Sidney Sheldon - The sky is falling

Dana said awkwardly, «I thought possibly Taylor Winthrop might have done something to someone that was bad enough to be a motive to want to kill him and his family.»

The Hudsons were both staring at her.

Dana went on quickly. «I know it sounds far-fetched, but so is their all dying violent deaths in less than a year.»

Roger Hudson said brusquely, «Miss Evans, I've lived long enough to know thatanything is possible, but this—what do you base it on?»

«If you mean hard evidence, I have none.»

«I'm not surprised.» He hesitated. «I did hear that…» His voice trailed off. «Never mind.»

The two women were looking at him.

Pamela said gently, «That's not fair to Miss Evans, darling. What were you going to say?»

He shrugged. «It is not important.» He turned to Dana. «When I was in Moscow, there was a rumor that Winthrop was involved in some type of private deal with the Russians. But I don't deal in rumors, and I'm sure that you don't, Miss Evans.» His tone was almost a reproach.

Before Dana could respond, there was a loud crash from the adjoining library.

Pamela Hudson rose and hurried toward the sound. Roger and Dana followed. They stopped at the door. In the library, a blue Ming vase had fallen to the floor and shattered. Kemal stood next to it.

«Oh, my God,» Dana said, horrified. «I'mso sorry. Kemal, how could you—?»

«It was an accident.»

Dana turned to the Hudsons, her face flushed with embarrassment. «I'm terribly sorry. I'll pay for it, of course. I—»

«Please don't worry about it,» Pamela Hudson said with a nice smile. «Our dogs do much worse.»

Roger Hudson's face was grim. He started to say something, but a look from his wife stopped him.

Dana looked down at the remains of the vase. It was probably worth about ten years of my salary, she thought.

«Why don't we go back to the living room,» Pamela Hudson suggested.

Dana followed the Hudsons with Kemal at her side. «Stay with me,» she muttered, furious. They sat down again.

Roger Hudson looked at Kemal. «How did you lose your arm, son?»

Dana was surprised at the bluntness of the question, but Kemal answered readily.

«A bomb.»

«I see. What about your parents, Kemal?»

«They were both killed in an air raid along with my sister.»

Roger Hudson grunted. «Goddamn wars.»

At that moment, Cesar came into the room. «Luncheon is served.»

The luncheon was delicious. Dana found Pamela warm and charming and Roger Hudson withdrawn.

«What are you working on now?» Pamela Hudson asked Dana.

«We're talking about a new show to be calledCrime Line. We're going to expose some of the people who have gotten away with committing crimes, and we'll try to help people in prison who are innocent.»

Roger Hudson said, «Washington is a great place to start. It's full of holier-than-thou phonies in high places who have gotten away with every crime you can think of.»

«Roger's on several government-reform committees,» Pamela Hudson said proudly.

«And a lot of good it does,» her husband grumbled. «The difference between right and wrong seems to have gotten blurred. It should be taught at home. Our schools certainly don't teach it.»

Pamela Hudson looked at Dana. «By the way, Roger and I are giving a little dinner party Saturday night. Would you be free to join us?»

Dana smiled. «Why, thank you. I'd love to.»

«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.

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.»