The Panacea Project by Catherine Devore Johnson

Author:Catherine Devore Johnson [Johnson, Catherine Devore]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group Press

THIRTY

TRUE TO HER WORD, Valerie had Calla moved into the new apartment within forty-eight hours—with new furniture to boot. Calla didn’t move much out of her old place, just a few boxes of clothing, books, and some things from the kitchen. The rest she donated or discarded. She figured it was as good a time as any for a fresh start.

Brandon returned from his time off more subdued than usual. He was diligent in helping Calla sort and pack her belongings but brushed off her gratitude when she tried to thank him for convincing the board to cover her living expenses. “It was the right thing to do,” he’d said gruffly, hoisting a box before marching out the door.

The following Monday, it was back to business as usual.

Dr. Kraft summoned Calla to the lab bright and early for a round of bloodwork. Kendra dropped Calla and Brandon off in front of the hospital. As they walked inside, Calla watched a team of workers unfurl an enormous banner that stretched from the roof of the building nearly to the ground. It bore a photo of Dr. Kraft from the waist up. He was standing at an angle to the camera with his arms folded and a serious expression on his face. The bottom half of his body was covered with the words The Innovators Gala: Engineering the Cure for Cancer, Honoring Dr. Carson Kraft, Saturday, November 1.

Calla’s mouth dropped open. “They’re throwing him a gala?”

“Looks that way,” Brandon said.

“Because he needs an even bigger ego?”

“Pretty sure it has more to do with money.”

Given this new information, it wasn’t a huge surprise to find Valerie waiting for them in the lab.

“Good morning!” she chirped. “How are you liking the apartment?”

Calla was immediately on guard. In her limited experience, Valerie was only ever this bubbly when she wanted something. “It’s great. Thanks for hooking me up with Lauren.” The interior designer Valerie sent over had proven both friendly and good at her job.

“I’m so glad we were able to do that for you.”

“Hey, Reuben,” Calla greeted her friend as she wriggled out of her jacket. It was still a bit of a chore with the brace on her arm.

“Hey,” Reuben said, tugging on her sleeve. His mood was positively somber compared to Valerie’s.

“What brings you to the lab this morning, Valerie?” Calla asked. “I’ve never seen you in here before.”

“I came to see if you would do a little favor for me.” Valerie smiled widely. “Fundraising is going extremely well right now. The folks in the development office and I would like to capitalize on the moment.”

“By throwing a gala.”

“To raise money for the hospital,” Valerie said. “And we’d like you to attend. As a sort of … guest of honor.”

“I thought Dr. Kraft was the guest of honor. I saw your banner outside.”

“He’ll be receiving an award at the event,” Valerie acknowledged. “But the people attending want to see you, too. After all, you play a vital role in his work.”

“What about Dr.

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