Remembering her panic attack and nightmare, Kerra said softly, “Not silly at all.”
Gracie said, “We’ve given our statements and have been cleared to leave.”
“So I was told.”
The detectives had informed her that the five had been questioned separately. Their accounts were in such accord that they’d freed them to return to Dallas, but had stipulated that they could be subpoenaed later, depending on the progression of the investigation and resultant arrests and trials.
“What time are you leaving?”
Gracie repositioned her eyeglasses and took a deep, bolstering breath. “Our news director made me swear I’d ask you one more time.”
Without hesitation, Kerra said, “No. I won’t even consider giving an interview now. It would be insensitive, exploitative, and in the poorest possible taste.”
“When has the media been sensitive? And the industry thrives on exploitation and poor taste.”
“Well, I don’t. I esteem The Major. He’s fighting fo
r his life. I’m not about to cash in on that.”
In a leading tone, Gracie said, “You know he has a son.”
Kerra gave a noncommittal nod. “The Major put him off limits.”
“Well, The Major is currently comatose. This son is his only family, and in light of Sunday’s interview, you have an inroad to him.”
“Which I wouldn’t dream of abusing.”
“I told the news director you’d stick to your guns, but you know him. There’s a Nielsen rating where his heart is supposed to be. Besides, this time he’s only the mouthpiece. The request is coming from the network. It would be an extraordinary follow-up, Kerra.”
“Whose side are you on?”
“Yours,” the producer said. “But out-of-the-stratosphere ratings aside, it would be the honorable thing to do.”
Kerra gave her a look. “This I’ve got to hear.”
“Don’t you owe it to the public to share what The Major said in those last few minutes with you? If he doesn’t pull through, and it’s looking like he won’t, you’ll have been the last person on earth who talked to him.”
“It was a personal conversation, Gracie. He wasn’t in his public persona, and neither was I. Nothing we said would enlighten or edify the ‘public.’”
Gracie hesitated, then said, “Promise you won’t throw a bedpan at me for saying this.”
“But?”
“Are you sure you want to pass on this career leg-up? It’s unprecedented. A journalist’s fantasy scenario. Some might think you’d be crazy not to take advantage of it.”
“Some? What do you think?”
“You’ve been traumatized. You’re still reeling from it. Today you’re battered and bruised and grateful merely to be alive. But in a week, you’ll be recovered, back in the swing of things, business as usual. This could launch you straight to the network, but if you don’t seize the opportunity, it’s unlikely you’ll get another.”
“That sounds almost like a warning.”
“Not a warning, honey. A reality. I’m just telling it like it is. You can’t be squeamish or nice and become a star in this industry.”
Suddenly overcome with exhaustion, Kerra laid her head on the pillow and stared up at the ceiling.
Gracie patted her hand before releasing it. “The crew and I have checked back into the motel. The station sent another reporter to cover updates on The Major’s condition and the pomp and circumstance of the funeral if he dies. But we’re standing by, waiting on a call from you, ready to roll whenever you are. Think it over.”
Kerra did little else for the rest of the day except for the time spent being questioned by the sheriff’s office detectives.