Chapter 65

August 10 & 11, 1987

With five additional youngsters released from the hospital that weekend, Julie and Steve were confident they'd discovered a cure for the toxin problem. Monday morning, Shelly and Ross Templeton traveled to Seattle to observe the progress first-hand. After a tour of the hospital's pediatric unit, and receiving updates on the remaining patients, Ross and Shelly offered to treat Julie and Steve to lunch at the pizza place across the street.

Ross and Shelly crowded in one side of a red booth and Steve next to Julie, on the other.

"Do you feel comfortable opening the trial to the general public, yet?" Ross asked Julie, stirring sugar into his tea.

"Most definitely," Julie answered, feeling Steve's leg brush up against hers as he reached for the parmesan cheese shaker.

"Sorry." Steve muttered an apology.

Pursing her lips, Julie wished she'd sat next to Ross instead.

"And you feel the same, Dr. Maitland?" Ross asked Steve.

"Yes it is quite miraculous, the progress the children have made, even if it was Julie's formula and not mine which worked." He elbowed Julie in the forearm.

Touch me again and see if I don't say anything, thought Julie, forcing a smile.

"We are quite satisfied with the progress," Shelly said. "How soon do you feel we can open the trial?"

"I don't see why not as early as next week," said Steve.

Julie nodded, wondering if the fulfillment of their contract to develop a vaccine, meant she could return home soon. She felt Donovan wouldn't confirm what she suspected until he saw her in person. She'd tried to call him yesterday morning, but Sean said Donovan was filling Melissa Foxx's weekend anchor spot. Julie knew she'd have to wait until Wednesday evening to speak to Donovan again. Ross and Shelly planned to stay for at least another week.

Pouring dressing onto her salad, Shelly asked, "How do you guys feel about leading the second phase trials?"

Julie wiped her mouth with a napkin. "Up here?"

Ross grinned. "We'll draw up a ninety day contract. Of course, it'd be less expensive if you could find temporary housing here."

"You want us to share an apartment?" Julie frowned. I wouldn't have to share anything, once they pay us… But there'd be no chance in working things out with Donovan if I stay...

"That probably wouldn't be best," Steve responded to Ross' suggestion. "We're trying to move on with our…"

"-friendship," Julie finished his sentence, glanced at him and gave a little smile.

"I'll start looking for a place for me," Steve said. "And Julie will have to decide whether she wants to continue to be a part of the project."

Shelly touched Julie's hand. "We know you've been through a lot and we'll understand if…"

"…I need some time to think it over," Julie admitted.

"We'll make a formal announcement to the press on Friday. I'd like to throw a celebration party." Ross turned to Shelly. "Call the hotel. See if we can use their banquet room." He looked at Julie again. "You'll need to write a speech about the progress that's been made."

Julie nodded, wondering why Ross didn't invite Steve to speak.

Does Ross intend to inform the local press or the national media as well?...

#

Tuesday morning, Donovan sat in Pierce's office wondering how many other applicants Pierce had asked to see in person again. Had Pierce called Donovan in only due to the convenience of Donovan working for KDHB, intending to let him down face to face?

Donovan followed Pierce's every move as the News Director tucked a yellow phone book into his desk drawer. Pierce stuck out his hand.

Donovan took it.

Pierce squeezed his fingers.

"Congratulations, Mike. You've got the position."

Donovan smiled. Thank God…

"When can I start?"

"Next Monday, bright and early."

"Thank you."

"You'll be salary again," Pierce added.

Donovan had already figured as much knowing the position held a steady income of a hundred grand a year. He wouldn't have to lose his home. He could hardly wait to tell Sean and Julie the good news.

"Now onto another order of business." Pierce slapped a press release on the desk in front of Donovan. "Know anything about this?"

Donovan skimmed through the paper.

Red Dust research team, Dr. Juliet Parrish and Dr. Steve Maitland of Metzger Pharmaceuticals in Los Angeles develop vaccine for use in humans. Trials to begin in Seattle next week.

Well, I'll be damned. Donovan smiled. She knew she'd be coming home soon, and didn't tell me.

"Now will you get me that interview?" Pierce asked.

"In Seattle?"

"I don't care where she is," Ross said with excitement. "I'll send you up there."

"I'll ask her."

"They're making a formal announcement at a gala on Friday. If I send you up there, will you need to take Sean?"

"I'll talk to my ex-sister-in law. Maybe she'll watch him."

Pierce jotted some information on a paper tablet, then tore off a sheet and gave it to Donovan.

"The party's going to be at the downtown Marriot. You'll need to look spiffy. I'll send Jaycee as your camerawoman."

Great. So much for alone time with Julie.

"How soon can you talk to Dr. Parrish?" Pierce asked.

"I'll call home and ask Sean for her number."

The several times Donovan tried to call Julie from KDHB that night, her phone just rang and rang. He decided to try again in the morning.