"Alvin hasn't bugged me at all since your brother told him off. I think this is the longest break that I've had from him in Like a year and a half."

“Maybe he finally got the point." She sighed.

"But it's more Likely that he's up to something, or trying to find a way around Reichert's threat. Hey, I know. I'll have Ed follow him. I'm sure I can guilt him into it."

"You think that's a good idea?"

"Best defense is a good offense."

“I really don't get sports analogies."

“Speaking of sports, first home game is Thursday. You going to come?"

“I've got to be in the studio," Madison grumbled.

“I just want them to catch this son of a bitch. He's got us all hostage."

"“They'LL get him," Heda whispered, taking a nervous look around.

"They've got to. Hey, why don't we go out tonight after your shift?

Late night restaurant, just the two of us?"

"It's a date," Madison replied, biting her bottom lip and waiting for the kiss she figure would be coming. She felt warm lips against her own, and relished that moment of comfort.

Madison stumbled back into the house later than she had anticipated.

The stupid station manager decided that, in light of the recent tragedy, that students be allowed to call into the show and express their feelings. Madison just wanted to play music, not be a therapist, political pundit and/or bartender. Maybe she should ask Heda to talk to Reichert about --

“Or you can grow a spine and go talk to him yourself," Madison muttered, standing on the front porch and willing herself to go in.

She doubted Heda would want to try to start a date at —

"Talk to who?" Billy asked.

"Besides yourself." Billy sounded as tired as Madison felt, as he was also not used to that much interaction with the public. Sure they took requests sometimes, but the recent kidnappings had everyone on edge, making their opinions louder, more passionate, and often dumber.

"I may need to go talk to Reichert about calming our ass-hat boss down about letting people call in. And I don't want to. Because I hate him."

"And great is the wrath of the bat girl," Billy said, opening the door and shoving her through.

"Damn straight."

“Hey guys," Edgar said from his position on the couch.

"Madison, got a minute? Don't worry, I won't keep you and Heda from your thing."

"She still wants to go?"