Publisher's will
for ar_drabbles challenge 43, another POV.
Set during Publisher's Privilege / first part of Lady Pub.
Richard Adar loved his wife.
Of course he did. She was bright. She was beautiful. She had talents even she wasn't aware of -- primarily outside the bedroom.
She made him feel forty again.
When the doctors told him there was nothing to do, that hearts wore out and his was past its expiration date, he felt safe leaving his newspaper in Laura's capable hands. But newsrooms have politics of their own and she would need allies.
To whom could he trust his Laura? Their corporate lawyer? Agathon was too uptight. The first time Laura teased him (she didn't even realize it was flirting, bless her oblivious soul) he'd freeze her out. Their ad manager? The thought of Baltar anywhere near Laura...
There was really only one Times-man he could trust to give Laura the support and encouragement she'd need.
It wasn't a happy conclusion. Adama was from so far on the wrong side of the tracks that he was from another town. He was rough, emotional, and he got so involved in things he forgot how to let go. And even with thick glasses Richard could see the way the man looked at Laura.
But Adama was loyal, talented, and unambitious. He wouldn't challenge Laura's authority.
He began inviting Adama to the mansion to discuss business. Over dinner and drinks the three of them would talk of the paper, of literature, of philosophy. At work he made sure to throw Laura in Adama's path.
Even with thick glasses Richard could see the way Laura was beginning to look at the man.
It was oddly comforting. They both loved the paper, they both were unshakingly loyal. Nothing would happen while he lived.
He'd leave the paper to Laura and Laura to Bill.
His two greatest treasures would be in good hands.
Set during Publisher's Privilege / first part of Lady Pub.
Richard Adar loved his wife.
Of course he did. She was bright. She was beautiful. She had talents even she wasn't aware of -- primarily outside the bedroom.
She made him feel forty again.
When the doctors told him there was nothing to do, that hearts wore out and his was past its expiration date, he felt safe leaving his newspaper in Laura's capable hands. But newsrooms have politics of their own and she would need allies.
To whom could he trust his Laura? Their corporate lawyer? Agathon was too uptight. The first time Laura teased him (she didn't even realize it was flirting, bless her oblivious soul) he'd freeze her out. Their ad manager? The thought of Baltar anywhere near Laura...
There was really only one Times-man he could trust to give Laura the support and encouragement she'd need.
It wasn't a happy conclusion. Adama was from so far on the wrong side of the tracks that he was from another town. He was rough, emotional, and he got so involved in things he forgot how to let go. And even with thick glasses Richard could see the way the man looked at Laura.
But Adama was loyal, talented, and unambitious. He wouldn't challenge Laura's authority.
He began inviting Adama to the mansion to discuss business. Over dinner and drinks the three of them would talk of the paper, of literature, of philosophy. At work he made sure to throw Laura in Adama's path.
Even with thick glasses Richard could see the way Laura was beginning to look at the man.
It was oddly comforting. They both loved the paper, they both were unshakingly loyal. Nothing would happen while he lived.
He'd leave the paper to Laura and Laura to Bill.
His two greatest treasures would be in good hands.