last night?" she asked.
"Yes," he grunted. "For God's sakes, try putting on some makeup and a more appropriate dress."
Dana felt deflated. "Right."
As she turned to leave, Matt Baker said grudgingly, "You weren't bad." Coming from him, it was a high compliment.
On the fifth night of the news broadcast, the director said to Dana, "By the way, the big brass said to keep you on."
She wondered if the big brass was Matt Baker.
Within six months, Dana became a fixture on the Washington scene. She was young and attractive and her intelligence shone through. At the end of the year, she was given a raise and special assignments. One of her shows, Here and Now, interviews with celebrities, had zoomed to the top of the ratings. Her interviews were personal and sympathetic, and celebrities who hesitated to appear on other talk shows asked to be on Dana's show. Magazines and newspapers began interviewing Dana. She was becoming a celebrity herself.
At night, Dana would watch the international news. She envied the foreign correspondents. They were doing something important. They were reporting history, informing the world about the important events that were happening around the globe. She felt frustrated.
Dana's two-year contract with WTE was nearly up. Philip Cole, the chief of correspondents, called her in.
"You're doing a great job, Dana. We're all proud of you."
"Thank you, Philip."
"It's time for us to be talking about your new contract. First of all - "
"I'm quitting."
"I beg your pardon?"
"When my contract's up, I'm not doing the show anymore."
He was looking at her incredulously. "Why would you want to quit? Don't you like it here?"
"I like it a lot," Dana said. "I want to be with WTE, but I want to be a foreign correspondent"
"That's a miserable life," he exploded. "Why in God's name would you want to do that?"
"Because I'm tired of hearing what celebrities want to cook for dinner and how they met their fifth husband. There are wars going on, and people are suffering and dying. The world doesn't give a damn. I want to make them care." She took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. I can't stay on here." She rose and started toward the door.
"Wait a minute! Are you sure this is what you want to do?"
"It's what I've always wanted to do," Dana said quietly.
He was thoughtful for a moment. "Where do you want to go?"
It took her a moment for the import of his words to sink in. When Dana found her voice, she said, "Sarajevo."
Chapter 9
Being governor was even more exciting than Oliver Russell had anticipated. Power was a seductive mistress, and Oliver loved it. His decisions influenced the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. He became adept at swaying the state legislature, and his influence and reputation kept expanding. I really am making a difference, Oliver thought happily. He remembered Senator Davis's words: "This is just a stepping-stone, Oliver. Walk carefully."
And he was careful. He had numerous affairs, but they were always handled with the greatest discretion. He knew that they had to be.
From time to time, Oliver checked with the hospital about Miriam's condition.
"She's still in a coma, Governor."
"Keep me informed."
One of Oliver's duties as governor was hosting state dinners. The guests of honor were supporters, sports figures, entertainers, people with political clout, and visiting dignitaries. Jan was a gracious hostess, and Oliver enjoyed the way people reacted to her.
One day Jan came to Oliver and said, "I just talked to Father. He's giving a party next weekend at his home. He would like us to come. There are some people he wants you to meet."
That Saturday, at Senator Davis's sumptuous home in Georgetown, Oliver found himself shaking hands with some of the most important wheelers and dealers in Washington. It was a beautiful party, and Oliver was enjoying himself immensely.
"Having a good time, Oliver?"
"Yes. It's a wonderful party. You couldn't wish for a better one."
Peter Tager said, "Speaking of wishes, that reminds me. The other day, Elizabeth, my six-year-old, was in a cranky mood and wouldn't get dressed. Betsy was getting desperate. Elizabeth looked at her and said, 'Mama, what are you thinking?' Betsy said, 'Honey, I was just wishing that you were in a good mood, and that you would get dressed and have your breakfast like a good girl.' And Elizabeth said, 'Mama, your wish is not being granted!' Isn't that great? Those kids are fantastic. See you later, Governor."
A couple walked in the door and Senator Davis went to greet them.
The Italian ambassador,