“Hey, can I read a newscast to open the program today?” I ask.
“Uh, sure. But hurry.”
I sit down at the news anchor desk and begin reading.
I read three news stories.
My talk show guest waits across the studio while I finished up the report.
I reach in my pocket. I can feel the cool metal of the revolver. It’s calming.
“And we actually have a clip of the restaurant shooting, right?” I ask.
“Uh, it’s jammed.” is the response.
The cameraman is pointing the camera at my talk show guest now.
“Hey, not yet.” I say. He shrugs and turns it back towards me.
I stand up and come out from behind the desk.
“In keeping with Channel 40’s policy of bringing you the latest in blood and guts, and in living color, you are going to see another first—attempted suicide.”
I pull out the revolver. My hand is shaking.
I point it behind my right ear.
It’s too late to back out now.
Or is it? I can collapse into tears. They can help me.
No.
It’s too late.
I pull the trigger.