Deborah 7

Joel's boss invites me for coffee. After some chat about publishing in general, he offers me a job.
"Preposterous," I reply, "Joel would kill me. I suppose he told you all about the 'theft."
"He's too hot headed for his own good. After, he realized you'd covered for him. Even knew Murray had been a good sort, covering salary."
"But then I'm straight, and that's not likely to change."
"Matters not, takes talent to spot authenticity that well. And S&M is the same, straight or gay. I'm guessing you've indulged yourself."
I blush.
"There are fringe benefits you know. Lotsa my staff just love a good stiff paddling to rev up the orgy. Couldn't care less the gender of who administers it."
I really hope I'm not drooling too much.
I think for several days, but then realize Murray is family, distantly related and does deliver steady business over time.
The gay lads represent a flash in the pan, fast bucks on the bonus, soon vanishing when other publishers start to copycat.
Murray pours coffee, smiles tentatively, "Deborah, there is a problem in the romance area. We planned one historical novel in that series. None of the girls will touch it with a ten foot pole. History is dreck, they tell me."
"And you view me as your favorite whipping girl?"
"Look, let's make it easy. Now what would really impress the public is to forgo the utter mush and deliver good crisp historical fiction. So, choose the best history, not the best romance. Surely that's doable for you."
Above all other periods, I've always had a liking and intricate knowledge for the era of the late 1900's. And finally, I trip over darn good Cold War portrayal. The illicit romance of a Soviet and an American spy. What detail I don't know myself, I look up, all is accurate.
It proves a mega hit in the USA and my student loan obligingly vanishes.
Murray has a number of policies that contribute to balance overall and staying out of real controversy.
Forget that corporate expose or anti-capitalist rant; many of our best customers happen to wear suits.
Forget religion period, for or against.
As for politics, only thing he considers is biography of past colorful politicians.
Sex, overall our house is well on the prudish side of average.
And sport, he does not touch period, just too fickle.
Thus it comes as a surprise when a caller introduces himself as Chad G, the retired football player.