Last Wish

By Elizabeth Kilbride

On the Brink of losing her job and facing financial ruin things can't get any worse in Kendra Doyle's life, until she learns her grandfather has died. Will his last wish solve her problems or add to them?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Kilbride
• Release date: Sep 19, 2011
• ISBN: 9780976692713

Elizabeth Kilbride

A passionate Radio Talk Show host, author, lecturer and historian who tells it like it is. As a former Washington insider, I connect the dots to issues in order to be better informed. I love politics, it gives me so many creative and interesting stories/plots to use in my movie screenplays and books. Many have asked what I did to achieve the title of the "PITBULL" in Washington, DC. Maybe a bit of my bio will help you understand. Ms. Kilbride is a seasoned professional who has achieved multiple levels of success in Washington, DC. While consulting and lobbying for the defense industry, she was instrumental in helping to determine and fulfill revenue requirements related to military and defense initiatives. Having grown up in a very strong New York military family, her passion and love for those who serve in uniform, lead her on a path to work closely with the United States Marine Corps, United States Army, United States Navy, and various veterans’ organizations throughout her career. Her expertise and extensive knowledge of the military gave her the advantage in leveraging government and private sector resources for programs to benefit those who serve in uniform, both on the streets at home and around the world. Throughout her career, Ms. Kilbride has been instrumental in helping various military and veteran’s organizations bring about changes with respect to national defense, national security and veterans benefit issues. Because of her involvement in over 300 political campaigns, she gained the respect of both political parties in Washington, DC. It was no wonder why she was invited to speak before both Congressional and Veterans Affairs Committees in support of national defense and veterans benefits/PTSD issues. Her reputation as a straight shooter gained her the privilage of receiving an invititaion by the United States Marine Corps to join them as the first embedded media to deploy as a member of a unit as they entered Iraq. Ms. Kilbride currently resides in the Washington, DC Area.

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Chapter 1

January 20th.

Office Conference Room: -Staff Meeting

I wish I’d never run into Mack this morning. Kendra Doyle thought to herself as she stood staring out the conference room window. Shaking her head, she closed her eyes for a moment, Life would be so much simpler, if I didn’t have to add possibly losing my job to the list of my financial problems. How am I ever going to make ends meet if the newspaper folds? She said with an exacerbated voice. This economy sucks, she finally said aloud.

The day had turned into a winter wonderland as the snow blanketed Washington, DC. Traffic across the Roosevelt Bridge was at a crawl. Shaking her head trying to clear her mind, Kendra looked down at her watch, Meeting’s running late as usual, she muttered to herself.

Ideas and concepts for future articles usually filled Kendra’s mind before every staff meeting, instead today only anxiety and desperation filled her thoughts. Anxiety about a future alone was complicated enough without memories of a long-forgotten snowstorm. Her concentration seemed to be only on the snow falling over the city. She could not hear the office machines spitting out back up material or the voices of her fellow reporters in the outer office.

Her mind turned to her beloved Joe. There was a time in her life when storms like this would put a smile on her face, because it meant she could snuggle with Joe before the fireplace, under a cozy blanket. Now, it’s just a sad reminder of how precious life can be and how quickly it can change in an instant. Over the past three years, whenever it snowed, those soft fluffy flakes of white, felt more like granules of salt poured into the wound in her heart, making it ache with such pain. She had all she could do to fight back the tears so no one would know how much she was hurting inside. Next week, it will be three years since Joe was gone. Every time, she thought of that night. She could see the grief on the Arlington County police officer’s face as he stood on the porch saying the words, I am sorry to inform you. He had said those words a thousand times before, but she could tell it was one phase of his job, he hated. The thought of it sent a cold chill running through her veins. Ninety-five was bumper-to-bumper traffic when the driver lost control of his vehicle coming off the ramp a little to fast; hitting Joe's vehicle. His speed pushed Joe into the path of a tractor trailer who couldn’t stop in time. The cop said softly. ‘He didn’t suffer, killed him instantly. ’ She remembered someone saying at the funeral.

It wasn’t fair; he. He was her life, her companion, her best friend and her lover. She lost everything because of that drunk driver. She later learned he was an illegal immigrant from South America, and he didn’t even have a driver’s license. He was drunk, in a hurry and lost control. All because of him, she would never feel Joe’s arms wrapped around her again, or feel his kisses on her warm skin each morning. Missed opportunities flickered through her mind, why hadn’t she said yes to his marriage proposal, she wondered? They had talked about it, but why had she always put the brakes on the idea. Everything in her life was beginning to fall apart again; now that she talked to Mack.

With ten years on the job, she always thought her job was secure. She made good money with the newspaper and banked most of it during the seven years she and Joe were together. Now Joe was gone, and money was beginning to get tight. The economy was tanking. Thanks to Joe spoiling her, she had grown accustomed to those little extra luxuries, but now there wasn’t enough money to indulge anymore. She longed to jump on a plane and head to Europe or some exotic place for a vacation. Traveling alone was no fun. The house he encouraged her to buy was becoming a burden. If only she hadn’t done all those repairs all at once, she wouldn’t have drained most of her savings. Now she wished she hadn’t asked the contractor to do all those extra things. Joe was alive when she made those changes, and the thought of a future without him had never occurred to her. The shock his death still haunted her. She wanted to blame someone for his death. If only the Metro had finished their plans of continuing the train system beyond Springfield, as they promised, Joe might still be alive. Then again, they promised to extend the metro system out to Dulles Airport twenty years ago, but that still had not happened either. She shook her head realizing it was no one’s fault but that driver without a license. Besides, she loved her house, not because she got a great deal on it, but it was to be the home, she and Joe shared. Now with the economy shrinking faster than one of those sponges as the water evaporates from its pours and goes flat, her home was becoming a burden without him by her side.

A messenger interrupted her thoughts as he handed her an envelope. This just came for you Ms. Doyle, he said swiftly. She thanked him and began opening it without taking her eyes off the snow. She glanced down and began to read.

"Please contact this office at your earliest convenience to discuss a very important legal matter."

Kendra shook her head as she stuffed the letter into her pocket, wondering, What on earth could be so important?

Chapter 2

Jose Martinez, the thirty-five-year-old crime beat reporter bolted into the room, I’ve been waiting on a verdict for that murder trial, and they still aren’t out of deliberation yet. What do they need to deliberate about, the guy killed the kid, and the evidence proves it? He said as he dropped his notebook on the table. Kendra turned and smiled. Poor baby, crime slow due to the snow and the only thing left is a verdict to write about. She said sympathetically. Yup, laughed Jose.

Criminals are smart. They stay home in this weather while we have to go out in it, said Roger Halen as he entered. Kim Lue entered right behind him, still ranting over a piece of useless legislation Roger had just mentioned floating up on the hill. Hey Kendra, said Roger as he took his seat. Kendra turned, smiled then nodded at them both.

Kendra liked good reporters who incorporated history into their stories, and Roger and Kim were those types of reporters. Roger was in his mid-thirties while most of the other reporters who covered Capitol Hill were young puppies just out of college and lounged on the hill waiting for a story to break in Congress. Roger was not only good; he had a keen insight on what was happening. He could create a story from any subject and from any angle. Kim was twenty-nine and covered the social beat in town. Kendra liked her style of writing because she also brought in the historical aspects of life in Washington, into her stories. During the last inauguration, her story wasn’t just about the typical presidential inauguration; instead, it was filled with how politics had changed the face of the inaugural balls over the last one hundred years. It was an excellent piece of writing. Kendra thought after she read it.

Everyone turned towards the door. Steve Dunlop was yelling at a reporter on the other side of the office, and they all looked at the clock, late as usual, said Kendra.

The door flew open wide and slammed into the wall. You people gotta be quicker with your stories, shouted Steven Dunlop as he stormed into the conference room. After slamming down his notebook, he turned towards the sideboard and poured a cup of coffee. Kendra turned and looked over at Steve. ‘Here we go again."

Then she realized, He’s really letting himself go. Shaking her head, He’s only forty-eight years old; fat, going bald and high strung. Heart attack city here we come.

Steve stood in place at the head of the conference table and turned to where Kendra was standing at the window. You planning to join us today, or do you plan to stand there all day and stare at the friggen snow? Dunlop said with a scowl as he looked over at Kendra, who had turned back to the window.

Without saying a word, Kendra slowly turned, glared at him and pulled out her chair.

Seated at the table, she slowly sipped her coffee, as she remembered how she once held him in such high regard. He was the most admired and respected seasoned reporters in the city. His brilliance and ability to compose a story was far beyond anything she ever imagined achieving. How he could spin, a story out of a single topic, no matter what it was a marvel. Now, as the editor in chief of the Washington, DC newspaper, he was no longer respected or admired. It was evident he had no life. He’d turned into one of those bureaucratic idiots. She thought, as she picked up her pen and pulled her notebook closer. Every staff meeting he held was unproductive and nothing more than a bitch session. His ideas for stories were ludicrous, always the same thing; get the dirt on some politician and destroy their character and credibility. Whatever happened to stories about issues that affected real people? Kendra wondered.

What about accuracy? Shouldn’t we be allowed to confirm our facts first? Roger Halen retorted.

Yeah when are we supposed to verify our facts, after the story has run? asked Jose Martinez.

We are competing with CNN and the internet; we must be just as fast if we want to stay in business. Steve added as he took his seat.

You could always do an internet search to verify your facts, but you have to be careful of the information you find. Never know it could be a hoax planted by some college student and the credibility of your article just went down the shitter as lies and fodder. Kendra said sarcastically.

What are you talking about Kendra? asked Steve.

Recently a college student posted a quote on the internet about some famous guy who died over in, she paused for a moment, Europe. I think it was. Anyway, the quote was something he made up. He was testing the integrity and credibility of those in the media. Well, every reporter who wrote a story about the dead guy picked up this kids quote. In one keyboard stroke, that college student was able to make fools out of the journalism industry. It just goes to show you can’t depend on what is out there on the internet. If you’re going to be a reporter, you must talk to people and check your facts with credible sources and backup material. Kendra retorted.

Everyone laughed. Yeah that was a good one, responded Kim. Just think, if you want to get back at anyone these days, just post something on the internet and the world will believe it. Talk about getting revenge on a person. Kim added.

Steve shook his head in disgust. Kendra seemed to be a negative force in his office lately, always trying to buck his authority over the staff with her comments. He decided not to get into it with her. He turned his attention to the rest of the group.

What’s the story on the hill today Roger, anything worth exploring? he said taking a sip of his coffee.

Same as yesterday, the stimulus package is the buzz. Corporate America and Wall Street creating a recession, as a result, people haven’t been paying their bills on time. CEOs are threatening major layoffs and demanding the government help bail them out. The vote is next week, and both sides are a bit edgy about how they’re going to vote, said Roger.

Kendra looked around the table at the group, waiting for their comments.

What does Queen Bee have to say about the stimulus package bro? Jose asked sarcastically as he began to laugh at his nickname for the speaker of the house.

She is right behind the President. She believes we must help the banking industry and corporate America as usual. Roger said chuckling.

Can’t you find dirt on her? Gotta be gettin’ kick backs from somebody, commented Jose Martinez.

I wish I could, and then we could get rid of her once and for all. Unfortunately, people are protecting her way too much, female in charge and all that jazz. I’m still waiting for her and that other which to start sparring over who has more clout on the hill. Roger added.

Although she usually enjoyed listening to Jose and Roger’s little bantering about individuals on the hill, today Kendra wasn’t in the mood for it, for some reason. The world was changing way too fast, and the political arena was the cause of it. Those on the hill were causing the country to spiral down into economic doom. Long-standing companies that have been in business for centuries are going under daily. Ma and Pop shops were becoming extinct. Those who work for major companies were being laid off because of money-grubbing leadership. Many are losing their homes. God forbid they should get sick, because without that expensive health care insurance, they’d be charged excessively for basic medical services; fifteen dollars for two Tylenol’s. This country is way to profit hungry for its own good. People are becoming slaves to corporations who don’t give a damn about them. After thinking long and hard about it, she could see why the advertising department’s revenues were dwindling. It was just a matter of time before this paper goes under as so many others have in recent years across the country had done..

Steve decided he’d had enough and waved his hand for Roger to continue with his update.

Sorry Boss, The environmental bill is still pending on the floor. I read over the bill this past weekend. I’m all for saving the environment, but I really think it should be a civic responsibility rather than the government making it a law to recycle. If some of these groups get their way, we’ll be using horses or electric vehicles to get around. He paused over his notes, and then looked up. You know, with all the hype about the use of electricity. They only allocated grant money for corporate America to go green. The government refuses to offer the average homeowner a grant to install solar panels in their homes. It doesn’t make any sense to me at all. They offered corporate America half a million bucks in grants to go green, yet if they offered a ten thousand dollar grant to every homeowner to go green, they could reduce the use of electricity by seventy-five percent. In this economy, a homeowner could cut out their electric bill completely. They would also create energy for those in their neighborhood who cannot afford a high-energy bill like senior citizens, the handicapped or low-income families.

If they did that Roger, the electric companies wouldn’t make any money, remember they’re corporate America, added Kim. Isn’t that the truth, said Roger as he looked down at his notes trying to find his place once again.

Kendra spoke softly, Even if every homeowner went green and did as Roger suggested by installing solar panels, the electric companies would still make money. The electricity has to go over the local grid and supply other people. Those who have done that are charged a service fee for usage of the grid, but at the same time, they are paid a residual for supplying them with energy. The last thing our electric company wants to do is pay us for supplying them with energy from the sun. Roger looked at her and nodded in agreement. That is true. Maybe I should do some research on that and write up a story that will bust their bubble. Thanks Kendra, great concept, said Roger. He wrote a note to himself and then went back to his report.

I heard something I didn’t like today. There is a new bill circulating on the state level to take away the rights of average citizens to purchase ammunition. Roger added.

Say what? Isn’t that just another way to usurp our second amendment rights?, asked Jose. I think is it, added Roger. The NRA is up in arms about it. No pun intended. I think I am going to write up a story about it in the next week or so. Roger looked down at his notes once again. Oh yeah and the Dems want to reduce funding to the military again. That’s about it. Roger said closing his notebook.

Boring day on the hill I see, retorted Jose. They want to reduce the military budget again to destroy our chances of winning a war; they themselves sent us into. Go figure, he added as he sat back in disgust.

Roger, I have an angle for you to think about Kendra broke into the conversation quickly, Dems cut nose off to spite their face and interrupt environmental projects with military budget cutbacks. She said as she took a sip of coffee waiting for his response. Say what, said Jose. She nodded her head softly as her eyebrow rose in acknowledgment, and a knowing smile crossed her lips. She leaned forward and began to speak. Think about it, who is the most outspoken proponent for the environmental issue – Dems. They are also the loudest voice in demanding our military budget be cut, in order to prevent our country from going to war, right. Well, what those loud mouths don’t realize is this. The military will never cut spending on war fighting capabilities because we must be able to defend ourselves in case of a national emergency. What they do cut are special projects, which are expendable when necessary. They’re usually the environmental, historical and wildlife preservation projects. Everyone seemed shocked at hearing this revelation. You mean to say, the military funds those types of projects? asked Kim. Kendra nodded slowly. Most people don’t know or understand how things work over at DoD. Every time, the Dems scream about cutting the budget and get their way, the environment suffers. On every military installation, there’s some form of environmental habitat protecting wildlife, preserving historical artifacts, such as Indian or American history. There’s also a wide range of experimental projects that helps the environment. Roger sat back in amazement. I never knew this before, he said softly. Kendra nodded. Yup, for example, up in Alaska there is a huge wildlife refuge, while in the Midwest, I believe it’s Kansas, they helped save the bald eagle from extinction. You could also include their oceanic and aquatic projects along the coastline and inner waterways. She added, and then sat back slowly allowing everyone to absorb what she just said. Rogers head was nodding up and down slowly as the ideas began to formulate in his mind.

Kendra, why don’t you write the piece and throw in how the economy is affecting our military, said Dunlop knowing she would rebuke him. Kendra just shook her head in disbelief.

First of all, Steve, you know I don’t write pieces about the military. Secondly, is it really the economy you want me to write about or the politicians who dish out more money to those who refuse to do anything to help the economy, like big corporations? There are too many stories like that out there. On the other hand, how about, politicians make up another crisis, so they can bail out their friendly CEO’s that supported their political campaigns as a payback for support. Better yet how about, I write about how big CEO’s get a major bonus from pathetic board of directors which is more interested in going on jaunts to exotic places while their employees are on the bread line again. Kendra shot back knowing he would never approve those types of stories. After all it is corporate America, who owns their paper, and they’d never allow her to tell the truth about them in print.

Jose jumped into the fray, You could do a piece about contractors taking advantage of taxpayers by over bidding military contracts. You know like hammers just went up to a grand apiece, toilet paper went to three hundred bucks a case of one hundred, one ply rolls, while the soldiers don’t have the right equipment to fight a war because there isn’t enough money in the budget for real war fighting capabilities. Let’s not forget about the MREs that can eventually cause diabetes. Jose said with an attitude.

Everyone at the table looked at them both with incredulity. Kendra’s attitude this morning was not her normal helpful mood. She was the one they looked up to for story ideas when their ideas had dried up.

What is wrong Kendra? It’s not like you to be so negative in a staff meeting. Kim asked gingerly.

Kendra looked over at her not realizing she sounded so negative. I think it’s just one of those days. The weather stinks, and I don’t feel the same as I once did about certain types of pieces, he, she nods over at Dunlop, "wants us to write about anymore.

Listen if we can’t produce a viable newspaper in this city, we have a serious problem, Steve said snapping at her.

Kendra’s patience was tight this morning and her attitude towards the man she used to admire snapped.

Listen Steve, the reality of our beloved newspaper industry is it’s dying a slow death, just look at the downturn in the advertising section. I spoke to Mack earlier. You remember him don’t you? She said looking straight at Steve. He’s been with this paper for over twenty-five years and is about to retire under the buyout plan. The cash cow is feeling the pain of the economy, and the attitude of how people get their news is getting worse. It’s not just this newspaper. It's happening throughout the country, she said defiantly. Regardless of where you live, subscriptions are dwindling. People would rather pay big bucks to their local Cable Company instead of holding a newspaper in their hands. We, the journalists will feel it very soon. So be warned. She glared at Steve, but before he could say a word, she continued, this time more somberly. After talking to him, I grabbed Sunday’s paper and looked at the classified section. He was right; I can remember when it was over one hundred pages thick, now we’re lucky if it’s ten, and most of those ads are legal notices for foreclosed homes. I never thought I’d see the day that happened. Unfortunately, I haven’t been paying attention so I am just as much at fault as everyone else. The auto industry used to be our biggest source of revenue for advertising dollars, but they have inflated prices so much people aren’t buying vehicles. The real estate market is no better. Agents are more interested in making the big bucks on one sale rather than having consistent sales throughout the year. They themselves have caused problems within the industry because their driving prices of homes to such levels. No one can afford a home anymore. She threw her hand’s up in the air. Who the hell needs a large house when there are only two people living in it? You are never home long enough to enjoy such a huge house, because you’re forced to work two or three jobs just to pay the bills. Throw in how politicians have handled things over the last twenty years, and you see the reasons why the economy is spiraling out of control. As a result, it’s clear the media world is next. As Mack said, advertising dollars used to be worth a lot of money, but now it’s not worth a nickel. Unless you’re someone in Buffets’ league, a nickel isn’t worth crap. Kendra said abruptly.

Everyone, including Steve was in shock and no one said a word. Kendra continued.

Mack recently went to a local café on a Saturday morning in his neighborhood where college students hang out and talked to some of them. All of them said they read the news on the internet and haven’t handled a newspaper, since they lived at home back in high school. That started me thinking. If they read their news on the internet instead of buying a newspaper, newspapers will disappear as if they are just a piece of old paper. It breaks my heart, because I see the demise of print media faster and faster every day. Circulation losses are not due to faulty equipment, delivery or prices. It's because people aren’t willing to get their fingers dirty by reading a newspaper anymore. They’d rather turn on the internet, or watch cable instead of enjoying a newspaper that says the same thing every day. We need to go back to doing in-depth reporting on issues and not just give them fodder. She said swiftly before taking a sip of her coffee. We also need to do more local good news so people will be willing to buy a paper just to learn what’s happening in their home town the area. She added swiftly.

Before Steve could open his mouth and say a word, Kendra continued. Major cities that have multiple papers are beginning to feel the pain. Do not get me wrong, there will be newspapers in this country, but they’ll be bought out by the big CEOs, who control the government now. Independent newspapers like this one will go away. They will make us print what they want us to print. Actually, they already are making us do that; just ask any of our corporate attorneys. We can’t say this or that because we might get sued. If we could research our materials properly, and have our facts substantiated, maybe we wouldn’t be sued. If we allow this to continue, there will be no freedom of the press. Worse thought would be if the government took us over. She paused, her mood becoming more somber before continuing, I feel sorry for the poor kid sitting home with dreams of their name adorning a byline in their local newspaper one day. With the way things are going, there won’t be any newspapers for these kids because it won’t be attractive or glamorous enough as a viable career option. What about journalism schools and colleges, those prices are already off the charts. Students aren’t attending actual colleges anymore. They’re taking their courses online. No need to have a staff covering the office in a college anymore. The trickle-down effect is going to close colleges in the end. The only job that will remain is going to be the online person who posts their pieces for a penny a page. Kendra added.

Steve Dunlop was speechless when she was finished. She had just spurted out what he has been worried about for months. If the paper closes, he shuttered. How will I pay off that boat I just bought? he wondered. Roger, Jose and Kim all looked at each other. Dreams being shattered as Kendra’s revelation sank in; each having a goal of a long career in the newspaper business. Jose and Roger both had aspirations of writing a book together one day and make it big in the publishing world. Kendra could see it in their eyes, their dreams going down the drain. Kim had longed to write a book of her own one day about the society scene in Washington. That probably will not happen either, she thought.

Steve knew she was right but refused to give up the ship just yet. He finally found his voice. So newspapers are dying all over the country, we haven’t died yet. It is truly tragic when any form of public expression ends. For those who only read the news online or watch television, this paper will not miss them. He retorted.

Roger couldn’t help but jump in. For the life of me, I can’t understand why people think online news comes from out of the air, don’t they realize someone has to write the story itself. Don’t they realize there is research involved to compile it into a story?

Maybe they think aliens write it and post it online, said Jose throwing his head back and letting out a laugh.

These are only the first-phases. We will see more changes coming down the pike as the electronic age of news gathering and publishing evolve more and more. We now have RSS feeds, blogs and social media groups that are reporting information that usually is wrong information. They fail to give real insight, true analysis behind the problems of a story. They give only snippets of the story. I miss the old days when we could write real stories that pulled on the heartstrings, said Kendra.

When a newspaper dies, the art of journalism dies and true freedom dies with it, Kim said softly.

Chapter 3

Kendra’s home was devoid of life when she stepped through the doorway into the foyer later that night. The cold winter day was bone chilling. She hated it when Mother Nature decided to subject the city to this kind of abuse.

After closing the front door, she went to her bedroom, stripped off her winter clothes and slipped into a comfortable pair of old sweats. She looked around the room, at the empty bed and sat on the edge. Picking up Joe’s picture, she spoke softly as if he could hear her. "Honey, I enjoy my solitude, but life has a way of changing you. I am sorry, but I am lonely