VIII
WEDNESDAY MORNING, AS Dana was preparing breakfast, she heard loud sounds outside. She looked out the window and was surprised to see a moving van in front of the apartment building, with men loading furniture onto it.
Who could be moving out? Dana wondered. Every apartment was occupied, and they were all on long-term leases.
Dana was putting the cereal on the table when there was a knock at the door. It was Dorothy Wharton.
«Dana, I have some news for you,» she said excitedly. «Howard and I are moving to Rome today.»
Dana stared at her in astonishment. «Rome? Today?»
«Isn't itincredible ? Last week a man came to see Howard. It was very hush-hush. Howard told me I couldn't say anything. Well, last night the man called and offered Howard a job with his company in Italy at three times Howard's present salary.» Dorothy was beaming.
«Well, that's—that's wonderful,» Dana said. «We're going to miss you.»
«We're going to miss you, too.»
Howard came to the door. «I guess Dorothy told you the news?»
«Yes. I'm delighted for you. But I thought you were set here for life? And suddenly—»
Howard just kept on talking. «I can't believe it. Right out of the blue. It's a great company, too. Italiano Ripristino. They're one of the biggest conglomerates in Italy. They have a subsidiary that's into restoration of ruins. I don't know how they heard about me, but they flew a man all the way here just to make a deal with me. There are lots of monuments in Rome that need repairs. They're even paying the rest of our rent here for the year and we get back our deposit. The only thing is, we have to be in Rome by tomorrow. That means we have to be out of the apartment today.»
Dana said tentatively, «That's very unusual, isn't it?»
«I guess they're in a big hurry.»
«Do you need help packing?»
Dorothy shook her head. «No. We've been up all night. Most of the stuff's going to Goodwill. On Howard's new salary, we can afford much better.»
Dana laughed. «Keep in touch, Dorothy.»
One hour later the Whartons had left their apartment and were on their way to Rome.
When Dana got to her office, she said to Olivia, «Would you check out a company for me?»
«Certainly.»
«It's called Italiano Ripristino. I believe its headquarters are in Rome.»
«Right.»
Thirty minutes later Olivia handed a paper to Dana. «Here it is. It's one of the largest companies in Europe.»
Dana felt a sense of deep relief. «Good. I'm glad to hear that.»
«By the way,» Olivia said, «it's not a private company.»
«Oh?»
«No. It's owned by the Italian government.»
When Dana brought Kemal home from school that afternoon, a bespectacled middle-aged man was moving into the Wharton apartment.
Thursday, the day of Dana's appointment with Roger Hudson, started out hellishly.
At the first television meeting, Robert Fenwick said, «It looks like we're in trouble on tonight's broadcast.»
«Give it to me,» Dana said.
«You know the crew that we sent to Ireland? We were going to use their film tonight?»
«Yes?»
«They've been arrested. All their equipment has been confiscated.»
«Are you serious?»
«I never joke about the Irish.» He handed Dana a sheet of paper. «Here's our lead story about the Washington banker who's being charged with fraud.»
«It's a good story,» Dana said. «And it's our exclusive.»
«Our legal department just killed it.»
«What?»
«They're afraid of being sued.»
«Wonderful,» Dana said bitterly.
«I'm not through. The witness in the murder case that we scheduled for a live interview tonight—»
«Yes…»
«He's changed his mind. He's a no-show.»
Dana groaned. It was not even ten o'clock in the morning. The only thing Dana had to look forward to on this day was her meeting with Roger Hudson.
When Dana returned from the news meeting, Olivia said, «It's eleven o'clock, Miss Evans. With this weather, you probably ought to be leaving now for your appointment with Mr. Hudson.»
«Thanks, Olivia. I should be back in two or three hours.» Dana looked out the window. It was beginning to snow again. She put on her coat and scarf and started for the door. The phone rang.
«Miss Evans…»
Dana turned.
«There's a call for you on line three.»
«Not now,» Dana said. «I have to go.»
«It's someone from Kemal's school.»
«What?» Dana hurried back to her desk. «Hello?»
«Miss Evans?»
«Yes.»
«This is Thomas Henry.»
«Yes, Mr. Henry. Is Kemal all right?»
«I really don't know how to answer that. I'm very sorry to tell you this, but Kemal is being expelled.»
Dana stood there in shock. «Expelled. Why? What has he done?»
«Perhaps we should discuss it in person. I would appreciate it if you would come and pick him up.»
«Mr. Henry—»
«I'll explain when you get here, Miss Evans. Thank you.»
Dana replaced the receiver, stunned. What could have happened?
Olivia asked, «Is everything all right?»
«Great.» Dana groaned. «This makes the morning just about perfect.»
«Can I do anything?»
«Say an extra prayer for me.»
Earlier in the morning, when Dana had dropped Kemal off at school, waved good-bye, and driven away, Ricky Underwood was watching.
As Kemal started to walk past him, Ricky said, «Hey, it's the war hero. Your mom must be real frustrated. You only have one arm, so now when you play stinky finger with her—»
Kemal's movements were almost too swift to be seen. His foot slammed hard into Ricky's groin, and as Ricky screamed and started to double over, Kemal's left knee shot up and broke his nose. Blood spurted into the air.
Kemal leaned over the moaning figure on the ground. «Next time I'll kill you.»
