up being the missing link we’ve been searching for? You know what you’ll have then, Dr. Wall?”
“My second miracle.”
“You’ll be that doctor who oversaw a giant step in cancer treatment. You might even become famous! Or somebody’s hero.”
“I don’t want to be somebody’s hero.”
“Too late.” She leaned in and gave him a peck on the cheek.
“Let’s just see what happens.”
“Okay, okay,” he said. “But for the record, I still think you’re all out of your minds.”
*****
Friday night, Nick pulled into the driveway of his dad’s house
about seven fifteen. Jerry got out of the car with him.
“You’re late,” bellowed Sal as they ambled into the dining room and sat in their respective seats.
“Well, we did our big pitch to Dr. Wall today.” “And how’d that go?”
“Great,” said Jerry. “He thinks we’ve lost our minds.” “But did he give you his blessing?”
Nick poured a glass of Chianti and handed it to Sal. “He thinks
we’ll embarrass the hospital or their Foundation or both.”
“How in God’s name would you do that?” Sal seemed miffed to hear that his idea was being ridiculed by only the second doctor to hear it.
“By getting up in front of a live microphone and announcing to the world that we want a cure for cancer,” said Nick. “That’s how.”
Sal shook his head in disgust.
“But we got his blessing anyway to bring the idea to the Board,” announced Jerry. “Good thing. I already have some artwork ready for the campaign.”
“You couldn’t just come out and say that?” Sal barked. He
dished out the meal du jour—stuffed manicotti.
“Any luck on the money end of this idea, Pop?” asked Nick. “First of all, never call me Pop,” Sal quipped. “Second, I talked
to Robert Smith today. Jill’s not gonna make it. Cancer is going to win another one.”
“Let me guess,” said Nick. “There is nothing more they can do.”