Chapter 26

Maundy Thursday, April 1, 4:43 p.m. Passion Ministry

“Faaaanfalutintastic!” Virginia and her cameraman exchanged a high five.

Virginia grinned. “Not bad for a stringer, huh, Hogie?”

“What stringer? Larry King’ll be calling anytime now.”

Virginia giggled. Tried to imagine her mother’s reaction.

“Look,” Hogie said, tossing her a cell phone. “Give Perry a ring. She’s been blasting my pager.”

Uncharacteristically, the executive producer at the American Broadcasting Network took Virginia’s call immediately.

“Gina Darrow,” Perry barked, “you freaking angel. Guys upstairs are OVER THE MOON! Phones’re ringing off the hook. Everyone wants to talk to you. Your fifteen minutes, baby. How soon can you get here?”

When Virginia told her, Perry replied, “No, no. Take any flight, first class. Charter one if you hafta! We’ve got a great panel lined up. All the right players, from bio-ethicists to religious fanatics. It’s fantastic! Crush the daylights outta the competition.” Perry took a deep breath. “Wait a sec. Where are you?”

“Washington State.”

“That’s the freakin’ West Coast! You haven’t got time to get here. Where’s our nearest affiliate?”

“Uh...” Virginia quickly asked Hogie. “Port Angeles,” she replied. “Can be there in half an hour.”

“What’re ya waiting for? And hey…don’t stop for doughnuts!”