Chapter 11 Chapter nine

During their afternoon meeting, where they were discussing crime scans, Dana was in the conference room with a half-dozen reporters and investigators. Olivia poked her head in: "Mr. Baker wants to see you." "Tell him I'll be right there." "The boss is waiting for you." "Thanks, Abby. You look in good spirits." Abby nodded: "I finally had a good night's sleep, in the past—" "Dana? Come in," Matt called. "To be continued." Abby said. Dana walks into Matt's office. "How about a date with Roger Hudson?"

"I got the feeling he wasn't very interested. He thought my speculation was crazy." "I told you he wasn't Mr. Enthusiasm." "He did take a bit of getting used to. His wife is lovely. You should listen to her comments about the stupidity of high society in Washington, all the vileness and meanness." "I know. She's a wonderful lady." Dana bumps into Eliot Cromwell at the Executive Diner. "Come with me," said Eliot Cromwell. "Thank you." Dana sat down. "How about Kenmore?" Dana hesitated, "For now, I'm afraid there is something wrong."

"Oh? What kind of question?" "Kenmore expelled from school." "why?" "He got involved in a fight and put a boy in the hospital." "That's enough." "I don't believe the fights were Kenmore's fault," Dana argued, "because he only had one arm and he got teased a lot." Eliot Cromwell said: "I think it was really hard for him." "Indeed. I'm trying to get him a prosthetic, but there's something wrong." "What grade is Kenmore in?" "Seventh grade." Eliot Cromwell pondered: "Are you familiar with the Lincoln Private School?"

"Oh yes. But I've heard it's going to be hard to get in," she added, "and I'm afraid Kenmore isn't doing too well either." "I have some acquaintances there. Do you want me to tell anyone?" "I—you are so kind." "You're welcome." Elliott Cromwell called Dana later that day. "I have good news for you. I spoke to the principal of Lincoln Private High School and she agreed to accept Kenmore as a probationary student. Can you take him there tomorrow morning?" "Of course. I—" It took Dana a moment to understand. "Oh, that's great! I'm so happy. Thank you so much. I really appreciate it, Elliott."

"I want you to know that I appreciate you, Dana, I think it's amazing that you brought Kenmore to this country, you are a special person." "thank you." It will take a lot of influence, and it will take a lot of kindness, Dana thought as she left the office. Lincoln Private Secondary School is a group of magnificent buildings, including an Edwardian style building, three smaller outbuildings, a spacious and tidy garden and a large and well-maintained sports field. Dana stood in front of the gate and said, "Kenmore, this is the best school in Washington. You can learn a lot here, but you have to have a proactive attitude. Do you understand?"

"Cool." "And you can't get involved in any fights." Kenmore didn't answer. Dana and Kenmore were ushered into the office of Principal Rovala Toth.She is a charming lady with a friendly demeanor. "Welcome," she said.She turned to Kenmore. "I've heard a lot about you, young man. We look forward to having you here." Dana waited for Kenmore to speak.He said nothing, so she said, "Kenmore looks forward to being here." "Good. I think you'll make some really good friends at our school." Kenmore stood there without answering.

An older woman enters the office.Mrs. Totter said, "This is Becky. Becky, this is Kenmore. Why don't you show him around? Show him the teachers." "Of course. This way, Kenmore." Kenmore looked at Dana imploringly, then turned and followed Becky out the door. "I want to introduce Kenmore," Dana began. "he--" Mrs. Totter said: "You needn't, Miss Evans. Elliott Cromwell has told me all about the situation and what happened at Kenmore. I know he's been through more than any child should be. More than that, we are ready to empathize with him."

"Thank you," Dana said. "I have his transfer reports from Theodore Roosevelt. We'll see if we can improve them." Dana nodded: "Kenmore is a very smart kid." "I believe he is. His maths results show that. We're trying to motivate him to excel in other subjects." "The fact that he only has one arm is causing him a lot of pain," Dana said. "I hope that gets resolved." Mrs. Toth nodded sympathetically: "Of course." "I know you're going to love it here," Dana said as they walked back to the car after Kenmore's school tour.

Kenmore remained silent. "It's a beautiful school, isn't it?" "It's disgusting," Kenmore said. Dana paused: "Why?" Kenmore's voice cracked. "They have tennis courts and football fields, but I can't—" Tears welled up in his eyes. Dana put her arms around him. "I'm sorry, honey." She said to herself, I have to do something. The Saturday night dinner at Hudson's house was so glamorous that it required attendees to wear little dresses and black ties.The beautiful room was packed with motivators and guides from the nation's capital, including the secretary of defense, various members of Congress, the chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, and the ambassador of Germany.

Roger and Pamela were standing in the doorway when Dana and Jeff arrived.Dana introduces Jeff. "I love your sports column and broadcast," said Roger Hudson. "Thank you." Pamela said, "Let me introduce some guests to you." Many of the faces are familiar and the greeting is warm and friendly.It seemed that most of the guests were either Dana or Jeff or admirers of both. When they were alone, Dana said, "My God, the guest list here reads like who's who." Jeff took her hand: "You're the brightest star here, honey." "No way," Dana said, "I just—"

Just then, Dana saw General Victor Booth and Jack Stone walking straight towards them. "Good evening, General," Dana said. Buster stared at her and said roughly, "What the hell are you doing here?" Dana's face flushed "shua". "It's a social evening," snapped the general. "I didn't know the press was invited." Jeff stared at General Buster, furious. "Shut up!" he said, "We also have the right to—" Victor Bust ignored his words.He approached Dana: "If you're asking for trouble, remember my promise to you." He walked away. Jeff looked at him in disbelief. "My God. What the hell is this?" Jack Stone stood where he was, flushing. "I—I'm so sorry. The General is like that sometimes. He's not always very tactful." "We noticed," Jeff said coldly. The banquet itself was excellent.A beautiful handwritten menu is placed in front of each pair of guests. This is a luxurious meal. To Dana's surprise, she found herself set next to Roger Hudson.Pamela's arrangement, she thought. "Pamela mentioned that Kenmore was accepted by Lincoln Private School." Dana smiled. "Yes. Elliott Cromwell arranged. He's a wonderful man." Roger Hudson nodded, "I've heard that too." He hesitated for a moment: "It may not mean anything, but it seems that before Taylor Winthrop became our ambassador to Russia, he told a few close friends that he had decided to withdraw from public life." Dana frowned. "And then he accepted the post of ambassador to Russia." "yes." strangeness. On the way home, Jeff asked Dana, "What did you do to attract admirers like General Buster?" "He didn't want me to investigate the deaths of the Winthrop family." "why not?" "He didn't explain. He just yelled." Jeff said slowly, "He bites harder than he yells, Dana. He's a formidable foe." She looked at Jeff curiously: "Why?" "He's the head of the FRA." "I know. They develop technology and help poor countries master modern production methods and—" Jeff said coldly: "Then there really is a Santa Claus here." Dana stared at him, puzzled: "What are you talking about?" "This bureau is just a cover-up. The FRA's real job is to spy on foreign intelligence agencies and intercept their messages. It's ironic. Frater means brother in Latin -- except it's big brother, and big brother Everyone is taken care of for granted. They're even more secretive than the NSA." Dana mused, "Taylor Winthrop used to be the head of the FRA. Interesting." "I suggest you stay as far away from General Booth as possible." "I intend to do so." "I know you've got a babysitter tonight, honey. So if you have to hurry home—" Dana snuggled up beside him. "No. Nanny can wait, I can't. Let's go to your place." Jeff grinned. "I thought you'd never mention it." Jeff lived in a small apartment in a four-story building on Madison Avenue.Jeff leads Dana into the bedroom. "I'll be glad when we move into a bigger apartment," Jeff said. "Kenmore should have his own room. Why don't we—?" "Why don't we just stop talking?" Dana suggested. Jeff hugged her: "Good idea." He walked around behind her, stroking her buttocks with his hands, patting slowly and gently.He starts to undress her. "Did you know you have a wonderful body?" "Everyone says that," Dana said. "It's a cliché. Are you going to undress?" "I'm thinking about it." Dana leaned forward and began to unbutton his shirt. "Do you know you're a little slut?" She smiled: "Of course." Dana was waiting on the bed when Jeff finished undressing.She lay in his warm arms to warm her body.He is a wonderful lover, sexy and caring. "I love you so much," Dana murmured. "I love you, my dear." Jeff was about to move when his phone rang. "Your or mine?" They both laughed.It rang again. "Mine," said Jeff, "make it ring." "Maybe something important," Dana said. "Oh, well." Jeff grumbled and sat up.He picked up the phone: "Hello?" His voice changed: "No, it's okay...continue talking...of course...I don't think you need to worry. Maybe it's just too nervous." The conversation lasted a full five minutes: "Okay... relax... okay... good night, Rachel." He switched off the phone. Isn't it too late for Rachel to call at this time of night? "Is something wrong, Jeff?" "It's nothing. Rachel has done too much. All she needs is rest. She'll be fine." He hugged Dana and said softly, "Where are we?" He pulled her naked body closer, and Wonderful things began. Dana forgets all about Winthrop, Joann Sinisi, the General, the Housekeeper, Kenmore, and the school, and her life becomes a celebration of joy and passion. Afterwards, Dana said reluctantly: "I'm afraid it's time for Cinderella to turn into a pumpkin, honey." "What a pumpkin! I'll get the wagon ready right away." She looked down at him: "I guess it's ready, do it again?" When Dana got home, the women from the nanny center were waiting impatiently to leave. "It's half past one," she said accusingly. "Sorry, I'm stuck." Dana gave the woman some money: "Call me," she said, "It's dangerous outside. See you tomorrow night." The nurse said: "Miss Evans, I think you should know..." "what?" "Kenmore kept asking you when you were coming home all night. The kid didn't feel very safe." "thank you, good night." Dana went into Kenmore's room.He is awake, playing computer games. "Hi, Dana." "You must be sleeping, buddy." "I'm waiting for you to come home. Are you having a good time?" "Pleasant, but I miss you, baby." Kenmore turns off the computer: "Do you go out every night?" Dana thought about all the emotions behind the question: "I'll try to spend more time with you, honey, any questions?"