The Sky Is Falling

"Do you have a young man?"

"Yes. Jeff Connors."

Roger Hudson said, "The sports reporter on your station?"

"Yes."

"He's not bad. I watch him sometimes," he said. "I'd like to meet him."

Dana smiled. "I'm sure Jeff would love to come."

As Dana and Kemal were leaving, Roger Hudson took Dana aside.

"In all candor, Miss Evans, I find your conspiracy theory about the Winthrops in the realm of fantasy. But for Matt Baker's sake, I'm willing to check around and see if I can find anything that could possibly substantiate it."

"Thank you."

In all candor, Miss Evans, I find your conspiracy theory about the Winthrops in the realm of fantasy. But for Matt Baker's sake, I'm willing to check around and see if I can find anything that could possibly substantiate it.

Thank you.

Tape ends.

Chapter Nine

THEY WERE IN the middle of their morning meeting aboutCrime Line, and Dana was in the conference room with half a dozen staff reporters and researchers.

Olivia poked her head in. "Mr. Baker would like to see you."

"Tell him I'll be there in a minute."

"The boss is waiting for you."

"Thanks, Abbe. You're looking cheerful."

Abbe nodded. "I finally got a good night's sleep. For the last - "

"Dana? Come in here," Matt yelled.

"To be continued," Abbe said.

Dana walked into Matt's office. "How did the meeting with Roger Hudson go?"

"I have a feeling he wasn't very interested. He thinks my theory is crazy."

"I told you he's not Mr. Warmth."

"He does take a little getting used to. His wife is lovely. You should hear her on the subject of Washington society madness. Talk about wickedness."

"I know. She's a wonderful lady."

Dana ran into Elliot Cromwell in the executive dining room.

"Join me," Elliot Cromwell said.

"Thank you." Dana sat down.

"How's Kemal?"

Dana hesitated. "At the moment, I'm afraid there's a problem."

"Oh? What kind of problem?"

"Kemal was expelled from school."

"Why?"

"He got in a fight and sent a boy to the hospital."

"That would do it."

"I'm sure the fight wasn't Kemal's fault," Dana said defensively. "He gets teased a lot because he has only one arm."

Elliot Cromwell said, "I suppose it's really difficult for him."

"It is. I'm trying to get him a prosthesis. There seem to be problems."

"What grade is Kemal in?"

"Seventh."

Elliot Cromwell was thoughtful. "Are you familiar with the Lincoln Preparatory School?"

"Oh, yes. But I understand it's very difficult to get into." She added, "And I'm afraid Kemal's grades aren't very good."

"I have a few contacts there. Would you like me to speak to someone?"

"I - that's very kind of you."

"It will be my pleasure."

Later that day Elliot Cromwell sent for Dana.

"I have good news for you. I spoke to the principal at the Lincoln Preparatory School, and she's agreed to have Kemal enrolled there on a trial basis. Could you take him over tomorrow morning?"

"Of course. I - " It took Dana a moment to let it sink in. "Oh, that's wonderful! I'm so pleased. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it, Elliot."

"I want you to know that I appreciateyou, Dana. I think it was wonderful of you to have brought Kemal to this country. You're a very special person."

"I - thank you."

When Dana left the office, she thought, That took a lot of clout. And a lot of kindness.

Lincoln Preparatory School was an imposing complex consisting of a large Edwardian building, three smaller annexes, spacious, well-tended grounds, and extensive, manicured playing fields.

Standing in front of the entrance, Dana said, "Kemal, this is the best school in Washington. You can learn a lot here, but you have to have a positive attitude about it. Do you understand?"

"Sweet."

"And you can't get into any fights."

Kemal did not answer.

Dana and Kemal were ushered into the office of Rowana Trott, the school's principal. She was an attractive woman with a friendly manner.

"Welcome," she said. She turned to Kemal. "I've heard a great deal about you, young man. We're all looking forward to having you here."

Dana waited for Kemal to say something. When he was silent, she said, "Kemal is looking forward to being here."

"Good. I think you're going to make some very nice friends at our school."

Kemal stood there without answering.

An older woman came into the office. Mrs. Trott said, "This is Becky. Becky, this is Kemal. Why don't you show Kemal around? Let him become acquainted with some of his teachers."

"Certainly. This way, Kemal."

Kemal looked at Dana beseechingly, then turned and followed Becky out the door.

"I want to explain about Kemal," Dana began. "He - "

Mrs. Trott said, "You don't have to, Miss Evans. Elliot Cromwell told me about the situation and about Kemal's background. I understand he's been through more than any child should ever have to go through, and we're prepared to make allowances for that."

"Thank you," Dana said.

"I have a transcript of his grades from Theodore Roosevelt Middle School. We're going to see if we can't better them."

Dana nodded. "Kemal's a very bright boy."