SCIENTISTS BAFFLED BY PARANORMAL VIRUS
By Elaine Treste San Francisco Examiner
Scientists working for the FBI and PRIMUS are baffled by a virus that has killed at least 15 low- level paranormals.
The bodies of 10 men and five women have been recovered periodically over the past two months from San Francisco Bay. Investigators had originally been unable to discover a link between the victims.
But recent tests, pioneered by researchers at San Francisco State University's Department of Paranormal Studies, have helped investigators determine that all the victims were low-level paranormals.
Police theorize that all possessed some sort of energy-projecting ability. Families of eight victims have confirmed this.
"At this time, all we have determined is that the victims were ravaged by a virus that attacked their bodies almost turning their system against itself," said PRIMUS Dr. Kenneth Barrow. "It was as if their own body was at war with itself."
PRIMUS, FBI and the CDC all issued assurances that there is no risk to public health.
"We are quite sure that this virus only affects paranormals," Barrow said. "And that it probably only affects a particular percentage of the paranormal population. It has been determined that the virus has no affect on Avengers."
Barrow's statements have been confirmed by the CDC and California State Health officials. Both groups have said that the virus does not appear to be airborne. Nor does it appear to have contaminated the water supply.
"Really this virus is quite unique," said Dr. Cybill Taoli, a researcher at SFSU. "It is so very discriminating. That is unusual. Most virus, over time, adapt. They overcome drugs and immune systems, becoming stronger and attack more and more victims."
"Even AIDS, which many thought at one time to target only the gay community was really only selective in it's mode of transmission, not in who it targeted," Taoli pointed out. "This virus is different."
A task force composed of CDC, PRIMUS and university researchers has been established to examine the virus.
Silver Avenger Maria Chow, currently participating in the annual Avenger Games being held this year in Hudson City, has been briefed on the situation. Chow issued a public statement reassuring "the citizens of San Francisco that PRIMUS will join the CDC in discovering the cause of this virus."
Many key questions remain: Why has this virus just been detected? Why were all the victims discovered in San Francisco Bay, when the victims themselves were from across the United States? Will this virus have any affect on other paranormals including PRIMUS newest team - the Sentinels?
Scientists are working around the clock to find solutions.
The deaths have not gone unremarked among the antiparanormal groups in San Francisco. While the city is home to far fewer antiparanormal groups than New York or Houston, San Francisco has groups that have become quite vocal in the past months. Many believe that the public actions of the Golden Gate Guardians have spurred these groups to voice their opinions more often.
Michael Allard, a well-known antiparanormal advocate, called the virus just vengeance from god.
"It is obvious that God is meting out justice to these abominations among nature," Allard said.
On the most part, the citizens of San Francisco took little notice of the announced virus.
"So there's a few dead paranormals," said Janet Hertz. "It doesn't affect me so why should I care about it?"
*************
Chris put the newspaper down and picked up his coffee cup. Not too much more in there besides another account of a wild night Tony and Cassie Salvatore had spent out on the town. Steph was gone - had worked last night until 2 am, and had been gone this morning by 7. She'd grown more and more distant since the fight, and wouldn't even talk about her work anymore - or Chris', as the Comet.
He shook his head as if to throw the thought away. This wasn't the time. Later would be better. Cassie had mentioned Dr. Gardner, the one who had given him the Guardians' radio. Maybe she'd have some insights into this problem.
He picked up the phone and called San Francisco University; he still remembered the number, he realized with some surprise. He hadn't realized he had called them so often.
"Hello, I heard that one of the local universities has opened up a paranormal biology and genetics department. I'm interested in applying for the program; have I got the correct university?"
"No, I'm sorry, that's UCSF," a polite male voice says.
Consulting the phone book, Chris redials, and this time connects with the second university.
"Yes," a soft woman's voice says to his question this time. "It is a residency program in the medical school," she adds. "Would you like to be connected to the department?"
"Yes, please." Chris waits on hold for nearly a minute and a half until the phone is picked up.
"Paranormal Biology, can I help you?"
"Yes, I'm looking for a Dr. Gardner. Is she available?"
"Hm," the voice on the other line says. "Just a second - let me check." After a few minutes,a breathless voice - Gardner's - says, "This is Dr. Gardner. How can I help you?"
"Good morning, Dr. Gardner. This is the Comet, of the Golden Gate Guardians. I believe you know my teammate, Odyssey. We are starting an informal investigation into the matter of the paranormal virus that has been talked about in the news for a couple of days. Odyssey suggested your name as someone we could speak to. Would you be willing to meet with me at some time today to discuss the matter? We would be grateful for any assistance you could give us."
"Hold on a second -" Chris hears a beeper going off. "How about we meet later on this evening - maybe 5? My last class gets out at 4:45, and we could have dinner down in the cafeteria."
The Comet blinked in surprise. "Er- well, I'll be appearing in costume. Will that cause any problems for you? If not, I'll see you at five o'clock."
"That would be fine," she says. "See you then."
**************
The Comet arrives a few minutes early at the hospital cafeteria. He orders a coffee, and takes a table near the entrance. Everyone in the cafeteria is watching him, but he tries to put them out of his mind.
Dr. Gardner enters a few moments later, a stack of medical journals under her arm. She shakes his hand briskly, and points to a nearby table. "Good to see you," she says, sitting down. "I believe you wanted to talk to me about the reports about the new virus," she says. "What can I help you with?"
Comet sits down, ignoring the stares of the people who aren't even pretending to eat. "Well, from what I read in the papers, this virus is specific enough to only go after paranormals. Specifically, those whose powers are based on energy projection. Among my teammates, that would include myself and Starlight, whom I believe you know."
"My first question has to be, could a virus like this possibly occur naturally? Or would it have to be a created virus, a biological weapon?"
"It is my belief that the virus has been specifically tailored -- or perhaps, that it is in the process of being tailored," Dr. Gardner says, pushing her glasses up with an index finger. "All of the victims were not only paranormals, but were energy projectors as well. Oddly, our department hasn't been called in to help advise on this case by PRIMUS or the CDC, but I have friends among the investigators.
"The victims," Gardner adds, "Came from across the country. In many cases, the only people who knew about their powers were loved ones, who have submitted to lie detector tests in order to state that they were the only people who know about the victim's powers. This is concerning, because it gives rise to the possibility that there is a group -- or a driven individual -- who is able to track paranormals, more specifically, energy projectors.
"The reason I say it might be in the process of being tailored is because -- and this is not common knowledge," she adds, "Is because there are slight variations in the way the victims died -- almost like they were test subjects in an experiment. Watch yourself carefully, Comet," Gardner warns.
Comet frowns, pondering Dr. Gardner's words. "These people are from all over the country, but they are showing up in San Francisco Bay. That suggests that the virus is being tested here, maybe even made here. Can you think of any labs or research centers in the city that would have the resources to make something like this?"
"Our department here is the first non-government research facility specifically devoted to studying paranormals on the level we do," Gardner says. "The resources needed to produce such a virus are very costly -- and to have progressed to the level that these researchers have, I imagine that the project has been in the works for some time now. While it is possible that the government might be behind it, I strongly doubt it. Therefore, I would speculate that the research is being funded by a group with reasons to hate paranormals -- there are many," she says honestly, "And they probably have enough money to make this a reality, especially if it's been going on for a while."
"All right, so this would have to be narrowed down to rich paranormal-haters...no, just the ones who hate energy projectors." He frowns again, his brow furrowing. "Why energy projectors? Why not...telepaths, or people with super-speed? And is there a specific type of energy they're testing this on? Is it electrical or light or cosmic energy or what? Or does this virus attack anyone who has the power to blast things?"
Gardner shrugs. "Why energy projectors? Why not? I would imagine that it's luck, more than anything else. It would make sense that all energy projectors share a very common gene which allows for them to act the way they do -- in fact, that's what my research indicates. And it would also make sense that this virus is only active -- or will only effect -- individuals who harbor the same sequence in their DNA. Unfortunately we just haven't had the opportunity to map the paranormal genome yet, and we haven't been working with energy projectors, just super-strength -- it's much more abundant."
Comet flexes his arms with a grin. "Really?" Then, more seriously, "I guess there's just not enough to go on right now." He sips at his coffee. "Can you think of anything else that might be of help? Or maybe you have an idea of where to go next?"
"If you're trying to investigate on your own, outside of law enforcement? Hm... they're probably using hired muscle to nab these people, so you could try to either talk to them or infilatrate them. Or you could track down where this is going on and work in the lab, if you have any lab experience. I could give you credentials of a sort perhaps, or at least a reference..." Gardner looks thoughtful. "If you were 'fired' from here because of anti-paranormal bias, that would go a long way with recommending you to that crowd -- when it became apparent we weren't looking for a 'cure' for paranormalism, many of the anti-paranormal groups protested here."
Comet nods. "I don't think I'd be the best choice for that; my blood chemistry is a bit too whacked out to get by. But I know someone who might be able to help - if she's willing." He stands up. "Thank you very much for your help, Dr. Gardner. It's greatly appreciated. I'll be in touch."
*****************
On his way home, Chris thinks about what to say to Stephanie. Could he really ask her to do something as dangerous as this? Was he insane for even thinking about it?
To Chris' surprise, Stephanie is home when he arrives -- sitting in the living room, with the shades drawn. She appears to be deeply upset.
"Steph?" says Chris tentatively. "Are you okay? What are you doing home so early?"
She looks tired, and plays with a loose thread on the couch. "Well, I...I was fired," she says at last. "There are things going on at Rubicon.." her face pales, "There are things that I never believed existed, or could be -- should be done," she says firmly. "I couldn't face another day of it, and I was instructed...was instructed..." Her voice quavers, and she drops off. "It was horrible," she whispers.
"Fired?" repeats Chris incredulously. He sits down on the couch beside her, his arm automatically around her. "My God, what are they doing? Did they threaten you?" His inner fires begin to rise, and he has to resist his first impulse, which is to go straight to Rubicon and redecorate it in a neo-demolition style.
Stephanie doesn't answer for a moment. "Not..not exactly," she murmurs.
He gets up and goes straight to the kitchen, putting the kettle on. "Here, I'll make some coffee," he says, coming back and sitting down again. I knew there was something going on with Rubicon, but...
A nasty suspicion rises in Chris' mind, and his eyes stray to the newspaper still on the table. When the coffee is ready, he brings her a steaming cup, putting it on the coffee table. "Can you tell me about it, honey?"
"I knew..that the project was secret," she whispers, not meeting Chris' eyes. "But I thought we were studying the effects of a new, small class of retroviruses on small mammals. What I was doing," she says, "Was final analysis of samples, and looking at magnifications of the affected DNA of the...of the...animals. It didn't take me long to realize that they were human, or rather, mutated human DNA."
Steph takes the coffee and sips it. "I spoke to my supervisor, but I acted like I was confused, that I thought I'd been given the wrong sample. He told me not to ask any more questions, that was the right sample. So I started doing a little covert investigating." She turns to Chris. "Chris, Rubicon is engineering a virus that will affect energy projectors! They're the ones responsible for the deaths, I know it. I just don't have any proof..." she sighs. "I made up an excuse and went into the records area, and I found charts that correspond to the people that have shown up dead. I was about to sneak them out when Gary came in, and told me that I was to be 'let go' because of budget cut-backs. I know that they're showing a profit -- they just gave me a raise. He said of course I would keep all information about Rubicon in the strictest confidence, and then gave me this look, like I'd be killed or something."
Chris' eyes widen and his face goes white. "My God, Steph. You shouldn't have taken that kind of a risk!" He reaches, tentatively, for her hand and takes it. "If anything had happened to you, I..."
"Chris, I had to find out. You don't understand -- I'm a party to these people's deaths! What if you had been one of the next..."
He takes a deep breath to steady himself. "Okay, so Rubicon is behind the deaths. But there's no proof, at least none we can take to the authorities." He looks in her eyes. "You aren't going to tell anyone anything, understood? I DON'T want Rubicon deciding to 'plug a leak'."
"And don't worry about work; we've got a bit in our savings account, so we'll be okay for...at least two weeks." He tries to smile, but it's pretty weak. "We'll get by. But that cancels the steak dinner I had planned for tonight."
"Now, here's the big question: what do you want me to do about this?"
Stephanie sighs. "What can you do? If anything happens, they'll know where to look. If nothing happens, more people will die. I am going to go to the police," she says, "Or perhaps you can go to PRIMUS, or at least to your friends, I don't know. Chris," she says, "Maybe we should go someplace else -- away from here." She looks frightened, Chris notes. "I had no idea..."
Chris nods. "Why don't we talk to Kathleen about it tomorrow? We've got tickets to the ball game, remember? Todd's in town, and we're meeting Kathleen before the game. If PRIMUS knows where to look for the evidence they need, it'll make it easier for them to put Rubicon on ice."
*********************
Welsey's Pub is a classy hangout nearly a dozen blocks from Candlestick Park. It has been a favorite post-game hangout for many a fan (and often a player) since the Giants came to the West Coast. The beer is good, the food is high quality, and the prices are reasonable. And during baseball and football season, the place is usually jumping.
Chris and Steph arrive at the bar early and take a table near the back. The crowd is small, since the game won't start for another two hours. Steph's eyes are alternatingly downcast and darting about. The waitress, a brunette wearing a black miniskirt and top with orange trim and a Giants cap, comes to their table, a wide smile adorning her face.
"Something to start the party, folks?" she asks pleasantly.
Steph shakes her head. Chris looks at her in concern for a minute, then sighs. "I'll just have a coffee, please." The waitress nods and leaves.
"Chris, I think we should go home. This isn't a good idea."
Chris leans over to her, his voice as low as he can make it. "Steph, I don't need super-hearing to know there's no one following us. We're perfectly safe. We're just a couple going to a ball game."
"But what if-"
"It's going to be fine, honey. I promise nothing will happen to you."
She looks at him for a moment, then slowly nods. Taking a deep breath to steady herself, she smiles at him. "I'm sorry about this; I'm just really shaken up about this whole thing. I mean, to think I was helping them-"
Chris cuts her off. "No need to talk about that now, is there?" he says with an edge to his voice. "Let's not take any chances. I won't let Rubicon hurt you, even if it means revealing myself. But let's try and avoid that, okay?"
She nods again. The waitress returns, still smiling, and gives Chris his coffee. "Are you ready to order now, miss?" she asks Steph.
"Yes, please; I'll have a Miller."
"You got it." She bounces away, her hips swaying slightly. Chris watches for a moment, until an elbow slams into his ribs.
"Sure, we have a relationship problem, and you start with the wandering eye routine," says Steph with a mock look of danger. "I'm watching you, mister."
"My dear, you wound me," answers Chris, his hand clutched to his side. "I was merely noting for comparison. She's far too showy; your beauty, on the other hand, is of such stellar magnificence, that such a display would seem extraneous and unnecessary."
She frowns. "I hate it when you get wordy."
"He said you don't need to show off," comes the translation from a new, female voice. They turn to see Kathleen and her longtime boyfriend Gino arrive. Chris shakes Gino's hand, while Kathleen hugs Stephanie. The newcomers sit down, throwing their jackets on top of Chris and Steph's. Kathleen, like Chris and Steph, has a Cardinal jacket, while Gino's is the gold and red of the Giants.
Gino, a stock broker, is a tall man of mixed Italian and Mexican descent. Kathleen is obviously Chris' sister, with the same brown hair but longer, and brown eyes to match his. She smiles at Steph. "I heard you might not be coming."
"Well," says Steph hesitantly, "I have more time than I thought right now, so I decided to come out to the game."
Kathleen looks at her speculatively. "Really. Well, I hope you won't be disappointed. The Giants have a pretty good team this year, and the Cards figure on contending." She looks at Chris' drink, her eyebrow raised. "Coffee, little brother?"
"I've kinda lost the taste for beer," he says. Cold beer, anyway, he thinks.
"Keeping a clear head, huh? Good for you," says Kat.
"How about your brother?" asks Gino. "What kind of year do you think he's going to have?"
"Oh, Todd's going to have a great year," says Kathleen with firm conviction. "He'll hit at least .280, with a dozen homers, right Chris?"
Chris spreads his hands. "I don't know; what does PRIMUS Intelligence have to say about it?"
They all laugh, as the waitress returns with Steph's beer. Taking Kat and Gino's orders, she leaves again. This time both Chris and Gino watch her swish away, and they receive twin elbows for their efforts.
"So what's happening with you two?" asks Kathleen. "I talked to Chris just yesterday morning, and he said the two of you were on the outs. Seems like a quick reconciliation."
"It has to do with that spare time she mentioned," says Chris evasively.
"Ah, so you've made up, then. Good. I hate messy breakups."
"Like yours?"
Kat bristles, looking at her younger brother with venom. "Devin doesn't count; that one was worth every snarl and shout."
"Dad's still mad about the divorce, you know."
"Please, Chris, don't start on that, okay? The old man and I didn't agree on a lot of things. This is the 90s, and he's got to catch up to reality. Devin and I weren't right for each other. Change the subject."
The waitress returns for the third time, bringing more drinks. Noticing the Cardinal jackets, her smile slips for an instant. "So you're going to the ball game?" she asks pleasantly.
"Hey, Opening Day? Wouldn't miss it," says Kathleen enthusiastically. "Our brother gave us passes. Maybe you've heard of him; Todd Donnelly, starting left fielder for St. Louis. He used to play for the White Sox."
"Oh!" says the waitress, nodding but obviously not believing them. "So you're Cardinal fans, then."
"Thanks for the beers," says Gino, passing her some money. She takes both the money and the hint, and walks away, this time without a single swish of her hips.
"Hmm...partisan fans serving our drinks," says Gino. "So how's the job hunt, Chris?"
"Well, I haven't had much luck recently. The last job I had was almost three weeks ago."
"That's rough," says Kat. "Well, at least you've got Steph's income to keep you afloat for now."
Steph and Chris exchange a quick look, which Kathleen doesn't miss. "What?" she asks, frowning. "Now, wait a minute. Don't tell me-"
"I lost my job yesterday," says Stephanie in a small voice.
"Oh, shit," mutters Kathleen. "What happened?"
Steph shakes her head. "I'm not really ready to talk about it right now."
"Is this what you wanted to talk to me about, Chris?"
Chris shakes his head. "Not right now," he answers. "It's up to Steph."
The conversation drifts to more pleasant topics, until the drinks are finished. Leaving a small tip for the waitress, they gather their jackets and head toward the ballpark.
*********************
"Programs here! Get your Giants programs!"
"I got first-base tickets here! Come on, get your tickets here! Buy 'em while they're still available!"
"Giants souvenirs! Get a hat, get an autographed ball, get your Giants T-shirts!"
They arrive at Gate 14 and pick up their passes. Their seats are in the left field foul stands, near playing level. They take their seats and watch the Cardinals taking batting practice. Todd is in left field, chasing down fungoes. When he's done, he looks over to the stands. Kathleen and Chris are at field level, waving to him. As the next fielder takes his place, Todd jogs over to see his siblings.
"Hey, slugger, how's it going?"
"Pretty good, Kat," says Todd with a grin. "Hey, little brother."
"Good to see you, Todd. Are you going to have a chance to visit while you're in town?"
"Maybe. The skipper's got a rule about family; if we win, guys can visit any relatives in town."
"Well, you'd better kick some tail tonight, then."
Todd laughs. "You've got it, Kat. Anyway, I've got to go. Any news flashes?"
"Well," says Chris, "I'm still looking for steady work, and Mom's still trying to get Kat to call home. Dad and Kat haven't spoken in two years, and Jessica's still engaged to that farmer."
"I'll give them a call after the game," says Todd.
"Oh, I've got some mail for you; Mom forwarded it to me while you were finishing off spring training." Chris reaches into his jacket and pulls out some letters. Looking over them, he hands two to Todd and one to Kat. "Happy reading, you two."
"Thanks, Chris." Todd looks toward the visitors dugout. "Looks like they're calling us to the clubhouse. I've gotta run. I'll see you guys after the game."
"If you win," amends Kat.
"Like I said, I'll see you after the game." Grinning, he waves and jogs across the outfield.
****************
Gino's portable radio has four earphones, so they can all listen to the broadcast of the game. The Giants take an early two-run lead, but Todd makes a good defensive play to keep the lead from growing. In the fourth inning, Bobby Bonilla leads off with a home run to bring the Cards closer. Now, in the seventh, with the score still 2-1, Todd comes to the plate.
"Donnelly steps into the batter's box, trying to get something going for the visitors. He's oh-for-two today with a strikeout and a ground-out. Rodriguez winds up, and...there it is, a line-shot up the middle. It gets through the hole, and Donnelly's aboard with a single here in the seventh."
"Way to go, bro!" screams Kat, waving her Cardinals pennant and jumping up and down. There are a few other Cardinals fans around them, and they all join in.
The next batter slashes another single to right field, and Todd pounds around second, heading for third. "Hill fires a bullet to third, and Donnelly slides in...safe! He beat the tag, and the Cards have the tying run on third base with one out."
The Giants fans boo the umpire's call; it wasa close play, but Todd is still standing at third base, and the umpire is unmoved. The Giants manager stands on the edge of the dugout shouting at him, but does not come out to argue the call.
The Cardinals' second baseman is up, and he hits a ground ball to short that results in an inning-ending double play.
"Damn!" shouts Kat. "Why couldn't he lift the damn ball?"
"It's okay, Kat," said Steph. "The've still got two innings left."
But in the bottom of the seventh, the Giants add another run on Barry Bonds' RBI double, and the Giants take a 3-1 lead into the eighth inning.
The Cardinals start another rally, and tie the game. Then, with two outs and runners on the corners, Todd comes up to bat again.
"Come on, Todd, just a little base hit!" shouts Chris. "Single 'im home!"
The Giants bring in a new pitcher, and the crowd cheers wildly. "Donnelly takes ball one...swing and a miss; the count is one-and-one. Here comes the pitch...fastball, Donnelly cracks it, and it goes...foul, into the left field stands."
"Hey, souvenir ball!" shouts Kat. Gino and Chris try for it, but it sails over their heads to land six rows behind them.
"One-and-two is the count, and Donnelly takes for ball two. Here's the pitch, and...<CRACK> it's a long fly ball to deep right-centre...way back...it might be gone...and Hamilton makes a great catch at the wall! What a catch, and the inning is over."
Todd had rounded first, but stops and turns to the dugout. "Damn, that was a close one!" says Kat, shaking her head. "Stupid San Francisco wind."
"Actually, the wind carried it to the wall," disagrees Steph. "It was an off-speed pitch; if he had thrown a fastball, it probably would have been gone."
"Oh, sure, analyze it. It was the wind," insists Kat.
Steph smiles, the first one Chris has seen since she had come home the day before. He grins at her, and envelopes her in a hug.
"What was that for?" she asks in surprise.
"For the best reason of all," he answers. "Just 'cause."
She smiles again, and kisses him lightly. "You're right, that is a good reason."
"None of that, you two," warns Gino. "Save it for after the game."
The game goes into extra innings, and the Cardinals score in the tenth inning to win the game, 4-3. The small Cardinal contingent in left-field goes wild as Dennis Eckersley comes in to shut down the Giants in the bottom of the 10th to earn the save. The last out is a lazy fly ball to left, which Todd catches easily. The crowd starts to clear, and Todd comes over to the stands for a quick word with his family before returning to the club house.
"Great game, Todd," enthuses Chris. "That was a great run in the 7th."
"Yeah, but I should have got that one in the 8th," he says with a shake of his head. "He nearly fooled me with that change-up; I was thinking curveball, but I got around on it."
"Hey, don't worry. There's still a hundred and sixty-one games to go. You'll pop a few out of there."
"So where are we going tonight?" asks Kat.
"How about to Kat's place?" suggests Chris. "If you want to pick up some munchies, we'll get caught up on things. We'll meet you outside the park, okay?"
Todd tells them where to pick him up, then goesback to the Cardinal clubhouse. Kat waves to him, then turns to Chris. "Why my place? You've got more space."
"Your place probably isn't bugged; ours might be."
Kat's eyes widen. "Excuse me?"
"Why don't you drive with Steph; I'll take Gino and Todd and pick up some food, and you can talk to Steph."
"What's going on, Chris?"
"I can't tell you right now; just trust me."
Kat nods. "Is this going to involve work?"
"Yes."
"Mine or hers?"
"Both."
Kat frowns. "I don't like this, Chris."
"Neither do I, but this is the only choice we've got. Come on, let's get going."
***************************
The boys stop off at the 7-11 and pick up a few snacks. A second stop at the beer store, and they're all set. They head to Kathleen's apartment, on the north side of the city.
"So Gino, how's the money business?" asks Todd.
"Well, things are better than they were two years ago, but right now it's a bit tense, what with this gold mine problem."
"Yeah, I heard something about that. Something in China, isn't it?"
"Indonesia," corrects Gino. "Say, listen, have you thought about doing some investing? I know ball players make a killing these days."
"Well, I'm not one for stocks and bonds, myself," saiys Todd. "But I've been thinking about doing some mutual funds; I've heard they're pretty good to get into."
Gino nods. "I can get you into a couple of good ones, if you want. Give me a call sometime." He handed Todd a business card.
"Thanks, I'll keep it in mind."
They arrive at Kat's apartment, where Kat and Steph are waiting. Kat buzzes them up, and they take the elevator to the sixth floor. When they arrive, Chris noticed that both Kat and Steph have worried looks on their faces. Before the others se anything, however, the girls are smiling and chatting. "I told her," Steph mouthes to Chris when no one is looking.
"Oh, good, the beer's here. What have we got, guys?"
"Coffee for me, please," says Chris.
"Already perking," says Kat. "Steph put it on the minute we got here."
They talk about general things for a while, and Todd is brought up to date on family matters. He is surprised to hear that Stephanie had lost her job. "I thought I heard you just got a raise."
Steph shrugs. "There was a sudden budget crunch, I guess. All they told me was that my department had been given a lower priority due to some upper management stuff, and as a junior researcher I'm not very high up on the totem pole. So I got the axe."
Kat intercedes. "It's just one of those business things, right? I always said, smarts in science doesn't mean smarts in money, right Gino?"
"Definitely."
"So what are you guys going to do?" asks Todd.
"Well, actually I've been thinking about trying to make some money by writing," says Chris.
"Writing? For what?" asks Kat.
"Newspapers," answers Chris. "It's not the same kind of writing, but I know English, right?"
"That's not a bad idea," says Gino. "I know a guy who works for the Examiner. He's in the features department. I'll get you his number and let him know you'll be calling him, okay?"
"Thanks, Gino," says Chris with sincere gratitude. "If I can do some writing on the side, I won't have to worry so much about the teaching situation."
They talk for over an hour before Todd had to leave. "Curfew, you know. Chris, can you give me a lift back?"
"Sure, Todd. We've got to get going, anyway. Coming, Steph?"
She nods, and they get up to go. Steph hugs Kat and says, "Thanks again for listening, Kat."
"Hey, don't worry about it. I'll see what I can do."
Chris, Todd and Steph head down to the car, and Todd gives Chris the address of the hotel the Cardinals are staying at. Todd sat in the back behind Steph, his long legs cramped behind the seat.
"Listen, Chris, you guys are okay for money, aren't you?"
Chris hesitates. "Well, we've got a bit in the bank, and if I can get some writing work we should be fine."
"Chris..." says Todd, a warning tone in his voice.
"Look, Todd, I'm not asking for money from anyone, okay? We're doing all right."
Todd chuckles. "I know Dad always said we have to stand up on our own two feet, but he also said that family helps family. Look, I'm making one point two million dollars this year, Chris. I've got a three year contract, and I've got more money than I can spend. How much do you guys need?"
Chris and Steph look at each other, and Steph shrugs. "We're nearly broke," she admits.
"Steph!"
"Oh, come on, Chris. He's right, you know. You and Kat are the same, always trying to get by without any help from anyone. You said it yourself, we've got enough to last us two weeks. If your brother wants to help us, I'll be damned if I'm going to let pride get in the way."
"Look, I don't want to start a fight, you two," says Todd. "Why don't you think about it. I'm in town for a couple more days, so let me know."
"No, she's right, Todd. We're in it bad. I was thinking of talking to you about this before, but I didn't want to look like I was leeching off my successful big brother."
Todd laughs. "Hey, I'm a career .265 hitter with not much power, average speed, and a decent arm. In the big leagues, that's not successful, it's adequate."
"Different standards, I guess," says Chris with a grin. "In my circles, anyone making a million bucks is someone you be very nice to even if you don't like him much."
"What's that supposed to mean?" says Todd dangerously, but the grin on his face gives him away.
"Oh, stop it, you two." laughs Steph. "Todd, I'm not going to ask you for any money. But if you really can help us, we'd be more grateful than we could say."
"Hey, that's what family is for. I'll tell you what. We're back in St. Louis after this series. I didn't bring my chequebook, so I'll give you guys a thousand for now, and I'll send you a cheque for some more when I get back home. How's that sound?"
"A thousand?" says Steph. "You carry that around?"
"Well, no. I'll take it off my Amex Gold Card."
"I don't want any gifts, Todd," says Chris firmly. "I'll pay you back. I don't know when, but I'll give it all back."
"Chris, relax. Like I said, I'm a millionaire. Ten thousand or so isn't going to matter to me."
"I mean it, Todd, I'm not a charity case." He pauses. "Ten thousand?"
"Sure. That should pay the rent for the rest of the year, anyway, right?" Chris only nods. "Good. I'm not letting my little brother live on the streets of San Francisco. If you're seriously going to pay me back, then we'll call it an open-ended, zero-interest loan, and you can pay me back later, whenever you can afford it. Deal?"
Chris nods again. "Deal. And thanks, Todd."
"Hey, it's no problem at all, little brother," says Todd sincerely. "I'm glad I can help out. I mean, all the guys in the big leagues take care of their families. I'm no different."
They drop Todd off at the hotel. They see the Cardinal manager hovering around the front lobby, and Todd speaks to him briefly. The manager nods, and Todd disappears. He returns shortly and comes back out to the car. He hands Chris an envelope. "Here you go, Chris. Take care of yourself, okay?"
"Thanks again, Todd. We'll see you at tomorrow's game."
"You'd better."
Todd goes back into the hotel, and the little Honda Accord pulls away and disappears into traffic.