CHAPTER TWO

Dr. John Hunter looks over the dispersing crowd from his position at the top of the bleachers. His attendance at this tribute was an impromptu decision, and he kept in the background as he wanted to surprise his friends after the memorial. It was a surprisingly moving event—at least once Joan began speaking. He barely knew Gavin Price, and certainly didn't like him, but he felt himself getting misty-eyed along with everyone else.

An amazing example of crowd manipulation…just like Ryan. Dr. Hunter pauses at this thought. Last year he saw how easily his brother could sway people using a few well chosen words, vocal inflection and body language. People often found themselves changing their minds under Ryan's influence, and the opposite sex seemed especially vulnerable to Ryan's persuasion. Now Joan is showing signs of having the same ability, but to a lesser degree.

Dr. Hunter starts down the bleachers, carefully keeping an eye on Joan so he doesn't lose track of her in this crowd. He notices a thin blonde woman with Joan exchanging what seems to be heated words. The middle-aged woman is literally shaking from her extreme emotions. Suddenly, she pulls a knife from her purse…

Without hesitation, Dr. Hunter launches himself down the bleachers, taking them three at a time. This is a hazardous and strenuous action for a man of 43, but being a lifelong athlete, he handles it easily. Reaching the grassy field, John Hunter pours on the speed, but he knows he is too late. The woman with the knife is inches from Joan. He will never make it in time…

At that moment, Joan glances over at Dr. Hunter, winks and makes a subtle hand gesture for him to stop. To his own surprise, Dr. Hunter stops. Intellect tells him to continue, but instinct tells him to follow Joan's lead. Had he misjudged the situation? To his amazement, as Joan speaks in low steady tones to the blonde woman, she calms down. Tears flow from the woman's eyes and the knife slips from her hand. Joan embraces the woman, giving her a warm, supportive hug.

Everywhere, people are alerted to the situation by Dr. Hunter's mad dash 'to the rescue'. At least a dozen cell phones have recorded the incident, and a couple of security guards rush toward the scene. Joan holds up an authoritative hand, and the two guards slow their pace. They approach with curiosity rather than hostility.

"This woman needs help. She's had…a temporary break down. Call an ambulance and treat her nice!"

The guards obediently nod their agreement as one of them recovers the knife and slips it into his belt. "The police will want a statement."

"I'll be around."

The two guards gently lead Mrs Figliola away. Joan turns toward Dr. Hunter, squeals with delight and jumps into his arms. John catches her and observes the goofy smile she gives him. The little minx, she is trying to distract him from his concerns. He knew it, and she knew he knew it but still it works.

"Dr. H., it's so good to see you again! What brought you back to town? Are you here alone? Say, I love your new haircut and that snazzy tie. What happened to your conservative, solid color look? Hey, tell me you missed me!"

Dr. Hunter laughs and surprises Joan with his response… "Joan, have you put on weight?"

Joan looks offended and playfully smacks Dr. Hunter's shoulder. "That's the first thing you have to say to me? I'll have you know I'm down one jeans size since you last saw me."

"That's what I meant. You look trimmer but more solid. Muscle mass weighs more than flab."

"What a smooth talker you are, and yes, I have been working out—a lot. Why, am I too much for you to handle?"

"Hardly, but maybe you should get down now? I'm much too old and dignified for this sort of behavior."

Joan laughs and slides to the ground. Before she can say or do anything else, Helen rushes up and desperately hugs her daughter…

"Joan! Oh-my-God, I was so scared! Are you okay?"

"I'm fine Mom. I was never in any danger."

"But the knife?"

"Mrs Figliola wasn't here to kill me. She was going to kill herself in front of me."

Dr. Hunter asks, "But why?"

"Not surprisingly, the woman can't accept how low her daughter sank before her death. Plus, she had some wild idea that there's some government cover-up of the truth."

(Dr. Hunter and Joan silently exchange a significant glance. Joan hates keeping this secret, especially from her own mother, but the boys from Homeland Security were a scary bunch who meant it when they said: 'Tell no one'. Joan continues…)

"Mrs Figliola had a letter addressed to the media in her purse detailing her suspicions. After such a public suicide, it would have raised a lot of unpleasant attention."

Dr. Hunter says, "But the letter will be found when Mrs Figliola reaches the hospital."

"No, I lifted it out of her purse when we hugged. I've been taking pickpocketing lessons from my old friend, Artie the Dip. You never know what unusual skill will come in handy when you work for God."

Helen asks, "But Joan, how did you calm down Lillian enough to be able to hug her?"

"I told a few comforting lies. I said that last day Glynis was confused and unsure of what she wanted to do. That when Price moved against her, the gun went off accidentally because of Glynis' unfamiliarity with firearms."

"She bought that?"

"It's what she wanted to hear. That Glynis still had good in her, and that she was only temporarily off the straight and narrow path. I said that when Glynis took me to Mt. Nashman, she was scared and desperate. That I had no idea what she was planning. That once we were there, Glynis became so overwhelmed with grief over Price, she couldn't go on. That's why she ended her life. I ended by reminding Mrs Figliola that there was still someone that loved her very much."

"Carl Rove?" Helen asks.

"Mr. Rove has been mourning the loss of their relationship for months. Maybe, now that Mrs Figliola will be getting the help she needs, Mr. Rove can be persuaded to visit her."

Dr. Hunter begins, "Speaking of persuasion..."

"Hold that thought for later. I still have business to attend to. Mom, you might want to help Grace. She looks like she is going to try standing on her own, and I'm sure she's more tired than she's letting on."

Helen, always the complete mother, quickly hurries away to help her daughter-in-law. Dr. Hunter tries again...

"Joan..."

"Doc, I know you've got tons of questions, but I've got a chewing out coming from you-know-who. I'm sure Mom will invite you to lunch, so we can catch up then. Okay?"

Dr. Hunter nods his agreement, and Joan reluctantly begins climbing the bleachers for her meeting with a displeased looking Goth Kid God...

TBC. Please review.