Chapter 63

Wednesday, August 5, 1987 - Afternoon

Julie watched Isabella's mother fasten her into a plastic infant carrier. Isabella was the third baby to leave the hospital this week. She no longer required breathing treatments, and greatly tolerated daily walks outside.

Julie touched the little girl's hand. "I can't believe it, you get to go home."

"Dr. Parrish, Dr. Maitland," Isabella's mother said, "Juan and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This means so much."

Julie hugged the woman, and then Steve took his turn. They each shook Juan Sanchez's hands.

Eyes wide, Isabella sucked on a pink pacifier. As Juan lifted her carrier from the table, Julie tugged at the little girl's chubby leg.

"Bye, baby girl." She gave a little wave as Isabella's parents were escorted by a nurse to the hall outside.

Julie turned to Steve and said, "If they keep releasing them, we won't have a job here."

Steve didn't respond, but instead walked out into the hallway. Julie was growing tired of the silent treatment he'd been giving her since their disagreement last week.

#

Standing outside Pierce's closed office door, Donovan fidgeted with his tie. He waited a few minutes before the door opened and Channel Five's June Whitko sauntered out, trailed by Pierce.

"You'll hear by next Tuesday," Pierce assured her.

"Thank you, Mr. Pierce" The woman smiled and stuck out her hand.

Pierce shook it.

Whitko smiled at Donovan. "Hello, Donovan."

"Hi," he replied.

"C'mon in, Mike." Pierce gestured to a chair.

As Donovan took his seat, Pierce closed the door, marched back to his desk and snatched a manila folder from the top of a stack a dozen more. He thumbed through the pages with one hand and picked up his cigar with the other. After a moment, Pierce's eyes met Donovan's.

"It says here you graduated from the School of Journalism in seventy-two, and went on to cover pieces on Vietnam."

"Uh huh."

Are you really that unfamiliar with my work? Donovan wondered.

"In 1981, you won an Emmy with your soundman, Tony Leonetti."

"Right."

Setting the file down on the desk, Pierce smiled and asked, "Why do you think you're the best man for the job?"

Donovan thought for a few seconds. "People are familiar with me, with my work. They know I care."

He gave Pierce a few more noteworthy reasons.

"You're best known for your field reporting ability, to put the subject at ease. You are a very personable individual and that's why you've done so well in your position here," Pierce said. "How comfortable do you feel about working the morning and noon broadcasts? Is that schedule compatible with your role as a single parent?"

"Of course."

"Sean's returning to school in the fall. Will you need to be home to make sure he gets to where he needs to be?"

June Whitko has three kids, Did he ask her how her work schedule affects her ability to raise them? I bet her husband helps… My disadvantage being single.

"I'll work it out."

"I like your devotion and reporting style. When you're not distracted with your personal issues, you do great work, but you did have a lot of tardies last month. Nicholson is being considered for an Emmy nomination because of the piece you guys did on Julie Parrish." Placing the cigar in a glass ashtray, Pierce added, "I had hoped you'd interview her. I still think the viewers are very interested in hearing her side of the incident with Pico."

I wonder if I get her to do an interview, they'll give me the job.

"Did you ever ask her for an interview?" Pierce asked.

"I did," Donovan said. "A while back ago, when she was still very sick. I didn't want to keep pushing her. She wasn't communicating well at the time."

"Are you still in contact with her?"

"She's out of town."

Pierce sat back in his chair and folded his hands on the desk. "Hmm. Do you know when she'll be back?"

"No, I don't. I'm sorry."

"Will you promise me you'll ask her as soon as she—"

"I doubt she'll be back before you fill Melissa's position. I'd like to be considered on my past and current abilities, not for something I can't guarantee will happen."

The corners of Pierce's lips turned up. "Of course, Mike."

The so-called interview lasted another five minutes before Pierce assured Donovan, like he had Whitko, he'd reach a decision by Tuesday.

#

Julie was eager to call Maggie from the hotel room that evening, and update her on the toxin antidote. She expected at least a few more babies to be released by Sunday.

"Does that mean you'll be home soon?" Maggie asked.

"Why? You need me to babysit?" Julie teased, twirling the kinked phone cord in her hand. "I think I have enough babies to look after."

"Not for CJ," Maggie said. "You'll never guess who called and asked about you. It seems he's worried because you haven't answered your phone."

"Donovan?" Julie squeaked, unable to hide her enthusiasm.

"He wants you to call him A.S.A.P."

He probably called to ask me to help Sean… It's a start.

"Did he say what for?"

"I asked him if there was anything I should know about, and he said, nothing I wouldn't repeat. What do you think he meant by that?"

Julie giggled. "Well, obviously, he thinks you have a big mouth."

"Do you?"

Julie laughed again. "Oh, he just doesn't know you anymore."

"Why do you think he called you?"

"I don't know, but I'll find out." She smiled. "I'll try him in the morning."

If I sleep at all…