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  The camera zoomed to a full frontal shot of Lena then widened to include Sarah as Lena introduced her. “Our guest expert, Dr. Sarah Stevens, counselor and psychologist, has answers for us.” The camera flashed from Rich and Lena on the small sofa to a full frontal shot of Sarah, who smiled and nodded from her upholstered chair.

  Rich’s smooth, deep voice dominated the air. “I’m told some women experience devastating depression, even suicidal thoughts during ‘The Change.’ Might this even be the cause of some recent suicidal deaths in Cortland City? Journalist Whitney Barnes will comment on her research in this area of concern to all. Stay tuned for an exciting show. We’ll be right back.”

  After a sixty-second break, Rich invited Sarah to launch into her prepared introductory comments.

  Sarah cleared her throat. “Every woman’s journey through menopause is different. Some sail through this time, but for others the transition in a woman’s life can be devastating. It’s not uncommon for women to be on edge and need extra sensitivity from family members, particularly spouses, during this time of major change.”

  “So it’s a tough time for husbands, too?” Rich broke in with a question from the list of optional ones Sarah had faxed the producer.

  “Yes, some previously strong women become emotionally vulnerable, which can frighten a husband who has always pictured his wife as having herself together. She may become dependent on him psychologically. Sadly, some men find this difficult and may even go so far as to seek a new relationship with a younger woman to avoid dealing with a wife’s problems.”

  “What’s the solution? How can this be easier?” Rich leaned forward eagerly.

  “Good communication is foremost. Outside help may be needed, if the couple isn’t already strong in this skill. Reinforcing the security of their marriage commitment encourages a couple to move past this time into one of the most joyous times of their life since courtship.” Sarah smiled broadly. “A marriage relationship can become far richer due to enhanced maturity and the absence of other demands from children. We counselors sometimes refer to it as the second honeymoon phase.”

  Rich interjected, “What if the couple finds they’ve grown apart?”

  “Or,” Lena interrupted, “one or the other partner has an affair during this time of change? I’m on husband number three for exactly that reason.”

  Sarah shook her head. “That can happen, although counseling can act as a bridge to keep partners connected. Even infidelity can be forgiven and worked through, if there’s genuine repentance and a desire to move forward. Those spouses who forgive and stay together after adultery can go on to have awesome marriages.”

  “Interesting.” Rich commented, “I imagine it’s because the wandering spouse knows he’s receiving that rarest of gifts, unconditional love.”

  “Yes, it’s truly a reflection of God’s love. Sticking it out and working through tough issues is the key.” Sarah hoped they wouldn’t blip out her religious comment.

  “I’m not surprised as a psychotherapist you’d promote counseling as a solution.” Lena chuckled.

  Sarah’s armpits grew moist. “Counseling is a good tool during life’s tough transition stages. Often the nest empties about the time of a woman’s menopause. Loss of youthful looks and some physical challenges can be hard. But new shared interests can be developed.”

  “So it’s a time for starting fresh.” Lena’s eyes widened. “For some of us a new husband or wife is a viable choice.” She grinned and flashed her ring finger’s big diamond.

  “Unfortunately, if communication skills haven’t been learned in the previous relationship, chances of success in a new one are dubious. It’s vital to work on yourself.”

  “And what about sex? Isn’t focusing on that important too?” Lena curled her lips. The audience laughed.

  “Very important! The benefits of monogamous marital sex on overall health are significant and this should be discussed openly between the couple. Frequent sex can be wonderful well into the eighties.”

  Rich jumped in. “As a male, I’m in agreement with the frequent sex suggestion.” A titter went through the audience.

  They flashed to a commercial for dog food. Sarah heard, “Gourmet blends guaranteed to bring a happy bark to your dog’s life!”

  * * *

  The assistant producer bounced into the guest room where Whitney and Ellie waited with eyes glued to the TV watching Lena, Rich, and Sarah.

  “We’ll seat you now during the commercial.” He escorted them to the set.

  Whitney had been nervous before coming out, but suddenly a spirit of calm washed over her. To her surprise, she was even eager to speak. She liked Rich from the moment his brown eyes met hers. Even with his slightly receding hairline, she found him extremely good-looking—if you liked Kevin Costner’s looks, and she did. What most impressed her was that he appeared totally unselfconscious. She warmed to his casual charm.

  Whitney and Ellie took their seats in the extra chairs. Sarah smiled a welcome.

  The light on the camera turned red, and Lena introduced Whitney and Ellie.

  “Women’s health and safety is critical. We want to cover it from every angle,” Rich started.

  Lena made a few comments, repeating the topic of the show, then turned to Sarah. “It must be hard to pinpoint the reasons for abuse and abandonment of women during menopause...” Her words trailed off.

  “As therapists we can only speculate. Certainly, there’s often a general devaluing of personhood in general within our culture as individuals age. Some women respond to the perceived change of status in careless disregard of self or the ultimate self-destructive behavior, suicide. This attitude is an understandable outcome when God’s plan for each life and principles of self-worth and morality are disregarded.”

  The audience sat entranced.

  “As for the behaviors—suicide or even the act of murder,” Sarah continued, pushing her bracelet up her arm, “no one can deny the research that violence in TV and the movies has desensitized all of us to these horrors.”

  The camera turned to Rich, and he leaned toward Whitney. “Ms. Barnes, you’re a newspaperwoman, editor of The Cortland Courier, and you’ve recently researched violent crimes against older women. What do you think is the answer to this problem?”

  Whitney paused a moment before replying. “I believe it’s important to show respect for one another at every age and teach about the unconditional love of God for each of us. It’s helpful to reach out when a person suffers sadness or a loss. Many need to be reassured there’s always a reason to go on living.”

  “That sounds very idealistic...” Lena interrupted.

  “It is, and it’s powerful because it works,” Whitney added, her voice firm.

  Sarah nodded. “I couldn’t have said it better.”

  Lena turned to Ellie and probed about her mother’s death. Whitney noticed Sarah stiffen tiger-like. Was she preparing to speak up if this got out of hand?

  Ellie sat erect. She explained her mom’s positive philosophy of life and why she thought her mom had been murdered. Suddenly a gasp escaped her. Ellie burst out with an anguished cry. “I can’t believe I’m here talking about this! My mom absolutely didn’t kill herself! Someone shot her. Why won’t the police believe me?”

  Whitney put her arm around Ellie and whispered, “It’s okay.”

  Lena picked up on the drama. “We never know the day or hour when someone we love will die or take his or her life.”

  Rich intervened. “Dr. Sarah, from a psychological standpoint, what can Ellie do to help herself through this difficult aftermath of her mother’s death, whatever the cause may have been?”

  “God is a great comforter in times of loss. Spending time with Him in prayer is vital. And as soon as Ellie’s able, she can direct her thoughts and energy toward helping others, which gives purpose to life at any stage, no matter what’s happened in your past. In Ellie’s case, she has a young daughter and must stay strong for her sake.�
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  Lena leaned forward. “Does this motivation to put on a good front lose its power when children are grown and have their own lives, and then your husband leaves? Ellie’s mom lived alone.”

  Trying to push on Ellie’s point of pain again. Whitney’s blood heated.

  Sarah stepped in with a quick response. “Sometimes a woman with adult children may feel she’s superfluous to the family structure, but her personal renewal can occur through expanding interests or a change in career focus like Ellie’s mom.”

  “Finding a passionate replacement, as it were,” Rich concluded.

  “But isn’t it sometimes impossible to get over some losses?” Lena asked.

  Another negative! Sarah twisted in her seat. “A counselor offers hope and help always.”

  Ellie had recovered her composure and was listening attentively.

  “How can Ellie’s friends support her?” Lena appeared concerned. “Perhaps some are watching today.”

  “Yes, Dr. Stevens, tell us other ways friends can help,” Rich urged.

  “Two suggestions. The first is listen patiently. Ellie may need to discuss this event over and over to come to grips with it. Secondly, stay connected. Friends are often very visible the first week at the funeral events, which is helpful, but depression can set in weeks, even months, later. That’s when living becomes truly difficult. Continuing contact with good friends is vital. Of course, sometimes short term medication is beneficial and grief counseling may be necessary.”

  Lena tapped her chin. “I’ve always wondered. Does the way people in the American culture ritualize death through the wake and funeral process help or delay healing?”

  “It can contribute to healing,” Whitney asserted. “But more important than that is the survivor’s belief system about life after death. If one believes in future contact with the loved one, as Christians do, it’s enormously helpful. If that’s not an option, death can seem final and traumatic.”

  Lena rolled her eyes. “The God stuff again. It doesn’t work for me.”

  Sarah turned from Rich and Lena to face the camera. “It’s true. Religious people have far less difficulty accepting death, although sudden death is a more difficult adjustment. I’m sure that’s been hard, Ellie.”

  “My mom was my best friend. What I’d give to hear the sound of her voice. But I’ll be okay with God’s help. I’ll get through.” Ellie’s voice choked. “I’m here today because I’m focused on discovering the truth about her death.” Ellie paused and looked directly into the camera. “My mother wasn’t depressed or suicidal. She was murdered. If anyone has information, please contact me or this show.”

  The cameraman made a quick shift to Rich. “We’ll be happy to serve as a clearinghouse for information.”

  “And my newspaper will do the same,” Whitney added.

  The producer signaled a commercial break.

  When they resumed, Rich popped up immediately. “Let’s see what our audience thinks Ellie should do.” He pointed an arm in their direction.

  A woman in the fourth row raised her hand. “I’m a nutritionist. Anyone going through grieving needs to be especially careful to eat well and get adequate sleep.”

  “Right.” Sarah agreed. “There can be a tendency to stop nurturing yourself physically as well as spiritually—both are important.”

  The audience continued with words of comfort and suggestions.

  Rich deftly guided their comments. The director pointed at Lena and held up his hand to count off the final seconds. Lena ended with, “Don’t miss our next segment.” Suddenly the show was over. Chairs scraped the floor and papers shuffled as people stood.

  Ellie collapsed in Whitney’s arms. “If only this helps.”

  Whitney hugged her. “We’ve tried. Now we’ll pray and wait.”

  * * *

  Sarah’s sense of letdown walking off the set was palpable. She’d put so much energy into this simple thing. It had been difficult for her. But poor Ellie! Would this show be able to help her or anyone?

  Sarah walked out a back door with Ellie. The nasty North wind splashed her face with icy air and whipped her hair about. Sarah clutched the flaps of her coat to keep them shut as she opened the door to her silver BMW.

  “Nice wheels,” Ellie yelled.

  “Thanks, my husband’s latest birthday present to me.”

  “Someday I hope to own one, but probably a little out of reach on my salary.”

  “Nothing’s impossible. The local dealer is very competitive. Take care, now, Ellie. See you soon.”

  “See you next show.”

  “Hopefully. I’ll be praying for you and also for good to come from today.” Sarah waved and drove off.

  Inside the car she shuddered. Now we wait. Would any viewer respond to Ellie’s plea with information about her mom’s murderer?

  TWENTY-EIGHT

  “An ‘A’ all the way,” Rich Rosenthal told Joe the cameraman, the only other man in the studio, as he brushed past him on his way out. The two had a fetish about grading the women who appeared on the show. More than looks were considered in Rich’s evaluations.

  He met all kinds of women in his work and filed them in his ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’ categories. He’d been in TV long enough to know the importance of the personality sparks that made a guest stand out. Creative thinkers were always fun. His least favorite were the C’s—those from whom he dragged conversation. Most women fell somewhere between B and C, depending on the subject.

  Whitney had been on the set less than three minutes when Rich put her into “A” class and decided he wanted to get to know her better.

  The last of the three guests to leave, she’d stayed behind to jot down notes. Finally she made her way down the back hall, dimly lit with wall sconces, heading for the exit when Rich bumped into her on his way out.

  “Well, Miss Whitney Barnes. Nice show. Thanks for participating. Hey, I’d love to hear more about your work. I know a nice cafe at the Windward Hotel across the street. How about a cup of coffee?” Rich laced his words with an engaging smile.

  Whitney checked her watch. “Unfortunately my schedule is tight today.”

  “Couldn’t coffee with the host of The Rich and Lena Show be considered part of your job?” he coaxed.

  “Clocks,” Whitney grimaced, “it seems, have more control over my life than I do these days. Why not? A quick cup, though.”

  “Please sound more enthusiastic. My ego is tender.”

  “A TV host? I doubt that!” They both laughed and continued walking toward the small, high-class hotel, the Windward, rising five stories into the skyline.

  Rich cupped her elbow and guided her through the walnut-paneled foyer to the Piccadilly Cafe in the rear.

  * * *

  “How strange to be in a building in the heart of Wisconsin with the ambiance of a European tea room. And lovely,” Whitney added quickly.

  Tiny round tables draped with white linen were dotted by silver bud vases sprouting pink baby roses. The tension she’d experienced prior to the show began to slip away. Delicious scents of coffee and cinnamon filled the air. Deep olive and rose wallpaper along with Mozart playing softly in the background created a tranquil atmosphere.

  “How charming! This reminds me of Oxford.” Whitney smiled as she nestled onto a high-backed cherry wood chair.

  “And when were you at Oxford, Miss Barnes, or may I call you Whitney?”

  “Of course.” She gave him an abbreviated account of her college experience in England. “Now your turn. How does a man make a decision to host a women’s TV talk show? It’s not the most common career.”

  “You’re right. You rarely hear of a little boy saying ‘TV host’ when asked what he’ll be when he grows up. Fireman or policeman, yes.”

  “So?”

  “I started with a summer internship at a studio near my home in Cleveland, Ohio. No earth-shaking, dramatic passion at first, but it’s become one.”

  She sensed his enthusia
sm as she gazed across at him. “I suppose you watch all the top TV shows.”

  He leaned forward, putting his forefinger on his lips. “Shhh. Don’t tell anyone. I almost never spend time in front of a TV, although I’m a bit of an Internet junkie—two or three hours a night.”

  “How shocking,” she teased.

  “After being with people all day, e-mail is the maximum social interaction I can handle. I also write.”

  “You do? Why does this not surprise me? Now you’re in my territory. What subjects?”

  “Humorous stories and social commentary to send friends. It’s easy to get creative when you’re connected to a computer. Want to get on my blog list?”

  Whitney laughed. “Yes, but not if I have to edit them. I’ve all the work I can manage.”

  “But you like your job?”

  Whitney reached for her water glass. “I do enjoy it.”

  “I may as well warn you.” Rich leaned in.” Being a host makes me outrageously outspoken. Don’t be shocked when I say I find you interesting. I’m trying to pinpoint why. If I may be honest…yes, you’re pretty, but I’ve run into beautiful vipers so I try not to let looks affect me. There’s something else.”

  Whitney drew back, taken aback at his frankness.

  “You’re definitely not in the viper category.” Rich stared intently at her. “I can’t quite put my finger on what it is, but I’m sure I want to know you better.”

  Whitney’s face heated. “You aren’t kidding about being direct. I’ll take that as a compliment. Flattery, when it’s sincere, is always appreciated.”

  “Tell me more about your work. You’ve seen mine. For starters, where did you go to journalism school?”

  “Undergrad degree from University of Wisconsin and Master’s in Creative Literature at Oxford.”

  The waitress interrupted to take their order. Whitney scanned the hand-size menu card on the table. “Vanilla cafe latte, please.”

  Rich chose the Piccadilly coffee blend of the day. “Bring us a plate of cucumber and tuna tea sandwiches also.” He returned his full attention to Whitney. “For my show prep I read your series on bizarre murders. Well done. What leads an attractive young woman like you to research horrible deaths?”