I wrote a story recently about my summer vacation and you seemed to like it. That made me wonder if you'd also like to hear some of my experiences along the way toward becoming a TV news babe. So, without commercial interruption, here's how I climbed the TV news ladder.
Chapter One: The Big Break
I was twenty four and not far removed from college when I got a job as a reporter for a small market TV station. I had always been told that my above average looks and body could easily get me into the business, but that it would take exceptional looks or skill to advance. With exceptional looks out of the question without a face transplant, I strove for skill.
I always assumed they meant reporting skills. Little did I know.
My first big break came when the local newspaper ran a series of stories on a local county government official who had been forced to resign for unspecified, suspicious behavior. The newspaper never got the full background story confirmed by a reliable source and no TV reporter was able to get to him.
I knew that if I could be the first to get this guy to agree to an exclusive interview it would be a great addition to my resume.
Cliff Vogelsworth had always been under a microscope in our county for the simple reason that he moved in, waited a couple years, then ran for county-wide office and won on his first attempt. Of course, everyone suspected him of underhanded wheeling and dealing or voter manipulation of some type.
I always admired the middle-aged businessman for his no-nonsense approach to government and the people he dealt with. Sure, he rubbed some people the wrong way. And, yes, that probably led to the trouble he was in now. But he intrigued me.
His trophy wife, Emma, was accused of most anything you could accuse a beautiful woman of doing, but she never spoke in public and was rarely seen outside of Cliff's fundraising functions. So, her aloofness added fuel to the rumor fires.
I made it my sole objective to get the story from him. Being young and naรฏve, I came up with the brilliant plan of knocking on his door unannounced and asking to talk to him. But I would do it without a camera or notepad. At least, not on the first visit.
I'll never forget the feeling I had when he opened the door that Tuesday evening and I said, "Hello, Cliff? My name's Charlotte. Can we talk?"
He scanned me from head to toe. I had enough sense to wear anything except what a female TV reporter would normally wear. Instead, I had on a t-shirt and jeans. The t-shirt had a swooping neckline that showed plenty of cleavage and the jeans could have been painted on.
Cliff smiled and opened the door wider. "Come on in."
As the door closed, he said, "By the way, I know where you work. Why no camera?"
I shrugged. "I'm not working tonight. Just wanted to meet you and talk. Is that OK?"
I also wanted him to look me in the face, but if it took him that long to determine I didn't have a bra on, so be it.
The grin on his face was mesmerizing. I HAD to find out what was on his mind; what made him tick. I wondered if he knew I was as scared as a little kid in the principal's office.
"OK," he finally agreed. "Nothing's on record."
"You know that's bullshit," I said bluntly, causing his eyes to widen.
Cliff laughed. "Wow. You aren't messing around, are you?"
"Can we still talk?"
He tilted his head down the hallway of the large house. "This way."
We passed a lavish dining room and library before reaching the massive family room. I knew he had no kids and the house showed it. Everything was in place as if a cleaning staff had just left.
"Can I get you a drink?" he offered.
"Whatever you're having," I replied.
"Beer?"
"Fine."
On the mantel over the fireplace were several pictures of Emma. The pictures were obviously professionally done and she was obviously a natural to having her picture taken. She was gorgeous, without a doubt.
As he returned, Cliff said, "Emma's at a friend's house. She'll be back eventually."
"You keep her out of the limelight," I said, accepting the beer. "Is that on purpose."
"Her choice," he said, sitting in a chair opposite my couch. "She's a very...um...unique person."
He took a long drink and I looked at him inquisitively.
"In what way?"
He grinned. "I don't think you came here tonight to talk about Emma, did you Charlotte?"
"Unique people interest me. YOU interest me, Cliff."
"I'm married."
I nearly spit out my beer and giggled. "No, no. Not in THAT way."
He sulked mockingly. "What? Too old? Too ugly?"
"Neither. Your history interests me," I said. "You arrive, instantly become a major factor in local government, resign under pressure. What's not to be interested in?"
Cliff played with the ringlets of water slowly descending the outside of his bottle. I could see his mind working. Then he said, "Charlotte, you aren't going to learn the story from me tonight. If that was your whole purpose of coming, it will be a short visit."