Matthew Voigt sat in Diane’s office, listening to her side of the phone conversation and occasionally mouthing suggestions. As Diane put down the receiver, he leaned forward. “Well? What did she say?”
Diane shrugged. “At least she didn’t say no. She said she’d think about it.”
“And?”
“She’s seen me on Hourglass and says she admires my work.”
“Good. That should help us.” Matthew sat back. “You can bet we aren’t the only ones who want to interview Leslie Patterson. If her mother likes you, it increases our chances of getting a shot with her daughter.”
“Okay,” said Diane as she stood up and walked to the front of her desk. “That’s about all we can do from here. When are you leaving for Ocean Grove?”
“I’m stopping home to pack a bag, and then I’ll head right down,” Matthew said. “I’ll be there later this afternoon and try to get some elements lined up. I’ll see you there in the morning.”
Diane nodded. “Who’s our crew?” she asked.
“Gates and Bing.”
Diane rolled her eyes. “Great. Just great.”
“Believe me, I’m sorry too, Diane. I tried for Cohen and Doyle, but they’re on vacation. We’re stuck with Sammy.”
“God, Matthew. The last time Sammy Gates shot my stand-up, I looked like a hag. He didn’t bother telling me that my hair was sticking up in the back, and it was as if he was actually trying to enlarge the dark circles under my eyes. The guy doesn’t even make an effort to set up the lighting gear properly.”
Matthew nodded. “I know. But I promise, I’ll be all over him, Diane. I’ll make sure Sammy makes you look good.”
She knew Matthew would be true to his word. Of all the talented Hourglass segment producers, Matthew was her favorite. He was meticulous in his researching and planning, yet able to fly by his wits when the situation called for it. There was no such thing as a predictable shoot, and Matthew Voigt was skilled at understanding what needed to be done in a changing situation. Each of the Hourglass correspondents had a list of which producers they preferred to work with. Matthew was on everyone’s roster.
“Okay, if you say so. I’ll be counting on you.” Diane glanced at her watch. “So, I’m going to go downstairs, grab something to eat at my desk, and finish some paperwork I had planned to get done before leaving for the vacation I’m not taking. Then I’ll go home to pack and face the firing squad.”