Page 99 of Cuts like a Knife
“Well, my sincere advice to you would be to let it go. Legal battles are expensive, and there are no guarantees. The law is never about how right or wrong you are, or what you deserve. People don’t understand that. So even though you are in the right, you might not win, even though what happened to you is, without a doubt, very unfair. It would take a long time and cost a lot of money and considering your age and where you are in life, I just don’t think it would be worth it.
“I also want to tell you, I’ve seen CEOs, I’m talking about old guys in their 50s and 60s, who’ve handled being sacked with a lot less class and composure than this. Don’t be embarrassed about crying. I have had grown men in here bawling like babies about their jobs, so give yourself a break on that. And remember, you have so much time ahead of you. If I were you, I’d file this away as a blip.
“How are you set for money? Do you have anything saved?”
“A little.”
“Enough for a phone and a laptop?” .
I nodded.
“Then that would be my step one. Go out and buy yourself a new computer and a new phone. Then get yourself another job. A different job. It sounds like you didn’t like this one anyway.”
“But … people will know. Everyone will know,” I said. I could already feel the world plagiarist hanging over my head like a dark cloud. I’d never escape it.
“I doubt it,” Eve Wolf said. “It feels like a huge thing, but it’s pretty insider. No one outside of your industry is ever going to care. Alan Whatshisface, from Sentinel, he probably cares, but he’s not going to sue you or anything. Not over one dinky throwaway story. Besides, it was, as you say, just a mistake.”
“But it doesn’t look like a mistake,” I said, realizing even as the words left my mouth that this was what was really bothering me. “It’s such a hard thing to explain. Rian and the wire and the email — and I have no proof of the email because they kicked me out of the system so I can’t even show it to you or anything, but even if I could, maybe it was ambiguous? Maybe I misunderstood? I can’t prove that he told me to copy that story.”
Eve shrugged. “I believe you. You don’t need proof.”
“But in the end, I’m the one who did it,” I said. “I may not have gone to Journalism school, but I know enough and in the end, it’s my responsibility. I did it. I took that story off the internet and my name was published with it. From now until forever, that story will exist. My name under a plagiarized story. You lawyer guys have, what? LexisNexis, right? Isn’t that what it’s called? Journalism has that too. There are databases. Anytime anyone searches my name. It will come up. Forever and ever and ever.”
At the thought, my stomach clenched involuntarily. I felt like I couldn’t breathe.
Chapter Twenty Six
Eve considered me, and seemed to think a moment before replying.
“While that all may be technically true, I just don’t see it as something you need to worry about it. I can’t put this delicately, but nobody cares. Nobody gives a f— about some kid who plagiarized some crappy little news story about a Senator for some crappy little commuter daily paper.” As I begin to protest, she raises a hand to stop me. “I’m not saying there won’t be gossip. Industry tongues will wag for a little while, but not for long. You’ve been fired. The whole thing is over. It’s a blip. And again, I strongly advise you to let it go. Move on.”
“I don’t know how to do that.”
“For whatever it’s worth, your former colleagues sound like utter trash bags. Consider yourself lucky to be rid of them. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and start all over again, as the song goes. You want a drink?” She opened a drawer in her desk and pulled out a small bottle of brandy and two crystal glasses. “Come on.” She poured two fingers, and I took a big gulp, almost choking as the strong liquor burned down my throat. “Better?” Eve asked.
“Maybe a little,” I said. “I’m too old to start over.”
At that, Eve Wolf burst out laughing.
“Honey. You’re in your mid-twenties, right?” I nod. “Don’t be insulted, but you’re a baby. You have so much time, but even if you didn’t, hasn’t anyone ever told you, it’s never too late?”
I nodded, but I didn’t really believe her306.
“Please don’t tell my sister I was here,” I said finally. “I don’t want anyone to know.”
“I see no need to broadcast your private business to the world.” She checked the time on her elegant gold watch.“Plenty of shops are still open. If I were you, I’d go buy that new phone now. It’ll make you feel better. Then go home, drink a bottle of wine, pass out, and tomorrow, it’s a brand new day. Start again. You’ll be fine.”
She couldn’t help me. Not really.
“Thank you for the drink. And the advice,” I said.
“You remind me a little of your sister,” she says. “Diana takes things very seriously. You Madisons might want to work on relaxing once in awhile.”
“I better go,” I said.
“You better. And Lex, if I’m wrong, if the people from Flash or old Alan contacts you again, don’t respond. Tell your sister. Come in. I’d be happy to help you. I think this is over, but just in case. And remember, these things happen. It doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Put it behind you.”
“Thank you, Eve, I will,” I said, even though I already knew I wouldn’t.
