While I scrambled for Tim's life, my workplace nemesis, Sylvia "Broadcast Rose" Vanning, circled like a vulture sensing weakness. This wealthy, vapid broadcaster had always resented "Sweetheart Annie's" homespun popularity. Knight K's mysterious patronage had fueled her jealousy into outright...

A few days later, trapped in the persona of "Sweetheart Annie," I endured a charity gala hosted by the Mayor's wife. The station manager saw PR; I saw torture. Borrowing a dated but decent lavender dress from Martha, my washerwoman...

"Good afternoon, dear listeners, this is your Sweetheart Annie..." I forced the words out, aiming for sugary warmth into the battered microphone, fighting the urge to gag. Outside, New York sweltered under the afternoon sun, a cocktail of jazz and...