The Sisterhood - Michael Palmer [66]
“No!” The word was a slap. Ruth Serafini backed away from Peggy’s eyes as if they were lances against her chest. Peggy pressed her assault. “Don’t you understand? A piece at a time, no matter how hard she resists, Christine will tell them about us.
“Can’t you see the distortions that would appear in the press? It would ruin us. It would end forever our dream. I will never allow that to happen!” She hurled the mutilated flower on the table and turned to the window. Her shoulders heaved with each rapid breath. For a time the only sounds were her breathing and the eerie music of the autumn storm. Yet when she turned back Peggy was smiling. Her voice was soft. “My sisters, a year ago I presented a plan by which I felt we could at last inform the public of our existence and of the holy task we have undertaken. With several thousand taped case reports from the finest, most respected nurses in the world, I felt we could mount a campaign for acceptance so intense that those opposed to our beliefs would have no choice but to acquiesce. It would have been the culmination of a life’s work, for me and for all of you.
“As is our way, I submitted my belief to a vote. I was defeated. As is my way, I accepted the wishes of our Sisterhood. I promise you now that if we do not act tonight to protect this woman from the threats against her, I shall move ahead with that plan rather than risk a debasing, distorted, sensationalist disclosure by the: police and the press. I will release the tapes. I have them—all of them—and I will do it.”
Looks darted from one to another around the table. The reports were the blood oath that bound them together. Once given—once the first report was completed by a nurse—there could be no turning back from her commitment to the movement. Since the very beginning it had been that way. Reports at first in writing and later by voice. All of those present had made them—some many times—and now Peggy would make them public. What defiance remained among the directors melted.
Peggy turned to Barbara Littlejohn. “Barbara, I would like a vote giving me authority to do whatever is necessary to insure the guilt of Dr. David Shelton and to protect the interests of Christine Beall and The Sisterhood of Life. ”
Barbara knew that further argument was fruitless. The expressions around the table echoed her feelings. With a shrug she called the question. To her left, Sara Duhey slowly lifted her hand. In order Barbara’s eyes called on each one, and like a ripple their hands came up. The vote of support was unanimous.
Breaking the silence that followed, Dotty Dalrymple cleared her throat and spoke for the first time. “Peggy, as you well know, Christine Beall is a nurse on my service. I have come to know her fairly well, although I have not yet chosen to tell her of my commitment to The Sisterhood. She is, as you have described, a remarkable nurse, devoted to the ideals we all share. Can we be certain she’ll allow this man to answer for what she has done, regardless of our decision here tonight?”
The question had been on everyone’s mind.
“That, Dorothy, must be our responsibility—yours and mine. When the time is right, you must go to her. Explain the situation as only you can. I know that you will make her understand. You may have to share your secret with her, but I think she has earned that confidence. If necessary, I and the rest of those here will share our secret with her as well. Is that acceptable to you?”
Dalrymple