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“Ms. McKay, there’s a psycho—the so-called Surrogate Juror Killer—at large in this town, and now a purportedly dangerous stalker is after you. And yet the city police force is pushing ahead with their annual Guns and Hoses softball game tomorrow night.”
Kate says, “Do you have a question, sir, or did you just want to give a sermon?”
There’s a ripple of laughter from the rest of the press pool, but Buckeye Brandon is undeterred. “I was laying down the background, because you’re an outsider in our fair city. The question is how do you justify the risk not only to yourself but to your audience?”
For Kate, this is a fat pitch. “Since theDobbs versus Jackson Women’s Healthdecision in June of 2022, over one hundred women’s clinics have closed nationwide. These organizations—”
Buckeye Brandon interrupts with a smile. “Do you have an answer, ma’am, or did you just want to give a sermon?”
This brings more laughter, and for once Kate looks a little off her game. “Those closed centers provided many services other than abortion—pap smears, birth control, mammograms, adoption services. How do you justifythat?”
Buckeye Brandon is unfazed. “You haven’t answered my question.”
Holly expects Kate to challenge this—she’s a woman who likes to have the last word—and is relieved when for once Kate backs off, just saying that the security measures at the Mingo will be sufficient, and to say more would compromise those measures.
The press conference moves on to other subjects, only returning to Christopher Stewart at the end. A reporter from the AP asks Kate if Stewart is connected to any terrorist organization, such as ISIS or the Army of God.
“So far as we know now, he’s only connected to a church in Wisconsin called Real Christ Holy. You’d have to ask them about terrorist ties.”
Deacon Fallowes will be fielding some requests for comment tonight and tomorrow, Holly thinks, and not without satisfaction.
The last question comes from Peter Upfield, ofThe Western Clarion. It’s delivered in a grating, accusatory voice. “How will you respond, Ms. McKay, if there is an attack by this Stewart person tomorrow, and people are killed?”
Kate gives him a razor-thin smile. “That’s like asking a man if he’s still beating his wife, isn’t it? No matter how that sort of question is answered, it gives the accusation credence. It’s what I’d expect from someone who works for a rag like theClarion.Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.”
Kate walks up the center aisle, and when she reaches Holly, a murmur arises from a few of the local reporters, who have finally recognized her. Buckeye Brandon shouts, “How long have you been working for Kate, Holly?”
She doesn’t answer, and doesn’t relax until Kate is safely back in her suite.
7
Corrie is in her room, making calls to local radio stations, spiking the current rumor going around that Sista Bessie is going to introduce Kate tomorrow night. Corrie tells them the Sista will be otherwise engaged, singing the National Anthem at a charity softball game twelve blocks away. Any further questions should be addressed to Sista Bessie’s press representative, and no, Corrie doesn’t know who that would be.
Kate, for the time being at loose ends, asks Holly if she’d like to have a room service dinner with her. Holly agrees and they sit together on the couch, looking over the menu. The prices are terrifying, but Kate tells Holly to knock herself out.
“I only let people order what they want if they save me from getting my brains bashed in.”
While they wait for the food, Izzy calls. Holly excuses herself and takes it in her room. Izzy begins by congratulating Holly on identifying the unstable young man who has been dogging Kate McKay’s tour.
“Way back when this began, I told Lew Warwick that if he wanted an ace detective, he should call you.”
“Izzy, that’s really not—”
“I was righter than I knew. You’re amazing, Holly.”
As always when complimented, Holly wants to change the subject. In the background, she can hear men yelling and the chink of metal bats hitting balls. “You’re at Dingley Park, right?”
“Yes indeed. Have been for most of the day.”
“At Kate’s press conference, Buckeye Brandon asked about why the police were going on with the game when the Surrogate Juror Killer is still on the loose.”
“Yeah, we’ve taken a certain amount of chong from the tong about that.” Before Holly can decide if that’s racist, Izzy pushes on. “I understand and sympathize, but I understand Chief Patmore’s point, too. The game brings in well over a hundred thousand dollars for the Kiner Pedes unit and Muscular Dystrophy. Cancel it, the charities lose and the bad guy wins. Plus, people are apt to be safe in a crowd, and we’re expecting a big one.”
“Are you having any fun?”
“Actually I am. I can still throw a dropball.” She lowers her voice. “Trying to keep it a secret from the firehouse boys.”
“The pitch you threw in the gym, right?”