Page 24 of Skipping Stones

Linney and Grant strategized on the three-and-a-half-hour train trip. Rotterdam was the biggest port city in Europe, so troubles were concerning. They worked out where Linney could do her stand-up pieces—they thought the Delft Gate would be a good backdrop—and where Grant could shoot B-roll. Linney called the contact Gemma had set her up with to confirm the interview time.

Confident they’d done everything they could, the conversation turned personal. “You know, I think he fell in love with you the first time he saw you,” Grant said, seemingly out of nowhere. Linney stared at him, wondering what the long-time TCN employee was getting at. “I hope you know what you’ve gotten yourself into, Linney,” he continued. “We all love Mac. But we also know—” he broke off, not sure how to approach this with her.

“Don’t worry, Grant. I’m not naïve. I’m taking care of myself.” As she said the words, she willed herself to believe them.

“Gemma and I have seen this with him before. It could get ugly.” He swallowed hard and his cheeks coloured as he stared intently at his shoes. “Linney, he’s starting to talk about you when you’re out of the newsroom. It’s not flattering, personally or professionally. I agree with Gemma. You’re a great reporter. Don’t let your career get blown up because of Mac.”

“Thank you for telling me,” she said after a moment and then they lapsed into awkward silence, her stomach churning with the new information.

The interview went well the next day at the Port Authority. Linney made everyone feel comfortable on camera and asked probing questions, based on all the research she’d read on the train and late into the night.

After the interview, they headed straight to the wharf where Linney would do her standup. Grant nodded his head approvingly as she finished. This was shaping up to be a good story. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t make the last train home that evening but booked the first one in the morning. They had an early dinner together and then went to their rooms. As Linney pushed the door open, her phone buzzed. When she saw the text from Derek, she smiled.

How’s my favourite reporter? I haven’t heard from you in ages.

So sorry. I’ve been busy.

Coming home soon?

Linney felt a sudden pang of homesickness. Maybe if she was at home, she could talk to Derek. Or maybe she could do it now. Bravely she typed:

Not soon enough. Can I ask you something?

Go for it.

Derek waited while the three dots danced.

I don’t know how to start.

Just say it.

I’m scared. You know Mac drinks a lot.

Too much. I’m not sure he’s in control anymore.

Derek took his time answering and she wondered what he was thinking.

Is he hurting you?

Not physically, anyway.

But he’s horrible to me when he drinks. Sometimes I just feel so small. And I just learned he’s talking about me in the newsroom too.

You have to leave him.

I can’t. I love him.

Nobody’s worth losing yourself over. Can I call you?

Linney panicked and typed quickly.

No. I’m fine. It’s not that bad. I’m just tired.

I don’t believe you.

No really. I’m in Rotterdam for a story and it’s been a long day. Forget I said anything.

Don’t shut me out. I’m here for you.