Chapter 6
I read the article. Here it is in a nutshell:
‘The head of Research and Development at Mount Sinai, Dr Ryan Williams has reportedly committed suicide by throwing himself under a subway train. The hospital was thrown into frenzied speculation when Akira Williams, of P.R. Company Fashion First arrived at the hospital ahead of Dr Ryan’s wife, former Miss USA Dayton Shaw and their young son. Violent scenes ensued when Akira Williams was seen to be comforted by a handsome mystery man and subsequently attacked by the Drs wife…’
‘…handsome mystery man’ I liked that, but not this: ‘if you know who this guy is, contact: info@nypost.’ A woman across the street pointed at me as I made my way back to the hotel. I lowered my head and power walked. An elbow nudged another and a head pointed in my direction. I heard a whispered, “It’s that guy from the New York Post.” Darting across the road, I caused that familiar New York car horn medley. I reached my hotel out of breath and sweating. I walked through the door and into the reception, needing my room – refuge. But the concierge rose from his table and exclaimed, “Hey, aren’t you the handsome mystery guy on the front page of the New York Post?”
I darted towards the lift, the concierge shouting after me, “Chill man, it’s the New York Post, we don’t take it seriously.” His words eased me a little. I waited at the lift, woozy with release. Then a hand on my shoulder and a voice in my ear, “Hey, how yer doin fella?” – zombie man!
I recognised him, even without the zombie make-up. He noticed my confusion and said, “I’m sorry about the other day fella, I was goofing around in my holiday guise." He offered me his hand, “I’m Harry.” But a woman grabbed it before me. sounding stressed, she hissed, “Harry! The presentation kicks off in fifteen, we gotta set up.” When she clocked me, her jaw dropped, “SHOOT! You’re the guy.” As they scurried away I heard her say, “Harry, are you mad, he’s caught up in this shit, he could be bad for business.”
They entered a room in front of which stood a banner announcing: ‘Mount Sinai – a new look, for a new beginning. Re-branding New York’s prestigious teaching hospital. Presentation by Harry Armfield (Creative Director) and Tanya Yorrick (Account Director) of TPL & Associates. – ‘Creative Director’ – I laughed out loud – for a while there I actually thought Harry/zombie man may be a frigging ghost.
I watched people arrive for the presentation. A familiar face, the nurse from the hospital stormed towards me, “Hey, do you have Akira’s Blackberry?” she shot, accusatorially.
“No, course I don’t, it was in her bag, I gave it to you.” I shot back. She softened, “Look, call her on this number,” she handed me a piece of paper and hurried towards the presentation room.
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