Free Blaze by Di Morrissey Page B

myself? Thank you for the offer. But Blaze and I are welded together, I’m afraid.’
    â€˜There would always be an essential role for you,’ said the Baron quickly. ‘Think it over at least. I am staying here two days. You were my main reason for this trip, but while I’m here I plan to investigate the media scene more closely.’
    â€˜Shopping?’ asked Nina with a smile.
    â€˜My shopping list, as you put it, has only one title on it.’
    Nina had not dismissed the offer. If there was one publishing conglomerate she had respect for, it was the low-key Baron’s group of media concerns. She had followed his trail of acquisitions over the years, just as she had taken an interest in the activities of all the major players. Watching Rupert Murdoch’s onslaught into the northern hemisphere, she had been pleased to see a European also tackling the American market. She’d run a check on the full extent of Triton, gathering every scrap of information that was publicly available, and realised Triton’s American mastheads lacked a quality magazine like Blaze. Why would he want to break into such a small market as Australia with one magazine?
    Nina had rung Ian Marcello, the brilliant young lawyer who advised her on financial as well as legal matters.
    â€˜Ian, how quickly can we run a check and find out the fiscals on Triton Communications?’
    â€˜Are we talking due diligence or responding to a takeover offer? Are you thinking of taking a bite out of one of the big guys? You’re not bored by any chance?’
    â€˜Very shrewd of you. I am heading towards forty. Blaze is well established. I hadn’t any thoughts of moving on or making any dramatic changes, but seeing as a serious and considerable opportunity has presented itself, I feel I should at least investigate the ramifications. Perhaps it’s time I moved to the next level.’
    Ian surmised immediately what had transpired. ‘I heard the Baron was here, the top end of town players are interested. There’s talk he might look at a few of the new broadcasting licences. And there are rumours of another TV licence, which couldn’t go to a foreigner, though he could inject a lot of capital. I haven’t heard he’s looking for print media.’
    â€˜That’s because the only publication worth buying, that isn’t locked into a large network, is Blaze. And I’ve always made it clear I would never sell.’
    â€˜With just reason,’ Ian had reminded her. ‘Though there’s a time to reassess, move forward or make changes in the direction of every company. In a few years you should be in a very different position from where you are now.’
    â€˜You know what I’m thinking?’
    â€˜Nina, I wouldn’t try to second-guess you. You’ve surprised me often enough over the years. I’m here to advise you, lend an ear, be a friend. I know you always listen to my advice, but you still do what you want.’
    â€˜You wouldn’t let me do anything foolish, Ian. We always seem to come to the same decisions. What I’m thinking is a partnership with Triton.’
    The lawyer smiled to himself. God, she was bright. It was one of the reasons he so enjoyed representing Nina. He also liked and respected her as a good friend. ‘Could be costly. You could become lost, rolled over. It’s a big outfit.’
    â€˜Not with you looking after my interests. I said I’d call him back.’
    The lawyer sighed. ‘Gawd, Nina. I’ll start digging around. I’ll call your accountant. Come over for a working lunch in my boardroom tomorrow.’
    That was the beauty of being a private company. Nina could make these decisions quickly without facing a board or shareholders. She had paid off her bank loan and was well ahead financially. Sinking her money into the magazine and buying an old building in the inner city had paid off. She’d sold the