The Island Flamingo: Chapter 45

I spend the rest of my Greek vacation relaxing at the spa and on the beach with my escort. We indulge in massages, hot tubs, saunas, bocce ball, and playing in the ocean’s waves. I feel a tremendous sense of relief. No more bothering thoughts of Miss Jessica, Fizz, or the island.

In the end, we stay for a month and return to Los Angeles. My job as a journalist has been reinstated. However, I promise to take better care of myself.

Now, today is Tuesday. I’m driving to work listening to the radio as usual. After the stock market update, another report is released that piques my interest.

“In other news, we have an interesting story for you from the Greek Islands.”

“The Pink Lady,” a well-known local eccentric, was apprehended by authorities. They had found she was illegally sheltering a non-native bird on her private island.

Moreover, further investigation revealed the missing journalist, Jessica Galton, who disappeared from Barcelona years ago while investigating the Primera Opción scandal, to be the woman in question.

Furthermore, Greek reporters received an anonymous confession that uncovered Miss Galton’s plot against Miss Martha Vincenzo, an avian activist, and her bird sanctuary.

When subsequently presented with the evidence, Jessica calmly admitted what she had done. One reporter described her as appearing relieved. Nevertheless, she faces three to five years in prison. Also, more time will be considered for the hoax.

Meanwhile, the private island was inherited by Martha Vincenzo, a lifelong rescuer of black-market birds.

In addition, her past work saving flamingos will be officially recognized by the Brazilian government next month.

Likewise, Louis Vincenzo, Martha’s son and caretaker, shall live in their new home.

For now, disgraced former CEO Mackenzie Billings and Port Press have offered no comment.

After the report finishes, a sly smile spreads across my lips.

In the end, Galton did teach me something, and that’s not to make the same mistakes she did. I pull into my parking spot, breathe a sigh of relief, and confidently enter the building.

At the same time, the editor, Theo, walks up to me at my desk.

“Guess what? Jessica Galton is in town for her trial, Tamara. Do you want to squeeze in a last-minute interview?”

At first, my reflexes want me to agree to his request. However, I stop myself and think for a moment.

“Thanks, but no. I already have one with the cashier who scared off a bear using a Circle K slushie.”

Surprised, Theo shrugs and walks off.

Soon after, my phone dings. The escort, Amanda, asks me if we’re still up for bowling Friday night. Immediately, I text back “yes,” then look at the little wooden, carved flamingo figurine souvenir near my mouse.

From now on, it’s an important reminder of a potential life path and how with the help of a pink bird prevented a misstep.

Most importantly, it helped me realize what matters most in this hectic life of journalism.

“Thank you so much, Fizz,” I whisper and start the computer to begin a new report.

Editor: Lucy Cafiero