and they’ll have everyone believing I’m an alien, or that I can levitate, maybe heal the sick with X-ray vision. They’ll print whatever garbage they think will sell. The truth is strange enough without adding sensationalism.” Her voice rose with her agitation. “I’ve seen what the media can do to a person’s life: there should be laws against stalking people with a camera, even though it’s done in the guise of freedom of the press.”
She anticipated the comeback so added, “I know, I know. Highly visible people have to expect a certain amount of publicity, but there’s a limit to what anyone should have to endure.
“Furthermore,” she continued, her voice rising in anger, “movie stars and politicians know what’s going to happen before they decide to become public figures. I had no choice. I didn’t ask for this, and I shouldn’t have to play by the same rules! I’m going to be under a million watt microscope. Just thinking about it gives me the hives.”
Before Frannie could open her mouth, Mariah said, “Who wants millions of people copying my hairstyle or eating my favorite cereal or discussing how much weight I should lose? Better yet, someone will dig up an old boyfriend and, for a hefty fee, he’ll satisfy their voyeurism by lying about some porno act we committed!”
Mariah’s jaw tightened. “The thought that my family and friends will be harassed with microphones jammed in their faces...” She shuddered in revulsion.
Frannie stared at Mariah, knowing that what she needed to say next would require the right conciliatory tone. “Believe me, I’m sympathetic, Mariah. I understand your position, but we can’t keep a lid on this anymore. My boss has been able to keep you a secret with the threat that you’ll stop the Findings , but how long can he do that?” Frannie paused to let this sink in. She felt a twinge of guilt because she now had to tweak Mariah’s conscience.
“And we’ve overlooked the biggest benefit of going public. We know that other kidnappers won’t stop because they think you’ll catch them; their sickness compels them beyond the threat of jail. However, the more times they see you do these Findings , the better chance we might have of at least some of them turning themselves in and getting help. And let’s not forget that you’re at least getting the ones you catch off the street.”
Smiling warmly at Mariah, Frannie closed with a final pronouncement. “There will be millions and millions of people who’ll see your talent, or gift, in an exceptionally positive light. People are more willing to accept anomalies—miracles, if you wish—then you give them credit for.” Frannie sat back, waiting for the anticipated reaction.
Mariah’s face was a study in dawning acceptance. Having been so self-absorbed, she hadn’t thought about the children. Impossible to save them all; nevertheless, Frannie had a point. Being so focused on her fear of publicity, she had failed to see the obvious benefits to others. And maybe Frannie was right about lots of people accepting and welcoming her gift.
Purposely changing the subject, Mariah told Frannie about her dreams on Planet X. After what they’d been through, the dreams would not sound quite so demented.
Frannie grinned and shook her head. “If anyone but you told me about these dreams, accompanied by all the special effects, I’d have their blood tested for hallucinogens. Or I’d tell them to stay away from jalapenos before going to bed.”
“There’s something else I want to talk to you about.” The look in Mariah’s eyes, and the tone of her voice, immediately caused Frannie’s heart beat to accelerate.
“I’ve had two exceptionally frightening dreams that don’t fit in the Planet X category. In the first one, there are three bands of hideous colors. In each band I see distorted objects that pulse and gyrate which makes me queasy. If that isn’t bad enough, a shadow forms in front of the nauseous
She anticipated the comeback so added, “I know, I know. Highly visible people have to expect a certain amount of publicity, but there’s a limit to what anyone should have to endure.
“Furthermore,” she continued, her voice rising in anger, “movie stars and politicians know what’s going to happen before they decide to become public figures. I had no choice. I didn’t ask for this, and I shouldn’t have to play by the same rules! I’m going to be under a million watt microscope. Just thinking about it gives me the hives.”
Before Frannie could open her mouth, Mariah said, “Who wants millions of people copying my hairstyle or eating my favorite cereal or discussing how much weight I should lose? Better yet, someone will dig up an old boyfriend and, for a hefty fee, he’ll satisfy their voyeurism by lying about some porno act we committed!”
Mariah’s jaw tightened. “The thought that my family and friends will be harassed with microphones jammed in their faces...” She shuddered in revulsion.
Frannie stared at Mariah, knowing that what she needed to say next would require the right conciliatory tone. “Believe me, I’m sympathetic, Mariah. I understand your position, but we can’t keep a lid on this anymore. My boss has been able to keep you a secret with the threat that you’ll stop the Findings , but how long can he do that?” Frannie paused to let this sink in. She felt a twinge of guilt because she now had to tweak Mariah’s conscience.
“And we’ve overlooked the biggest benefit of going public. We know that other kidnappers won’t stop because they think you’ll catch them; their sickness compels them beyond the threat of jail. However, the more times they see you do these Findings , the better chance we might have of at least some of them turning themselves in and getting help. And let’s not forget that you’re at least getting the ones you catch off the street.”
Smiling warmly at Mariah, Frannie closed with a final pronouncement. “There will be millions and millions of people who’ll see your talent, or gift, in an exceptionally positive light. People are more willing to accept anomalies—miracles, if you wish—then you give them credit for.” Frannie sat back, waiting for the anticipated reaction.
Mariah’s face was a study in dawning acceptance. Having been so self-absorbed, she hadn’t thought about the children. Impossible to save them all; nevertheless, Frannie had a point. Being so focused on her fear of publicity, she had failed to see the obvious benefits to others. And maybe Frannie was right about lots of people accepting and welcoming her gift.
Purposely changing the subject, Mariah told Frannie about her dreams on Planet X. After what they’d been through, the dreams would not sound quite so demented.
Frannie grinned and shook her head. “If anyone but you told me about these dreams, accompanied by all the special effects, I’d have their blood tested for hallucinogens. Or I’d tell them to stay away from jalapenos before going to bed.”
“There’s something else I want to talk to you about.” The look in Mariah’s eyes, and the tone of her voice, immediately caused Frannie’s heart beat to accelerate.
“I’ve had two exceptionally frightening dreams that don’t fit in the Planet X category. In the first one, there are three bands of hideous colors. In each band I see distorted objects that pulse and gyrate which makes me queasy. If that isn’t bad enough, a shadow forms in front of the nauseous
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