get that off the Net. Lots of interviews. Fill-in music. Be a piece of cake. I got harder jobs when I was a high-school kid doing work experience! Could even do it over the phone, if I wanted. Can't see why they want me to go all the way out there. Look, they've got me train reservations both ways. Full accommodation, food, all expenses, for a week. Longer, if I need it. Must be costing them plenty. What I can't understand is - why. Why are they doing this? What's in it for them? They don't want any credits or promos in it. Strange people. Have you had a chance to speak to them about this?' 'Well, yes, I have. Phoned them yesterday, soon as that arrived. The chap I spoke to seemed pretty decent. I think he was their head-man, or something. Sure, they got their own beliefs, and ways of doing things. Not easy, living out there, so far away. But he gave me the impression they are a pretty caring mob. And they care about you, Karen. They've heard you on the air. They asked for you, specifically. Nobody else would do.' 'I'm flattered. Hope you told them I only do a story my way - or not at all. If there's anything they don't like - too bad. I know they're paying for it, but I can't be bought. Didn't know we had reception that far away, though.' 'Yes, I told them. They promise not to interfere. It's all yours. They trust you completely. But ...' and waited for the unfinished sentence to take effect. 'But?' prompted Karen, without looking up. 'But that's not the full reason they want you. They're after you. Look, to be frank with you, I think they may offer you a job as their public relations officer. Double what we're paying you.' 'So why are you telling me this? Sounds like you want to get rid of me.' 'Nothing like that. It's just that I don't want you to feel under any obligation to us, if you're way out there and they make you an offer. We'd all hate to see you go, but offers like that are few and far between. If they offer - grab it.' Karen said nothing. Something was wrong, very wrong. This wasn't like him at all. She had been with the station for years, ever since leaving school. He had coached her, encouraged her, helped her through personal problems, was good friends with her children. But suddenly he seemed to accept that she may be enticed far away, to another employer. And she knew for a fact that he had contrived in the past to discourage approaches from other employers. The look of unease on her face told him that she hadn't completely accepted his explanation. In the afternoon sky, thunderclouds blanketed the sun, and the fading of the light matched the darkening of the mood in the office of the little radio station. 'Well, sounds like they got plenty of money to splash around. Okay if I go tomorrow? There's one train a week - leaves five O'clock Saturday mornings. Stay out there all week, I guess. Put it together when I get back. That alright with you?' 'Sure, sure' he breezed 'Enjoy yourself. Send us an email, now and again.' But all he could see in her face was the growing look of distrust. And he was angry at his clumsiness. ( Click to continue with Part 3 ... )