Margaret sometimes teased her saying she ought to write a book about the offbeat assortment of daily commuters. Crystal responded by suggesting Margaret do an exposé on the family. That reminded herat their last meeting, Margaret had given her the key to a safe-deposit box. She said it contained her will and other documents important to the family. Her instructions were that Andrbé given the key in the event of Margarets death.
Crystal recalled thinking that Pauls death had sparked a morbid sense of urgency in Margie. Shed been adamant that the contents of the box be made public only if she, André and Gabrielle died simultaneously. A thought as gruesome as it was unlikely.
Crystal opened the wrought-iron gate that had guarded Lyon Broadcasting for fifty years. Dam, she wished Margaret would call home! Her continued absence was disturbing everyone.
Going directly to her office, Crystal breathed easier once she determined thered been no further activity in the bank account. Then she set to work compiling reports for the end-of-the-month board meeting. Margaret would surely return for that.
As Crystal came to the figures from the sports department, she remembered the promise shed made Skipto call Nate Fraser and check on Tanners retirement.
If she hadnt been so tired, she might have verified the rumor with Tanner last night. Certainly hed provided an opportunity. At the end of visiting hours, a nurses aide had flagged her down and said Tanner wantedno, demanded she stop by his room.
Crystal had declined. She wasnt a masochist. But after shed boarded the streetcar home, it struck her that maybe he wanted to break the news of his retirement. Shed told him she worked for WDIX, and maybe he wanted to arrange an interview to announce it. In that case, Nate would have her head for missing out on a real coup. Hmm. Shed better go see Nate right now and in person. She didnt stop to wonder how Tanner knew shed remained in the hospital.
Entering the noisy newsroom, Crystal wove her way among the cubicles to Nate Frasers domain. His four walls were weighted down by sports memorabilia. Crystal knew hed once played for the Vikings and had won a Heisman trophy, which impressed most people. Crystal and Nate didnt have a lot in common, unless their endless arguments over his expense account could be considered common ground. Other than that, she liked his wife Jill, a lot. In fact, theyd become fast friends after Gabrielle had introduced them.
The man glanced up when she appeared in his door. Whats wrong now? he barked, cracking his nut-brown knuckles one after the other.
I thought youd given up trying to intimidate me, Nathan.
Cant help it if your mama didnt train you right, white girl.
Shaking her head, Crystal dropped into a chair. Shall I phone Jill and tell her how you talk at work? Nates brilliant and beautiful Creole wife currently served on the U.S. presidents council for the advancement of race relations. Nate doted on her.
He looked sheepish. For a woman who detests sports, you play hardball, Miz Crystal. If you arent here to hassle me about greenbacks, what is on your mind?
Verifying a rumor that Caleb Tanners ending his football career.
Nate catapulted from his chair. Not our prize quarterback?
Crystal nodded.
Nates eyes glittered with interest. Then he plopped back into the chair, crossed his arms and scowled. You wouldnt be jivin me, would you?
So you cant confirm it? Shoot. That means Ill have to brave Tanners room again to get Skippers football autographed. She stood up and moved toward the door.
Wait. He rounded the desk fast for a big man. This is no joke? Youve been in Cales hospital room?
Yes, and I dont relish going back. Hes obnoxious and
Nate stopped her midsentence. Every sportscaster in towns been trying to get past those battle-axes at the nurses station. The docs, Cales agent and the spokesperson for the Sinners all issued a standard no-comment. Nate reached around her, shut the door and gently urged her back into her chair. This is serious. Tell Papa Nate what gave you the wild idea Cales cashing in his cleats.
She inspected her nails. Theres probably not a shred of truth to the rumor.
Let me be the judge. He listened intently as Crystal explained how she came to be at the hospital and ultimately in Tanners room.
The skinny dude you saw Cale throw out on his ear sounds like Leland Bergman, his agent. So Cales in mega-pain? This kidhes sure the tech said Cales career is in the toilet?
Not quite in those delicate words, Crystal drawled. But that was the gist.
Well, well, well, well. He rocked forward and back, singsonging the word. After a stretch during which neither of them spoke, Nate grabbed his phone. He made several calls, presumably to- sources, all the while indicating Crystal should stay seated.
What did you find out? she asked when at last he hung up and rubbed his palms together excitedly.
My source believes the Sinners are quietly casting the waters in hopes of landing a new quarterback.
Then I guess thats that. Crystal got to her feet. Dont you. feel the slightest bit of compassion for Mr. Tanner? After all, an injury forced you out of pro sports.
Of course I sympathize with his situation.
Couldve fooled me. You look delighted.
I am that. My top sportscaster, Jerry Davis, took a job in L.A. If we work fast, we might entice Cale to replace him.
Crystal, whod again started for the door, glanced over her shoulder. An announcer? The mans like a buffalo in a china shop. You cant polish his rough edges enough to put him on camera. He wears a gold stud in one ear, for Petes sake.
The guys got a great voice.
He bellows.
He can charm the frogs off their lily pads.
Crystal tapped her toe impatiently. He has the manners of an orangutan.
Nate smirked. Yeah. Hell fit right in. And since you, lovely lady, have access to the man, youre going to hire him for us before a competitor hears hes on the loose.
Me? She tried to bolt, but Nate beat her to the door and held it shut with a ham-size palm. Do your own dirty work, she snapped. Ive got other shrimp to peel.
No one else in the media can get near the man, he said, trying to wheedle.
Yeah, well, he tossed me out and probably ruptured something doing it.
Didnt you say that later on, he wanted you to stop by his room? I bet he intends to apologize. Cales got a rep for being real nice to the ladies. Tell you what. Give me an hour to put together an employment offer and get Andrés okay. Ill have to talk to Michael McKay in Human Resources, too. He stroked his chin. Ought to have it ready for you to run over to Tanner by eleven or so.
Only if André says I have to, she said reluctantly. But Ill go after work. Im summarizing a report for the board. Besides, I promised Skipper Id visit him this evening. Im not making two trips to the hospital in one day.
Nate straightened away from the door. I hate to drag our heels in case somebody else gets wind of this. Lets see what André and Mike want to do.
Deal. She stuck out her hand and they shook. Itll frost in the French Quarter before André gives sports precedence over company finances.