Chapter 8 Chapter Six

The cast and crew get ready for the evening news. Dana was at the sound station in Studio One, going over the last-minute changes.News releases gathered throughout the day from wire agencies and police sources were either selected or dismissed after being vetted. Next to Dana on the podium were Jeff Connors and Richard Melton. Anastasia Mann began the countdown and completed the "three, two, one" count with an outstretched index finger.The camera's red light snapped on. The announcer's voice rang out forcefully: "Here is the eleven o'clock news live on Washington Tribune, and the announcer is Dana Evans"—Dana smiled at the camera—"and Richard Meier Don." Melton looked at the camera and nodded, "Jeff Connors on sports and Marvin Greer on the weather. The news starts at eleven o'clock."

Dana looks at the camera: "Good evening. This is Dana Evans." Richard Melton laughed. "I'm Richard Melton." Dana read the text on the electronic teleprompter: "We have an update. This evening, there was a robbery at a liquor store in the city center. The police just ended the pursuit." "Play tape number one." The footage flashes to the inside of a helicopter with Norman Bronson, a retired Marine Corps pilot, sitting in front of the controls of the Washington Tribune helicopter.Next to him is Alice Baker.The camera switches shots.On the ground below, three police cars surrounded a car that had crashed into a tree.

Alice Baker said: "Two men walked into Harry's Liquor Store on Pennsylvania Avenue and tried to rob the clerk. The clerk resisted and called the police. The robbers fled, but the police were in hot pursuit for four miles. until the suspect's car crashed into a tree." The news helicopter of the TV station reported the whole process of the pursuit.Dana looked at the picture and thought.The best thing Matt did was get Elliott to buy this new helicopter and it made a huge difference in our coverage. After playing another three episodes, the director motioned for a break: "We'll be right back," Dana said.

A commercial breaks out. Richard Melton turned to Dana. "Have you looked outside? It's a hell of a weather." "I know." Dana smiled. "Our poor weatherman is about to get another pile of complaining letters." The red camera flicked on.For a moment the teleprompter went blank, then started scrolling again.Dana began to read: "On New Year's Eve I hope—" She paused and gaped through the rest of the sentence.They are: ...we get married.We have two reasons to celebrate every New Year's Eve thereafter. Jeff stood by the teleprompter, grinning grinningly.

Dana looks into the camera and says awkwardly, "We—we'll take a short pause and put on another commercial." The red light goes out. Dana stood up: "Jeff!" They ran toward each other, hugging each other: "How do you answer?" he asked. She hugged him tightly and whispered, "I say yes." The cheers of colleagues echoed in the studio. When they were alone after the broadcast, Jeff said, "What would you like, honey? Big wedding, modest wedding, normal wedding?" Dana has imagined her wedding since she was a little girl.She imagined herself in a beautiful white wedding dress with lace and a long train.The movies she's seen always have the exhilaration of preparing for the wedding... deciding on the guest list... choosing the caterer... the bridesmaids... the church... all her friends will be there, and her mother.It will be the best day of her life.Now it's a reality.

Jeff said, "Dana...?" He waited for her answer. If I had a big wedding, Dana thought, I'd have to invite my mother and her husband.I can't do that to Kenmore. "Let's elope," Dana said. Jeff nodded, surprised. "If that's what you want, then it's what I want." Kenmore was very emotional when he heard the news: "You mean Jeff will live with us?" "That's it, we're all in this together, and you're going to have a real home, honey." Dana spent the next hour sitting beside the Kenmore bed, discussing the future excitedly.The three of them will live together, vacation together, everything.The magic word.

After Kenmore fell asleep, Dana went into her bedroom and turned on her computer.Apartment, apartment.We're going to need two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, kitchen, dining area, and possibly an office and a study, which shouldn't be too difficult.Dana's thoughts began to wander as she remembered how empty Gary Winthrop's mansion was now.What exactly happened that night.Who turned off the siren again.How did the thieves get in if there were no signs of a broken door.Her fingers typed "Winthrop" almost automatically on the keyboard.What is wrong with me?Dana saw the same familiar message as before.

A total of fifty-four URLs contained the Winthrop family.Dana was about to turn to searching the apartment when a random entry popped into view. Dana read the entry again.What kind of lawsuit?Dana felt curious. She turned to other Winthrop Web sites, but there was no further news on any lawsuits.Dana typed in the name Joan Sinisi, blank. "Is this a safe line?" "yes." "I want a report of the URLs my target is viewing." "We'll do it right away." The next day, Dana came to her office after dropping off Kenmore at school and began flipping through the Washington telephone directory.No Joan Sinisi.She tried the Maryland State Directory...Virginia...no luck.She might have moved, Dana decided.

Show producer, Tom Hawkins walks into Dana's office: "We beat the competition again last night." "Of course. Do you need a phone?" "No, I want to know if someone has a phone number that isn't in the phone book. Do you think you can find it?" "what name?" "Sinisi. Joan Sinessi." He frowned: "Why is this name so familiar?" "She's had a lawsuit with Taylor Winthrop." "Oh, yes, I remember. It was about a year ago, and you were in Yugoslavia. I thought there was going to be a good, colorful subject, but it died down pretty quickly. She probably lived somewhere in Europe, But I'll try to find out."

Fifteen minutes later, Olivia Watkins said: "Tom is on the phone for you." "Tom?" "Joann Sinisi still lives in Washington. I have her unlisted phone number, if you want." "It's wonderful," Dana said.She picked up a pen: "Go on." "5552690." "Thank you." "Thank you, let's have lunch." "You've got it." The office door opened, and in came three television news writers, Dean Errich, Robert Fenwick, and Maria Toboso. Robert Fenwick said: "Tonight's newscasts are going to be bloody. We've had two train wrecks, a plane crash and a massive landslide."

The four began to read the latest news they had received.Two hours later, the meeting was over.Dana picked up the slip of paper with Joan Sinisi's number on it and called. A woman answered the phone: "Miss Sinisi's." "Can I speak to Miss Sinisi, please? This is Dana Evans." "I'll see if she's free. Just a moment, please," the woman said. Dana waited.Another woman's voice came from the phone, soft and hesitant. "Hey……" "Miss Sinisi?" "yes." "I'm Dana Evans. I wanted to ask if—" "That Dana Evans?" "Oh yes." "Ah! I watch your show every night and I'm a huge admirer of you." "Thank you," Dana said. "It's been a pleasure. I wanted to ask if you could spare a few minutes, Miss Sinisi. I wanted to talk to you." "Do you want to?" Her voice was full of surprise. "Yes. Can we meet somewhere?" "Oh, sure. Can you come here?" "That would be great. When is convenient for you?" A short pause: "Anytime, all day." "How about tomorrow afternoon, about two o'clock?" "Okay." She told Dana the address. "I'll see you tomorrow," Dana said.She puts down the phone.Why am I chasing after this?Well, this time is the end. At two o'clock the next afternoon, Dana drove to the high-rise apartment building where Joan Sinisi lived on Prince Street.A uniformed doorman stood in front of the building.Dana looked at the majestic building and thought, how can a secretary afford to live here?She parked the car and walked into the lobby.There is a receptionist at the desk. "Are you okay?" "I have an appointment with Miss Sinisi, Dana Evans." "Yes, Miss Evans. She is waiting for you. Please take the elevator to the Penthouse, Block A." Penthouse? Dana came to the top floor, stepped out of the elevator, and rang the doorbell of the apartment in Block A.A uniformed maid opened the door. "Miss Evans?" "yes." "Please come in." Joan Sinisi lives in a twelve-room apartment with a spacious balcony overlooking the city.The maid led Dana down a long corridor to a large, beautifully decorated white living room, where a small, slender woman sat on the sofa.Dana stood up when she entered. Joan Sinisi was quite a surprise.Dana didn't know what to expect before this, but the woman who stood up to greet her was something she had never expected.Joan Sinisi was a short, plain-looking man with dull brown eyes hidden behind thick lenses.Her voice was so timid it was almost inaudible. "It is a great pleasure to see you, Miss Evans." "Thank you for seeing me," Dana said.She joined Joan Sinisi on the spacious white sofa near the balcony. "I was going to drink tea. Would you like some?" "Thank you." Joan Sinisi turned to the maid and said almost timidly, "Greta, would you mind bringing us some tea?" "Yes, miss." "Thank you, Greta." It all feels unreal.Joan Sinisi, Dana thought, just didn't fit in with the penthouse.How can she afford to live here?What statement did Taylor Winthrop make?So what is another lawsuit about? "...and I never miss your show," said Joan Sinisi softly, "I think you're amazing." "Thank you." "I remember when you were reporting from Sarajevo, there was gunfire all around, it was horrible. I was really worried that something would happen to you." "Honestly, I'm worried too." "It must have been a horrible experience." "Yes, in a way." Greta came in with a tray of tea and pastries and placed it on the coffee table in front of the two ladies. "I'll come and go," said Joan Sinisi. Dana watched her pour the tea. "Would you like a pie?" "no thanks." Joan Sinisi offered Dana a cup of tea, then poured herself one: "As I said, I'd be really, really happy to meet you, but I—I can't imagine you talking to me what." "I want to talk to you about Taylor Winthrop." Joan Sinisi was so shocked that she spilled some tea on her lap.She was ashamed. "Are you OK?" "Yes, I—I'm fine." She wiped her skirt lightly with a napkin: "I—I don't know if you want to..." Her voice gradually weakened. The atmosphere suddenly changed.Dana said, "You used to be Taylor Winthrop's secretary, didn't you?" Joan Sinisi said cautiously, "Yes, but I stopped working for him a year ago, and I'm afraid I can't help you." The woman was almost trembling. Dana reassured her, "I've heard a lot of good things about Taylor Winthrop. I was just wondering if you could add a few more?" Joan Sinisi looked relieved. "Oh yes, of course I can. Mr. Winthrop is a wonderful man." "How long have you worked for him?" "Nearly three years." Dana smiled. "That must have been a pleasant experience." "Yes, yes, that is, Miss Evans." She sounded more relaxed. "But you filed a lawsuit against him?" Fear returned to Joan Sinisi's eyes: "No—I mean yes. But it was a mistake, you see, I made a mistake." Joan Sinisi swallowed. "I—I misunderstood something Mr. Winthrop said to someone. I behaved very stupidly. I'm ashamed of myself." "You sued, but you didn't take him to court." "Yes. He—we made up. No big deal." Dana looks around the penthouse: "I see. Can you tell me what the settlement is?" "No, I'm afraid I can't," said Joan Sinisi. "They're all top secret." Dana wondered what made this timid woman dare to bring a lawsuit against a giant like Taylor Winthrop, and what made her so afraid to talk about it.What is she afraid of? There was a long silence.Joan Sinisi watched Dana, and Dana felt that she wanted to say something. "Miss Sinisi..." Joan Sinisi stood up: "I'm sorry I can't—if nothing else, Miss Evans..." "I see," Dana said. I wish I knew. He put the tape in the machine and hit play. I—I misunderstood what Mr. Winthrop said to someone.I behaved very stupidly.I am ashamed of myself. You filed a lawsuit, but you didn't take him to court. Yes.He -- we reconciled.no big deal. I see.Can you tell me what the settlement is about? No, I'm afraid I can't, they're all top secret. Miss Sinisi... I'm sorry I can't - if nothing else, Miss Evans... I see. The tape is over. It's just getting started. Dana asked a real estate agent to show her a house, but it was a morning of nothing.Dana and her broker toured the Georgetown, Dupont Circle and Adams areas. Apartments are either too small, too large, or too expensive.By noon, Dana was ready to give up. "Don't worry," the realtor reassured her, "we'll find exactly what you're looking for." "I hope so," Dana said.And be quick. Dana couldn't get Joan Sinisi out of her mind.What did she have on Taylor Winthrop that would force him to give him a penthouse, and God only knows what else?She wanted to tell me something, Dana thought.I am sure of this.I still have to talk to her. Dana called Joan Sinisi's apartment.Greta answered the phone. "good afternoon." "Greta, this is Dana Evans. I would like to speak to Miss Sinisi." "I'm sorry. Miss Sinisi doesn't answer any calls." "Oh, could you please tell her I'm Dana Evans and I need to—" "Sorry, Miss Evans, Miss Sinisi is not available." The phone hung up. Dana dropped Kenmore off at school the next morning.It was freezing cold, and the dim sun was trying to peek out.On street corners throughout the city, Santa Clauses in similar costumes rang their bells asking for donations. I must find an apartment for the three of us by New Year's Eve, Dana thought. Once Dana arrived at the studio, she spent the morning in meetings with the news team, discussing which shows would be on and where they would need to be filmed.Among them is a brutal, unsolved murder that reminds Dana of the Winthrops. She dialed Joan Sinisi's number again. "good afternoon." "Greta, my call with Miss Sinisi is important. Tell her Dana Evans—" "She won't talk to you, Miss Evans." The phone hung up. What happened?Dana wondered. Dana goes in to meet Matt Baker.Abi Rathman greets her. "Congratulations! I heard that the wedding date is all set." Dana smiled, "Yes." Abby sighed, "What a romantic proposal!" "That's my lad." "Dana, our lovelorn advice columnist says that after the wedding, you should go out and buy bags of canned vegetables to stash in the boot of your car." "Why on earth...?" "She said that one day you might decide to have a hobby on the way home and come home late, and when Jeff asks where you've been, you show him the bags and say, shopping, he'd—" "Thank you, Abbie dear. Is Matt free?" "I'll go and tell him you're here." Moments later, Dana is at Matt Baker's office house. "Sit down, Dana. Great news. We just got our newest Nelson. We beat the competition again last night." "Great, Matt, I spoke to a former secretary of Taylor Winthrop, and she—" He grinned. "Your Virgo never gave up, did you? You told me you—" "I know, but listen to this. She filed a lawsuit against Taylor Winthrop when she worked for him, but there was no trial because he settled with her. She currently lives in a flat she can barely afford on her secretary's salary." It’s a huge penthouse, so this settlement must be expensive. The woman is terrified, terrified, as soon as I mention Winthrop’s name. She acts as if she fears for her life.” Matt Baker said patiently: "Did she say she feared for her life?" "No." "Did she say she was afraid of Taylor Winthrop?" "No, but—" "Then from what you know, she's probably afraid of some boyfriend who beat her up, or a thief under her bed. You don't have any basis at all, do you?" "Oh, I—" Dana caught the look on his face. "No specific reason." "By the way, about Nelson..." Joan Sinisi is watching the evening news on Washington Tribune.Dana was saying, "...in national news, according to the latest reports, the crime rate in the United States has dropped twenty-seven percent in the past twelve months. The biggest drops were in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit..." Joan Sinisi was watching Dana's face, staring into her eyes, trying to make a decision.She watched the whole news, and when it was over, she had made up her mind.