Emily Lockwood in Deadlier Than The Girl
Markus Jones
Exclusive interview with Tommy Hart - By Caitlin Cooper
Caitlin: First off I wanted to say thank you for agreeing to talk with me. I know you had a lot of other offers and I doubt the Enquirer offered you the most money...
Tommy: We both know I don't need money. I wanted to talk to you, this seemed the easiest way to get you into my office.
Caitlin: That's what I thought. Because we're both sixteen? You know this is the first time an intern will have their work published in the Enquirer... Like in their entire sixty year history. Because of you.
Tommy: There are plenty of sixteen year old girls in this town Caitlin, none of them are as pretty as you. Even with all my power how could I say no to a girl like you?
Caitlin: I... Well... I don't know what to say... I'm flattered obviously...
Tommy: No need to blush Caitlin, I'm sure you get compliments all the time. Now do you have some questions?
Caitlin: I... Sure. You've inherited your fathers business empire, in a shock move he left everything to you and very little to your mother who has vanished from the public eye. Now at sixteen you're responsible for dozens of people's jobs and almost a quarter of the industry in this entire town. People say you have little experience in running a business and should pass the reigns to someone more qualified, how do you respond to that?
Tommy: Did you know I'm the smartest person in this town? Not a brag, I actually did the research. I got higher scores on my tests than have ever been recorded in any school for a hundred miles, anyone who's taken a recorded iq test around here doesn't even come close to me. I've been designing electronics for my fathers toy factory since I was twelve. What better qualification is there than intelligence?
Caitlin: Some might say experience.
Tommy: You sound so cute when you try to be serious, you look great in that skirt by the way.
Caitlin: I... Ahem.. Is it hot in here?... What was I saying?
Tommy: Sorry I distracted you, I'll leave the flirting for after the interview. You were talking about my business experience.
Tommy: Right... Yes... You have to admit your recent work with your... detective agency hasn't helped. Shouldn't you be focused on running the business rather than solving mysteries with your friends?
Tommy: Only the extremely petty would think a public service could be seen as a negative.
Caitlin: A service you do take payment for?
Tommy: You don't get my resources for free Caitlin. We caught a pyromaniac trying to burn down people's homes, stopped a thief from robbing stores at night, broke a smuggling ring, cracked the code of....
Caitlin: So this has nothing to do with Emily Lo...
Tommy: I'm aware of her. She didn't invent the idea of a junior detective. She just stumbles into situations she barely survives. She was beaten nearly unconscious on her first case then allowed one of her own friends to drug half of Greenfield Academy. She's a silly little girl running around in a skirt putting herself and others in danger.
Caitlin: You seem to feel quite strongly about her.
Tommy: There's a reason my agency is called The Boys Detective Agency. A girl... especially a schoolgirl has no place trying to investigate crimes. Id like to talk with her actually, I'm certain that after only a few minutes I could change her mind completely, convince her to pursue more.... appropriate pursuits.
Caitlin: Well you certainly seem quite confident in your ability to control people.
Tommy: As you'll find out, I can be very persuasive Caitlin.