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A Butterfly with Bite

By: Egmont0409



CHAPTER 1

Staring at the mirror, Camilla Young simply confirmed her bad face day: the mouth was down, lip coating very much in need of restoration and her eye surrounds were bloated and red-rimmed from recent crying.

"God, girl -- you are one awful mess," sighed Camilla, knowing no one was there was there to listen and that stimulated her anguish. 

Almost overnight the vivacious leading female magazine writer had become a fallen butterfly, lying unwanted while everyone else was laughing, dancing, dining, boozing or banging their heads into the pillows in ecstasy, screaming amid unbelievable orgasms to attain crescendos that threatened crystal chandeliers as far as two blocks away.

That life that had slipped away from this raven-hair media reject who was a little too hawked-faced to be called beautiful. What engaged braver men was the way she confronted them, the sway of her butt and the suppressed power that lurked just below the surface and simmering, waiting to be tapped. 

This fall from grace had cost Camilla her fabulous job at 'New York Chic' magazine as bar and club gossip columnist.

Earlier that day Camilla had arrived at her locked office door upon which was taped a note requesting that she make an appointment to see 'Bee-Bee.' B. B. Joyce was the wealthy publisher and editor-in-chief of the magazine. She was widely known as a bitch, and loved her reputation.

"Darling," she greeted, taking Camilla cell phone call. "Don't wait for an appointment, come to see me now."

Bee-Bee didn't smile when Camilla entered the office, or invite her to sit. Lighting a cigarette in a bone holder, she spoke to Camilla coldly.

"Your stardom is waning, darling; you are no longer required. The money in this envelop means goodbye. You will find your personal items at Security. It's been so lovely having you on my team. Go now."

That cold-hearted termination drove Camilla into tears as soon as she left the publisher's office, feeling heel-squashed by that bitch Bee-Bee.

While reliving that humiliation, fight still dwelt within Camilla as she looked at the mirrored image of her bad face. Angrily she thought of finding a brick and smashing it into that mirror. "Who the hell needs a mirror when you look like that, you luckless cow," she hissed.

Camilla's phoned went.

"Yes."

"I'm in the media. Is it true you were fired today?"

"Who's speaking?"

"In your position, does it really matter?"

"A good point, smart bastard. Yes, it's true."

"Why were you fired?"

"Since it doesn't really matter me saying this, it's because in the three months since my divorce my whole social life has collapsed and I have become a nobody, probably like you. Any more questions?"

"Yes, will you come and work for me?"

"Oh yes, where at, Gutter Press Inc, home of fallen angels?"

"Actually the publication is 'Passion' and I'm Jay Rank."

Camilla dropped the phone and screamed, "Jesus."

The conversation resumed, with Camilla attempting to apologize but Mr Rank told her to stop dick licking. 

Camilla could believe he'd used those words to her. Jay Rank had a publishing empire and its 'Passion' was the newest sensation in publishing.

"Sorry, Mr Rank. "My mouth tends to run away with me. I had no idea that there was a vacancy on 'Passion' for a proof reader."

Mr Rank ignored that pathetic response.

"Cindy Roberts last night over-dosed on drugs and is bad news in hospital. If she survives she's fired anyway. I've just come out of an emergency meeting and your name popped up. The feeling is you are potentially the best journalist around for the job as you are wounded, dangerous and ready to let rip. Cindy came to us like that, and look was she's done in five months? Her legacy is the market's most talk about publication in years, with a circulation going through the roof. The momentum must continue. For some reason -- although I understand it's because of your reputation as a bitch --no one volunteered to approach you, so I said I'd do it. That will make you infamous within the group, as I lied and said I knew you, intimately."

"Well, we did meet once at a cocktail party -- I spilt my orange cocktail down your shirtfront."

"Yes, I'd dimly recalled that encounter. I said intimately, but it's well known that I lie."

"I'm interested."

"Then come to me now. A car is waiting outside your apartment building."

Camilla went to the window and saw a Lincoln Town Car double parked outside the apartment entrance.

"I'm in a mess. I'll require an hour to look good."

"Now, Camilla. I don't care what your hair and make-up look like. My interest is your brain and intrinsic talent and cutting edge that allows you to go for the throat."

Eighty minutes later Camilla was back in her apartment. 

At the international headquarters of Rank Media Corporation, she'd been shown into a room, Jay Rank came in smiling, kissed her cheek, asked someone called Al to take care of proceedings and left.

Al introduced himself as Al Marks, the company's senior attorney and manager of JR's team of personal assistants.

Camilla looked at Al closely and he reciprocated; the suggestion of mutual outright dislike was almost instantaneous.

Al, an overweight six-footer with a florid complexion and an over-sized nose, was dressed in a dark blue pinstripe suit. He looked at Camilla's casual clothing and woeful makeup with distaste.

Pointing to a chair at the small table, he invited Camilla to sit and gave her a contract to read. They went through it clause by clause.

Camilla was really pleased as it was almost as if she'd written the contract herself. She caught her breath at the size of the salary and allied benefits.

"Well, ready to sign?" asked Al, looking at his watch.

"I'm ready to negotiate."

"We're late."

"I've plenty of time."

"What clauses need clarification?"

"Oh not clarification Al. Two clauses need changes and I require a new clause to be added."

"Right, fire away."

"Contract term, two years; I require five."

"Two is standard."

"Fuck standard Al. It's only words and paper."

"Next." he said, scribbling something with shark-like ferocity.

"I want the salary notched up by 15k."

Al's face lit with an I'm-being-entertained grin.

"No, next."

"I want justified use of the Heli-Service, especially to JFK."

"No."

"Well, that's it, Al. Go get approvals from the boss."

"I don't know why he's taking such a personal interest in you Camilla. Has he shafted you?"

"Run along Al."

Al returned, trailing Mr Rank who handed Camilla a glass of champagne.

"Al says we have problems. You wouldn't give us problems would you sweetie?" 

"No Jay-Baby," replied Camilla, watching Al's eyes almost pop out of their sockets and Jay himself looked surprised by this unexpected familiarity. "My role is to earn you big money, not to give you problems, but first we need to tweak this ill-prepared contract, don't we?"

Al was now smiling grimly, presumably expecting to witness the quickest ever eviction of a visitor from Jay's personal suite.

"Yes to your contract period extension and yes to higher salary but it's no to your use of the VIP Heli-Service. Do we have a deal? I'm late for an appointment, Camilla."

"I'm staying until you say yes to the chopper facility or alternatively you can toss me out the window."

"Be careful, we're on the 34th floor."

"You're the boss, Jay. I know other senior execs will rant and rave if I get a privilege denied to them, but so fucking what? We are not all equal. My task is to take your hot 'Passion' forward, so this hard-nose attitude is what's going to do the job - you have no choice but to accept, Jay.

"Jay must not be spoken to like that Camilla."

"Shut up Al. Jay is on a knife edge, wondering whether to strangle me or to follow his instincts."

"Agreed. Come on Al," said Jay, kissing Camilla on the cheek and whispering, "Bitch!"

All followed Jay from the room, taking a long look at Camilla. She raised her glass to him and smiled.

A woman hurried into the room. 

"I'm Marcia, Al's associate. Please wait and I'll make the changes to the contracts and the Contracts Manager will come in for the signing. Ana will bring you refreshments -- juice, champagne or coffee?"

"Oh, I think all three, please Marcia. I'm celebrating."

When the contract was signed, Marcia offered to take Camilla down to the offices of 'Passion' on the 27th floor to meet her senior executives and to inspect her office suite, but Camilla declined with a stunning smile, saying she was dashing off to visit her folk in LA -- her contract did not take effect for another ten days.

"Do you have any instructions Miss Young?"

"Yes, I want the press release about my appointment deferred until 6:00 on the evening of the 13th when I'll be back in the city. I'll go to our West Coast Passion team in San Francisco to be interviewed for the next issue and I will email your publicity department here about arrangement of interviews including with Clive Manning on 'New York This Morning' on the 14th.

"Oh, I really don't think 'New York This Morning' would accept slotting you in at such short notice," said the older woman, with an apologetic smile.

"I'll get fifteen minutes for 'Passion' -- I'll ask for 10:00 am because that's when half of all office women take their coffee break."

"Forgive me for saying this, Miss Young, but the lead-in time for a possible placement is far too short and 10:00 is the Celebrity Spot."

"Thanks for your concern Marcia. It has been very nice meeting you; I must dash."

At JFK Camilla was told at the United Airways desk no seats were available for the flight about to leave for Los Angeles.

"Call Mr Nicosia please."

"You know Mr Nicosia?"

"Yes, intimately (which was true)."

"Er, we can hold back a United engineer and you can have her seat."

"Her?"

"Yes, women are into everything these days Miss Young."

CHAPTER 2

Camilla's mom was delighted to have her youngest daughter, the problem one, walk in unannounced.

"We've been trying to call you since hearing about you being replaced as columnist on the magazine," said her mother, an older hawk-faced version of Camilla. "Your father and I were worried."

"You were mom, not dad -- he wouldn't care a twit as he accepts I can take care of myself. Sorry, I forgot the news would cross America. I've had my phone off as I'm on vacation before I start my new position."

"A position -- you've got a position already?" asked her mother, astonished. Then clasping her daughter's arm said sympathetically, "I'm sorry it won't half match your glamorous role of a columnist."

"I'll get by," Camilla said dryly.

"What is the nature of your new position -- still in journalism I suspect?"

"Yes mom. I've been appointed editor of 'Passion' magazine, but keep quiet about that until the 13th."

Her mother's face amused Camilla. Her mom was already thinking her daughter was an outstanding success, a national figure in journalism. However, fallen butterflies were expected to demonstrate their revival before they were recognized and perhaps glamorized.

"Congratulations darling," said Gwen Young, kissing her daughter. "But can't I tell my friends and ask them to keep it a secret."

"Do what you must, mom, but if the secret leaks from you it could harm my efforts to re-launch my career with a bang."

"Oh dear, I was hoping to be able to tell someone," sighed the former hospital senior administrator.

"Tell dad, he'll welcome the news."

Next day Camilla flew to San Francisco where she was interviewed in a restaurant, her business guests being senior writer Liz Merchant and photographer Rachel Keenan of 'Passion' magazine.

Liz told Camilla that Al Marks wanted her to phone him urgently.

After finishing her entrée Camilla went off to a quiet corner to speak privately.

"What do you think," asked Rachel, a butch-looking blonde with short-cropped hair and poorly maintained teeth. "She's not the glamour puss I expected."

"She has the reputation of being a super-bitch who brushes off men like confetti after she's got what she wants -- at least that's what the gossip is. I think she's okay but was surprised she should be promoted straight into the editorship. The New York office says Chris Geller is mad as hell that she didn't get the job."

"Who's Chris?"

"The deputy editor."

"Has she resigned?"

"Not yet, probably trying to get a new position first."

"Has Camilla been in touch with her?"

"No, the minute Camilla got her contract she left the office and hasn't been sighted until she arrived here twenty minutes ago."

"Hullo Al, it's Camilla enjoying the Californian sun. What's up?"

Al asked where the hell she'd been and why had she deferred the announcement of her appointment.

"It's really of no concern of yours Al but I can say the timing of the announcement of my appointment is important to me. That's all I have to say about that subject. As to where have I been, I've been on unpaid vacation Al as I'm not a company person until the 14th -- it says so on my contract that you so ably drafted."

Al said Camilla should be in her office sorting out the mess. Deputy editor Chris Geller was an emotional mess.

"That's why she'd not the editor, Al. Any more questions?"

Al wanted her fronting up in her office first thing tomorrow morning.

"No way Al. Have a nice day."

The call terminated.

Rejoining her guests, Camilla apologized to Liz.

"Liz I'll not be answering any questions about rival magazines or B.B. Joyce. This is off the record but our policy will be we make no mention of such publications: it's as if they don't exist. Our competitors are of course free to mention us. That's the only restraint I put on this interview. Please proceed when you're ready -- I've always found it profitable interviewing people at the table as their defenses are down."

Camilla arrived home to find her mother was still at golf.

"She drinks too much there and then drives home -- it worries me," said Stan, a retired engineer who'd specialized in bridge design and bridge inspections.

"Relocate to a house on the edge of her golf course -- there are some beautiful homes there, including smaller ones more suited to you two."

"She wants us to do that but I like it here."

"Does she like it here dad?"

"Nope."

"You are conservative, well-manner and have always acted like a gentleman with mom. What are your retirement interests dad?"

"TV, playing my CD collection and gardening I suppose -- oh, I like going to the mall with her and dining out."

"What are mom's interests dad?"

"Playing golf, drinking with her gang, playing bridge, going to the mall and dining out."

"Where's the mall dad?"

"Okay, I can see where this is heading -- by the golf course. We eat frequently at the golf club and the mall is within easy walking distance of the course. But I like it here."

"You've always been a gentleman dad. Just think about that. Would you care for a whisky?"

At the end of the vacation Camilla's parents took her to the airport to catch a night flight to JFK. They promised their daughter they would cooperate fully with the Realtor now working to sell their home.

* * *

At the New York offices of 'Passion' a very unhappy deputy editor addressed editorial personnel.

The red-eyed scruffy blonde said, "I've called this crisis meeting because the woman who has stolen my job is due to commence duties tomorrow," said Chris Geller. "As you would expect, I am very upset. I need to determine my strategy. As I see it I have three options: resign, fight it or submit. I do not find the idea of backing off palatable, so thought I would ask for opinions about this appointment and what I should do. Obviously to fight effectively I'd need support."

A long discussion following and clearly the majority opinion was conservative -- wait and see.

"Thank you for this feedback," Chris said stiffly. "Please return to your work."

The doe-eyes beauty went into her office, slamming the door, and those doe eyes filled with tears.

On the morning of the 13th as Clive Manning, co-host with Jenny Silverstein on 'New York This Morning', was signing off he announced that tomorrow's celebrity guest would be the so-called media fallen butterfly Camilla Young.

News of that announcement swept through the eight levels of the Rank Building occupied by Rank Media Corporation.

Marcia Betts, personal assistant of Al Marks, interrupted a meeting to make the announcement. Jay Rank just smiled while Al snorted: "Jesus, how could she pull off a coup like that? People with really big stories to tell virtually top themselves because they can't get on the show, even for a three minutes interview. This girl of ours is going to get fifteen minutes of prime time morning TV, viewed by millions. Oh God, that's worth millions of dollars in publicity to us. We got to get her, get the team around her and brief her. The stupid bitch will be unaware that temporarily she's a talking gold mine."

Jay said, "Listen everyone, I want no-one, absolutely no one, to approach Camilla Young about this. I want her to do her own thing, that's why I'm paying her over the going rate to run Passion. Al, your involvement with Passion remains intact, but you're not to row with her or upset her in any way, do you understand?"

"Of course Jay."

"And Al, never again refer to her as a bitch, even in jest. She's either Camilla or Miss Young -- take your pick. Everybody, we meet here at 9:58 in the morning to view 'New York This Morning'. Attendance is compulsory.

When the others had left Al said to Jay: "How the hell do you think she's got on to the show?"

"My bet is they used to fuck, and she called Clive to remind him of that and to ask for a slot. Some poor celebrity has been shunted off to make way for her. You shouldn't be surprised -- we do things like that all the time."

Al just shook his head.

In the Passion offices the grim faced Chris Geller called an urgent staff meeting.

"I've just had an email from our new boss via Marcia Betts. Miss Young wants a staff meeting at 8:30 in the morning. She apologizes for the early start but says she has an unavoidable appointment at 10:00 -- ha! -- but wishes to introduce herself beforehand and to answer any urgent questions we may have."

Angie a sub-editor asked wouldn't describing a newly appointed editor as a fallen butterfly on TV being syndicated throughout the whole country bring 'Passion' into disrepute?

"Yes, next question," said the unsmiling Chris.

"How can a nobody talk authoritatively about 'Passion' without a thorough knowledge of policy and business plan details?" asked Rebecca, the fashion editor.

"They can't, absolutely not," snapped Chris.

"Will she make a fool of herself?" enquired cynical Charlene, the gossip columnist.

"I don't think so," conceded Chris. "She is a superb writer, I have read her articles for years, and she is very much a political animal with undoubtedly an incisive brain. She'll wing through, at least that's my expectation."

The meeting broke up. About all that was agreed was their new editor was a very flamboyant and competent person.

"She's a super star," ventured young Maisie from reception.

"How can a fallen butterfly be a super star? She won't last a month here, mark my words," said Charlene.

Charlene went off to her work area and phoned her boyfriend on a major newspaper to give him the news tip.

"We've already got it going front page in the next edition -- the cunning bitch has rigged this whole thing as a leak to really stimulate interest," said Frank. "Everyone will be wanting to interview her, to get her story."

"Do you know what the heading of your newspaper's story is?"

"Yes, I saw the page proof on the city editor's desk -- but this is confidential. Promise?


A Butterfly with Bite



"Yes, of course."

"Fallen Butterfly Rescued."

"Oh goody, readers will be attracted to that because it's different -- it will be good for our magazine.

"She'd a loaded gun, Charlene. You watch yourself."

* * *

Young Maisie was alone in reception when Camilla strode in.

"Good morning Maisie?"

"Y-you know my name Miss Young?"

"You know mine Maisie. Think about it. Take me to my office please and tell Chris to come to me. Are you English?"

"Yes miss. My family immigrated two years ago. I believed I'd lost my English accent. Chaucer will be pleased with your comment."

"What was Chaucer noted for Maisie?"

"Language rather than literature."

"Do you have a degree in English Lit?"

"Yes but only a BA."

"Please advise the head of HR you are to be my PA and compensated accordingly. If you strike resistance don't hesitate to call Mr Al Marks. He's been instructed to fix my problems. You don't appear surprised by your elevation."

"If you think that's my role I have no reason to object."

Camilla smiled warmly, wondering if she was looking at a rising star.

Chris Keller entered the office tentatively and taut. "Yes?"

"Good morning Chris."

"Um, good morning Miss Young."

"It's Camilla and that goes for everyone around here. Bury the hatchet and stay with me Chris. In time you'll get your own editorship somewhere else but in the meantime team with me and we'll make Passion rock."

"I was..."

"Sorry, it's time for our meeting. Let's go. Is there coffee available in that room?"

"No."

"Change that please Chris. Coffee is fuel to magazine people."

Camilla pulled out her phone. "Maisie, it's Camilla. I'm heading for the meeting room. Please have coffee rushed to Chris and me."

The coffee arrived when Chris was about to speak.

"Camilla has asked for coffee to become a permanent fixture in here after today. Meanwhile she and I are the lucky one. Everyone this is our new editor Camilla Young."

"Hi everyone. Please introduce yourself as I walk around the table and look across at you. Just your name and title."

When Camilla left for the TV station senior staff gathered around Chris.

"Guys, she's the one, not me. She's awesome; I felt her power and the truth is I was dough in her hands."

"Well directing personnel and planning are your fortes," said Rebecca.

Rebecca has just returned to her office when her phone rang. She saw the caller was Camilla.

"Hi Camilla."

"Hi, I'm in a cab. From today we become daring in fashion. If a tit is shown hanging out no problem but only one every four issues for something like that. But no tats and no body piercing are to appear in my magazine. If they exist, have them airbrushed or surgically removed electronically."

"Yes Camilla. Um, I have two tats."

"No problem darling. We're not circulating you to our readers."

The call was cut. A little dazed, Rebecca walked out to brief her fashion team.

Ellen their coordinator pointed out they had a featured plans on tats five issues away.

"Can it Ellen and ask for discussion on its replacement at our next meeting."

A reporter asked exactly what was wanted.

"I'll tell you when I know," Rebecca snapped. "Intuitively I think she wants leading edge with fire but will expect a range so we also present practical fashion."

"Aren't we delivering on that already?" persisted the reporter.

"The message I get is we're to indulge in some risk-taking."

There was excited chatter and Rebecca slipped out to cogitate.

* * *

Dress in shimmering blue, co-presenter Jenny Silverstein walked to the wings to greet their guest and brought her to sit between Clive Manning and her. The broadcast was already going out to viewers live.

"Hi Camilla," Clive said, standing and kissing her very correctly. "Welcome to the show. Why are you here?"

"We went to elementary school together and you thought it was time we should chat. Your wife Eve probably told you I was the wrong person to take the wheel of 'Passion'. 

"Actually Eve hadn't heard of the magazine when I mentioned it to her last night."

"Oh, that's a big gap in her reading."

Jenny: I expected you to walk in here wearing a lurid beach sari and huge hat to seduce viewers by your panache?

Camilla: No, I leave that for our fashion editor. I changed from my conservative office suit in the cab on the way here into this gray knitted top and stretch pants to appear neutral to avoid out-dressing you darling.

Jennie: Is it true magazine people call you the bitch in capital letters?

Camilla: It was but presently I'm known as The Fallen Butterfly and my enemies in the media will be delighted. Super bitch publisher B. B. Joyce -- it's not true the initials stand for balls and bangles -- fired me as editor of 'New York Chic' because I was depressed after my ugly divorce during which my outgoing husband attempted to deflower me of every dollar I had. I left my position without a whimper. Then Jay Rank called within hours to disagree with Bumbaca Joyce that I'm a waning star and hired me to add passion to Passion magazine. One of my immediate aims is to attempt to blow my former magazine out of the water because Balls and Bangles didn't stand by me.

Clive: I take it you and Mrs Joyce never have seen eye-to-eye?

Camilla: It's difficult because she's cross-eyed.

Jennie: So who will you dig your fangs into on Passion?

Camilla: Mr Rank's lieutenant Al Marks. I instinctively dislike him and would think the feeling is mutual.

Jennie: What about Jay Rank?

Camilla: I'm probably hopelessly in love with him but neither of us knows that yet. I admire him for moving to put 'oomph' into women's magazines.

Jennie: How many women's magazines does he publish?

Camilla: I haven't a clue. My focus is on Passion.

Clive: What do you think about that magazine?

Camilla: My feelings are positive. I believe there's a case for every woman in the country identifying with its name.

Clive: I really mean content, layout, art direction and so on.

Camilla: Sorry but I've never seen beyond the front cover.

Jennie: Are you saying you've never read the magazine of which you are now editor-in-chief?

Camilla: Yes.

Jennie: I'm sorry but I don't understand.

Camilla: There's nothing to understand. Mr Rank has hired me because of my proven track record and flair, not because how many times I've read or not read his latest magazine that I intend raising the flag with it for him.

Jennie: How can you improve something you don't know what it is?

Camilla: It doesn't matter what you think Jennie, or Clive or even Mr Rank. Several million women out there will sound the bugle if they are impressed with what my team and I deliver. I only began work today and remember the next issue is already going to press without me laying a finger on it. My influence will be evident in Passion from next month.

Jennie: Well one thing you can do for me is to stop publication of models displaying tats. I think..."

Camilla: Done an hour ago. It was my first executive order Jennie. Have you a pet gripe with the magazine Clive?

Jennie: He wouldn't read it... it's too raunchy for him and too ultra feminine.

Clive: Your motoring columnist goes dotty on talking about the color range and child restraints. There is barely mention about riding comfort and maneuverability which I think would be important to female drivers.

Camilla: I promise to look into that. Reader feedback is extremely important to us so perhaps today your readers could write me saying what they expect of me and the month after next write expressing their views of the first issue of Passion under my fingerprints.

Jennie: I'm sure they will do that. What do you think of men Camilla?

Camilla: Males are half the population. I love my dad and like other men to be fresh and interesting and be loaded with passion.

Jennie: You like your men passionate?

Camilla: Yes, doesn't every woman including you?

Jennie: Clive you mentioned to me you and Camilla had an affair well before your marriage. Was Camilla passionate?

Clive (running a finger inside his collar): We were college freshmen and had grown up together. We had a short fling and nothing since. Yes I think I remember it as being very passionate.

Camilla: Your wife Eve appears to be passionate by nature.

Clive: Absolutely correct. Well thank you for being our guest Camilla and here's hoping you fly spectacularly with your magazine.

Jennie: Women will be watching you climb back to the top with interest Camilla. You'll do it; I know you will. You will be a tremendous loss to your last magazine. Good luck and remember to treat women readers with intelligence and aplomb.

Camilla: Thank you guys. You know you both and your producer run this show with passion -- that's why this show rules in the Nine to Midday timeslot.

On the way back to the office Camilla called Jay on his unlisted number.

"Hi, what did you think?"

"This is supposed to be a line to reach me in crisis situations."

"Oh Jay, you gave it to me knowing I was a person with a jaundiced view about rules."

He laughed and said his executive team watched the broadcast. At times everyone including himself were quite bug-eyed. Even Al was amazed how time times she managed to work in the word 'passion'.

"So you are satisfied with my performance?"

"Yes and I particularly liked that bit about you never having read the magazine. It made me look like a complete dipstick and I watched Al cracking his knuckles. I could have strangled you until your became philosophical about that and I accepted your reasoning as did most people around me I think, but of course not Al."

"No not Al. Are we likely to have sex?"

"I really don't think Al and you..."

Camilla giggled. "Now who's the idiot?"

He laughed and said soon.

Before Camilla could ask 'soon what?' Jay cut the call.

She smiled like a cat licking cream.

CHAPTER 2

Camilla arrived in her office to be greeted by Maisie.

"Good, I knew you would achieve your goal."

"It was difficult Camilla. Mrs Burke created such a fuss and said no appointment without a signed requisition from you."

"And what did you say?"

"I said you don't do requisitions, that you rely on expressing your instructions orally because you are a creative person, not an office widget."

Camilla screamed with laughter. "Oh what an excellent response. I don't think I could have topped that one. So Mrs Burke gave you the cold shoulder..."

"No, she ranted and raved so I put her on to Mr Marks and..."

"... he said 'Do what you're told you stupid bitch?"

"Yes, how did you know?"

"Al appears to me to be that kind of horrible person and yet a very effective administrator."

"Oh."

"Learn about men before you cut loose Maisie. Is the coffee machine installed in the meeting room?"

The reply was yes and Maisie was then asked to show the boss around her little empire. There was crossover in lower management and services with centralized production shared with other magazines but the core functions of Passion magazine were unique to it.

After the tour and before the 2:30 meeting of all senior personnel where Camilla proposed outlining her management style, her methods of reward and punishment and almost paranoid demand (her words) for loyalty and obedience as head of the family of 'her' magazine, she asked Maisie to fetch her a thick salad bagel and coffee. Camilla then opened the proof copy of the upcoming magazine. She later closed it thinking how the hell could she improve on that; she was a writer not an editor. Camilla temporarily buried that thought by visiting the group financial controller to find out how her magazine was funded, what its outgoing financial streams were and the directions of revenue streams, and asked to have direct access to that information as from that day.

Jay called her almost an hour into her big meeting.

"Hi I haven't had a companion living with me for more than a year. Want to fill the gap?"

"Oooh, am I supposed to be dizzy with the honor of such an invitation?"

"Just a yes or no is fine."

"Yes."

"Good, I'll collect you at 8:00 for dinner... informal."

"I live at..."

"I have your address. You should consider leasing your apartment."

"You think I'm likely to be long-term?"

"Yes." The call was cut.

Buying time to settle her mind, Camilla asked, "Now where was I -- sorry about that call but it was the boss. My phone I was given was off but appears rigged so still accepts his call when switched off."

Someone said she had started to speak about confidentiality.

"Oh yes, the absolute rule on this one is everything you learn on this floor stays within these walls. Leave this floor and you talk to no one, not even family and boyfriends, about what we are doing and how and when we are doing it. Understand?"

There was a chorus of yeses.

"Right, write that down those of your who haven't already done that."

"Charlene, by the very nature of your work and your personality that fits your role, you are the most vulnerable of us to breach confidentiality. Not only that I'm told your partner works in editorial on a newspaper."

"Yes Camilla. I must earn your trust and check my vulnerabilities. May I keep my partner?"

"Yes by all means. God are you stupid enough to value your job over your partner? I view you in awe."

"Rebecca, as fashion editor you and your people will be under pressure to talk about our secrets. Please talk to your personnel and the outside people you use; they must do everything possible to maintain confidentiality. It is our goal to be first with everything."

"Yes Camilla. That's already noted and underlined. I realize that after time and not having noted anything amiss we could have become complacent."

"Exactly," Camilla smiled. "If we regard our work as we would regard confidentiality for a secret lover we'll be fine. I wish to advise you Rebecca that the entire emphasis on my magazine will be fashion, weighed on upcoming fashion but at the same time featuring the pick of what's rising in popularity in the marketplace. I want your department to expand into home and recreational but not travel fashion and you will receive a salary increase and authorized to appoint a new person with insight into home fashion as your assistant editor. I'll need to approve of your final choice. Well that's me finished. Anyone with questions or seeking elaborations?"

Rebecca the redhead stayed behind to talk to Camilla. "I would have thought polite procedure would have been to advise me of your expansion plans for the fashion department coverage?"

"But what could we have discussed? I've only come up with the concept. The planning and commission is over to you and your team. Just don't disappoint me or only go off half-cocked."

"Jesus, it's up to me?"

"Yes but if you are less than confident about anything consult with me before we start talking about planned work at editorial meetings. Also expect me to come up with ideas and whims."

"Whims?"

"It's an editor's prerogative Rebecca. It's one of the quirky things I believe gives a magazine individual character. You can assist in this but expect to see a firmer drift that way from our columnists."

"We have work planned and even commissioned for four issues ahead, even further ahead in some cases."

"I understand that Rebecca. So if you can put off other commitments in the morning I'd like you to show me what your department has already placed into the framework for my approval, rejection or requested modification and then I wish you to have coffee with me and discuss their staged production."

"But the other editors will resent that."

"But why? Those heads of departments have just heard you are being promoted to the position of senior editor. The sooner you are seen working in collaboration with me the better, and they'll know to go to you with problems when I'm not here."

"Just how big is my promotion?"

"The title is senior fashion editor and the salary increase is $12,000."

"Ohmigod. I'm being appreciated at last."

"I read everyone's CV and work record last night Rebecca. I'm glad you are pleased."

* * *

Camilla arrived in the foyer at 7:58 and noted Jay was just arriving in a cab. He held the door open for her, offering just a verbal greeting, and hurried around to the other side to enter.

As they drove off her kissed her and said she smelt lovely.

"I removed the smell of stale sweat."

He grinned and wormed a hand to pull hers off her thigh to rest in his on the seat between him.

"Is this familiarity okay?" he asked politely.

She said she'd expected nothing less and had her hand squeezed.

As they were leaving the restaurant he said what now? She replied she was interested in inspecting his apartment and found herself arrived at their office building.

"My apartment is midway up, below our offices."

"Not a penthouse?"

"No, too noisy, too exposed to rooftop plant."

"That's good thinking. They kissed leisurely and Camilla patted his chest and said, "I like you Jay, I mean as a man."

He said, "I like you too Camilla, as a woman. There are things I'd like to do to you."

"Oooh."

They had stopped a little too long and Jay caught the door on the 20th before it closed. "I chose this apartment because it's farthest from the elevators and catches full morning sun and has splendid evening views. I prefer sunrises to sunsets," he said, gaining entry with a keycard.

"I prefer sunrises too. Oh this is lovely," Camilla said pleasantly.

"What would you change?"

"Well after just a quick assessment glance, just the colors."

"Good, I don't like them. The incumbent before last changed them to this muddle. The last one was only interest in sex so wasn't here long."

"Do you wish to show me the bedroom?"

He grinned and unzipped, walking ahead of her.

Camilla knew that for the moment at least she was back at the top of her game although she'd done very little apart from positioning herself and bringing her team in behind her. The real work had yet to start.

* * *

Jay had her breasts out almost before she knew it.

"Wow, that was quick," Camilla said, sounding impressed.

He seemed pleased about the comment and said, "I start quickly and finish slowly. It's what I like. I've learned it doesn't matter what I do it is never right for women so I do it my way but leave room to adjust under demands because after all having sex is a two-way sex. Well, I better ask since we are discussing this, how do you prefer it?"

"Very wet."

He laughed hugely and said she'd caught him out; he'd not expected that reply, ever.

They didn't come together like Titans. Just like two people out to enjoy recreational sex. Jay had a gym fit body and good sized cock that he used well and Camilla moved her ass and fucked like a lady... not nail gouging or sinking in her teeth.

They finished, panting and Jay's accolade was brief but said it all: "Jesus."

He then made a little speech while toweling Camilla dry. "Just a few house rules darling. You don't bring anyone to this apartment -- ever. If you'd like someone to visit you ask me and the answer will probably be no. Meet them at restaurants. You don't talk to me about your magazine, you talk to your own staff, head of finance or if you require an executive decision you talk to Al. You may ask me about the company and what I do and have been doing... no problem. When moving to hire you I made the decision to give you Passion to run it as you see fit because no one can control the emotion called passion... it just happens. I believe you do your best things intuitively and so that's how I want you to run Passion. If you become too bullish are we lose advertising, so be it. My feeling is subscribers who are passionate about your magazine will keep us in profit from subscriptions alone if your radar is set well and you maintain your confidence and drive. That's all. Oh treat this apartment as your own home, apart from the no visitors rule."




A Butterfly with Bite



"All of that is pretty straightforward Jay. Understood and accepted. I didn't expect you to be a complicated guy to live with. Oh my one rule is you don't sleep with anyone else in my home."

Jay grinned and said, "You fun-spoiling bitch" and kissed her. Camilla was aware he hadn't stated he accepted her rule and judged there was no need for him to do that.

Eight days after taking over as editor, Camilla disappeared. No one knew where she was, except Maisie, who was under instruction to tell no one. When she told Al on the phone she didn't know he called her a lying bitch and said she was fired.

"Camilla said if you threatened me I am to say she will take legal action against you even if that embarrass Mr Rank when it gets in the media."

"The media?" Al said, sounding alarm. "Young woman, you are not fired but consider yourself severely cautioned."

Al went in to gripe with Jay who sent people in the room with him out for a five-minute recess. 

"Al I want you to have overall responsibility for the magazine but you have to let Camilla run things her way. Now this is absolutely confidential. She's in Boston today with a photographer to interview someone who has given Camilla a whole hour of her time."

"You mean half a day?"

"No an hour. She's interviewing the First Lady Al."

"Jesus! No wait up, the First Lady doesn't do interviews."

"She has actually given one, a bit of a sop for her favorite charity. But this one will be a chat on just about anything. It seems Al that the lady you don't like is a pal of the First Lady's. They'd become friendly at a tennis club of all places and our First Lady suggested Camilla interview her husband who was Senator Who? at the time, That freelance cover story interview drew him out on his political ambitions -- it was probably the first time he'd even been asked by a journalist. Publication of that article is recognized as being responsible for trigging that senator into consideration as a running mate and, as they say, the rest is history."

"Was Camilla really that good?"

"She was and still is Al. Her problem is she gets toey with people who get in her way and over-reacts and her good record gets buried under the crap than flies when she's harangued and even fired. She's been fired from the editorial staff of eight magazines."

"I know, I investigated her for you. All but one of those magazines wanted her back but she gave all seven her line that has become famous: 'When you fuck with Camilla Young and fire her she'd rather cut your throat than return to your asshole magazine'.

"Yeah, when I read that Al I knew I'd found me an editor with the uncompromising passion I was looking for. She'll go cover story with the First Lady. Imagine what that will do for our sales."

As Al was walking out Jay's phone went and he called, "Wait Al, this will be her."

"Who the First Lady?"

"No you idiot."

Jay said only said two words on the phone, "Great" and "Right".

"All she said was it went well and she wants lobster and champagne for dinner tonight to celebrate."

"Is that all?"

"Yes Al. She knows I'm a busy guy. If it had been a bad interview she would have elaborated. Call the others back in."

* * *

The photographer who went to Boston with Camilla also operated a digital movie camera. Jay, Al, Camilla, the director of advertising Pat Inch, and the general manager of promotions and publicity Marilyn Beaumont, viewed a very short clip. It began with a shot of Camilla in a flaming red dress and hair curled looking straight at the camera and saying,

'Hi, I'm Camilla Young, new editor of New York based Passion magazine. I start my reign with an amazing interview with a lady, our First Lady, who took an hour from a busy schedule when in Boston recently to chat to me about her new life. You now see on your screen a photograph of us taken during that interview. Is our First Lady passionate about anything? Well find the answer in my first cover story in Passion magazine on sale from last Monday of this month. Always read Passion, won't you. Good girl.'

Al said in disbelief, "You want authority to spend $400,000 to run that as a spot ad on eight TV stations centered in cities where were have greatest readership saturation?"

"Yes Mr Marks," Marilyn said confidently. "That's just to get the ball rolling. Even if we had a budget of $4 million we would be unlikely to reach 90% of our present readers."

"Al what Marilyn is saying is correct," Pat said. "What I need to tell you is 84% of our advertisers are based in those eight cities."

"Well at least that makes sense, giving us some impact. But I expect to hear more about promotion."

"We are not stretching ourselves on promotion Al, we are diverting all other advertising and promotional budget when this issue hits the streets and homes on a massive subscription drive. We aim to make casual readers commit to 12, 24 or 36 issues, paid for in advance."

"That's good thinking Camilla, I'm with you guys on that. Jay?"

"You're the authority Al. Keep the ball rolling."

Al fixed his eyes on Camilla, expecting trouble. "That clip we've just seen. Where is the chest-beating about our coup, and a screaming over-line about a sensational exclusive?"

"That sort of thing was proposed but I didn't approve it Al. Now you have that information. My decision is to go low key, to surround the First Lady with dignity and our cover will continue that low key theme."

"I can't believe what I'm hearing. This goes against the grain."

Camilla said patiently, "You have your markets mixed up Al. You are thinking cheap magazines. The approach for gold-rimmed magazines is laid-back elegance."

"What are we having the edges of pages overprinted in gold?"

"No Al, we don't have to do that. It's all about perception and the richness of content, the overall quality and what achieves that perception is laid-back elegance."

Al snorted. And that spot ad -- it starts semi-formally, becomes formally and you end it very personalized. Let's have just the one style, not three."

"Bug out Al. Your role here is to consider approving a request for additional funding, not to act as an authority on copy-writing."

"I'm warning you Camilla, you foul up on this and your head is mine; you'd be out of here so fast your feet won't hit the ground."

"I'll note that warning on one condition Al," Camilla said, her support team looking decidedly nervous.

"Yeah, what's that?"

"That you agree you are out of here, faster than you feet can touch the ground, if I'm proven right with an immediate increase in sales and advertising bookings."

"What the hell are you lining me up at your level for you insolent..."

Jay snapped, "Can it Al. Our editor makes a good point. Just tell her you're backing her on this one but if it goes wrong you'll chair the post mortem. Now authorize that extra $400,000 this team has requested after due contemplation knowing their asses could be on the line."

"Yeah sure Jay."

"Thanks Al," Camilla smiled. "We expected you to run us through the grill to satisfy yourself we were confident about this campaign and had thought it through thoroughly.

Al's return smile was a little thin but at least it was a smile.

"Oh, before I forget," Camilla said. "We'll land millions of dollars of free publicity in the media right throughout the country on this one. Editors throughout the land will be screaming to their troops, 'How the hell did Passion gain this scoop on interviewing the First Lady who refuses to be interviewed...find out your useless bums and as well get our exclusive interview'. I'll be busy day and night being interviewed. This could be Passion's finest hour."

Al's jaw dropped as he drawled, "Ohmigod," 

* * *

Jay dribbled just above Camille's bared pointy breasts with their almost iridescent pink nipples and the both watch the trickle effect.

"You conducted yourself like a veteran campaign at that tense meeting this afternoon."

"Tension fuels me."

"I have to say I like your style."

"Ditto re your management style. I don't think many bosses would give Al his head like you do and you two play off one another. Nervous people must leave a meeting with you two feeling wrung out."

Jay smiled and clutched his favorite darling. "I like California. Let's fly out and visit you mom and dad when this launch is over."

THE END