Bone-marrow donation?
People wouldnt necessarily be donating their bone marrow. At first, theres just a blood test and the donor information is put into the data bank. Then if someone needs a transplant, doctors can access the data bank for a suitable match.
I thought relatives usually donated bone marrow.
Julees pulse kicked up a notch, the falsely chipper smile tightening. Thats the ideal situation, but sometimes family members dont match. Like me.
In a deliberate attempt to calm her fraying nerves, Julee picked up the paperweight from Tates desk and rolled it between her hands, watching snow drift over the pair of baying hounds. Was it her imagination, or could she still detect the warmth of Tates skin? Oddly, the thought calmed her.
Any reason why youre targeting minorities?
Oh, yes, the most important reason in the world. Their daughter had Tates Seminole heritage and the genetic types that went with it.
Minorities have a very limited donor system, so the chances of finding a match are almost nil. And because their population is small, we need all the donors we can get.
We?
She shrugged, but her grip on the paperweight was tight enough to turn her knuckles white. Shed done fine without this man for nearly ten years. She had no desire to disrupt her life or his any more than necessary, but Tates cooperation could save Megans life. Ive been working with the bone-marrow registry for a while. Too many kids die who could be saved by somebody if only that someone had his blood type on file.
Her heart had been broken a dozen times as beautiful children she and Megan had come to know had withered away while waiting for a transplant. Minority children especially lacked hope. Somehow, she had to change that.
Why come to me? Why not go to the hospital or the Chamber of Commerce?
I have. The hospital administrator thinks its a great opportunity for PR. The bone-marrow people will send a mobile unit, the Saturn Company has signed on to sponsor, and well accept regular blood donations, too, to help with expenses.
He tilted back in his chair again, eyebrows knit in thought. Bright sunlight slanted in through the window behind him and gleamed off his almost-black hair. He picked up a pen and rotated it between his fingers. Let me ask that again. Why come to me?
Im lining up all the community and civic leaders. The mayor, the school administration, fire chief, etc. Since Im especially interested in bringing the Seminoles on board, your influence At Tates thunderous expression, Julee clapped her lips together. Shed thought he was warming to the idea, but now the cold, shuttered expression returned.
Youll have to go to the BIA or tribal chiefs if you want the Seminoles. Dont expect me to get involved.
Her heart fell. But I thought
You thought what, Julee? That you could march in here and pretend ten years hadnt passed? That Id ignore the law-enforcement needs of this county to run around drumming up business for your tax break?
No! Thats not what I thought at all. Where had she gone wrong? As I said, youre the sheriff, you have a certain clout that could be used
Used? No thanks. Been there, done that.
Julee squeezed her hands into fists, the long nails digging at her skin. She wanted to scream, to cry, to grab Tate and make him listen. Everything was coming out all wrong.
Thats not what I meant!
With a loud exhale, Tate held out a palm, peacemaker style. Look, Julee, I dont mean to be a hard case about this, but there are plenty of others to help with this cause of yours. I really am awfully busy, and given our history, Id expect to be the last man on earth youd come to.
Their history was exactly why she had to have his help, but for Megans sake she dared not tell him that. Resuming perfect posture on the slick vinyl seat even while her insides howled in terror, she struggled for control and a serene façade. Any act of hysteria on her part was bound to make him wonder why he was more important than any other civic leader.
We were once such good friends, I just thought
Once, he interrupted. And once was a long time ago, a time I
dont care to revisit. Now, if youll excuse me He tossed the pen down and pushed upward from the desk. I have to see a woman about a Peeping Tom.
Wait. Please. But Tate was past listening.
Julee watched in dismay as the Sheriff of Seminole County, the man whose very blood she depended upon, grabbed his hat and, as if he couldnt stand to be in her presence another moment, strode out the door.
Chapter Two
He has to! Beverly Reynolds strident voice pierced the distance from California to the Blackwood Motel.
I know that, Mother, Julianna cried. Then flopping back onto the standard green-and-brown motel bedspread, she relented. Im sorry. Im just so scared. What if I cant convince him to be tested? She rubbed at the ache building between her eyebrows. I dont know what Ill do.
The motel television flickered to a commercial and Julianna saw her own legs hawking a new brand of depilatory cream. She turned away from the inane sight.