It’s my turn now, but I can’t move. Through my earphones, I hear dead air—fatal for talk radio. Nova takes over. Her voice is shaky, but she’s in charge. “The cops are on their way,” she says. “Henry Burgh’s on line one. Can you handle him?” I nod, take a deep breath, dig deep for my cool voice and flip on my microphone. My hands are trembling, but my imitation of the unflappable Charlie D is convincing. “Hey, Henry, this is a big night for us. You’re a first-time caller and our show’s first billionaire. Thanks for joining the party.” Henry’s bass rumbles with authority, but he’s in high spirits. “I wanted to thank Britney for her good wishes. Misty’s right here with me, and she appreciates Britney’s kindness too. People of my generation are often too quick to dismiss young people. They have a great deal to offer.” “Agreed,” I say. “You’ve obviously discovered that Misty has a great deal to offer.” Provoking a billionaire is never a sharp move, but Henry takes my comments in stride.
