*****
By mid-afternoon, Nick was satisfied that the auditorium at St. Theresa’s had been transformed into an area befitting a press conference of this magnitude. He had called a friend in the AV business who created a backdrop flanked by ten-foot screens, along with drapery, lighting, and sound.
“You out did yourself again, Sammy.”
“Thanks,” Sammy stood on a tall ladder adjusting a stage light. “Could you tell me what this is all about? Did you really raise three billion dollars?”
“Well, sort of,” said Nick. He was growing tired of answering that question. “You’ll find out the whole deal at two-thirty.” A large crash made him jump. “Now what?”
“Just local news setting up stage left,” Sammy said. “CNN, FOX, and the three main networks are on the press riser. Not sure how to fit in much more here.”
Nick shook his head. “Just roll with it, Sammy. You’ll figure it out.”
“Will do, boss. And you’ve got company.”
Nick turned to see Wall and Shelly strolling into the auditorium, dressed in their lab whites.
“Dr. Wall, where’s your stethoscope?” asked Nick. “It’s in my pocket. Why?”
“You’ll need to put it around your neck, okay?” “Oh, like a prop?”
“Right.”
“If we need makeup, I have some in my desk.” Wall smiled. “No, Doc, we need just you. Let’s save Popcorn the Clown for
Friday night at the movies.”
“Do I look all right?” Shelly flashed that classic smile as she stood straight and turned a bit to the left.
“You look like a million bucks, Shel. Okay, you two. Just stand with us and follow along.” There was no time for a run-through. Nick took a deep breath and looked around. The room was filling up with special guests, high-ranking officials, and even more press. There were now more cameras than could fit on the twenty-four- foot press riser. He caught Sammy’s eye and motioned him over.