Kidd Spring Rec Center
The rec center is a large building, comprised of two gymnasiums which can be separated by a folding wall. Each gym is equipped for basketball, or can be used for floor hockey, dances, or any number of other recreational activities.
Outside the rec center is a fenced in basketball court, as well as two tennis courts, offering area children something to occupy their time with.
"Have you projected exactly how many children you anticipate will be brought in for the event, Dr. Richards?" Mignonette is walking and talking, as she makes her way around the mostly empty rec center, walking with an older, taller man, who's dressed as though he should be in a hospital and not in the middle of a recreational area. He has a clip board in hand, and so does she, the two seeming to be comparing notes as she walks. Mignonette shakes her head, lifting a hand to forestall the doctor's further comment, "The company is not concerned with the bottom line, you understand. We have enough ideas in motion for the fundraising that money will not be an issue. But we would hate to be known as the firm that had to turn away children in need, because we did not purchase enough supplies to see to the needs of all of the local children."
—-
"As far as the demographics are concerned," Dr. David Trudeau opens his mouth, his voice carrying from where he is seated. "If we look at the 2000 census, there are over 250,000 children in this city under the age of 18. Now, to bring things down a little more, with the different sizes of minority populations, we'll be looking at close to 100,000 kids who could be eligible. Mind, we're not just taking the first immunizations, either, but boosters. We can get the jump on a few vaccines that aren't yet required for the state, but the federal government recommends them." David smiles tightly and nods to Dr. Richards. "Not to overstep you, Dr. Richards. I just had the data," he taps his head. "stored."
Looking over to Mignonette, David pushes up his glasses and raises his brows, "That'll be a serious handful of cash to assume we've got it all covered, Miss Savoy." Still he doesn't gainsay her. "So, if we err, I agree with the sentiment. Err on the gracious side. Nothing saying that we can't expand to Ft. Worth with our 'left-overs', assuming there are any left over."
—-
Mignonette lifts her head from the paperwork, looking over towards where the not-so-much of a stranger, one Dr. Trudeau, anymore is sitting, "Could be eligible, yes, but we're also taking into consideration those children who will already be getting the inoculations that they need from their pediatricians and those who might be getting them from other free or low-cost avenues, are we not?" This is a slightly different woman, to the one he met just a few days past. This time, Mignonette is dealing with business, and she approaches the matter as straightforwardly and logically as she does all of her work. "I'm not saying I can get you a limitless wellspring of funding, but I do know what my firm is capable of, as well as the firms that we work with who make it their business to raise money for worthy causes and a few others who might be willing to donate their time and resources. So if you can give me a definite number, I can do everything in my power to make that happen for you." She lifts a hand, "What about the possibility of pharmaceuticals donating their product?"
—-
Dr. Trudeau clears his throat, blue eyes now fixed on the attorney before him. "I understand that. Considering that 35% of the documented children in this city are below the poverty level, I'm going to assume a portion of the 250,000 are either no longer in need or have their own doctors. That, of course, doesn't include undocumented children who will be starting school, and so we have to add back a percentage. So, I stand by my number of approximately 100,000 doses will be sufficient."
David still doesn't rise, and his gaze tracks Mignonette's movements. Shrugging lightly, he lays an arm out and across the empty seat beside him and pulls a leg up to lay across the other. "Pharmaceuticals will only donate if there is a perceived need, such as an epidemic, and even then, it's unlikely. Pandemic, even. That would only cause them to change their output levels. You may get some free publicity, however, from them."
—-
Mignonette nods, looking neither pleased nor displeased at the doctor's numbers, or his attitude. She is, after all, asking him for his input, and this is his demesne, and not hers, "100,000 doses then, to be utilized here, and in the neighbouring outlying cities until they've all been distributed. And can you give me an approximate dollar amount?" She remains where she's been standing, though she does exchange the page already printed out with a fresh page to make note, both of her own devising and of the information she's being given by the Epidemiologist. "Plus the cost of sundry medical supplies as well, if you can ballpark that." A thoughtful nod, as she looks off into the empty basketball court, "We could certainly do with the additional publicity. And with this much being purchased, it may not be a bad idea to see if we can start some sort of bidding war for who gets the contract." A beat, "Perceived of course. I don't intend for us to purchase an inferior product."
—-
"Cost to the CDC obviously depends upon the pharmaceutical company. Private sector doses are .. a little more expensive." David puts a hand up to forestall comment until he's done. "We'll probably get a price in the middle for the charity. 501(c)3s do have a little weight to bring to bear. The excise tax, for example, may be waived. So.." Sucking in a breath between lightly clenched teeth, he looks in the air as he considers the math. "One point six million. US dollars." Looking at the gathered, he smiles tightly, "The various and sundry supplies can be donated. That's easy." David smile tightly at those gathered, "How are the grant writers doing?"
—-
A hell of a figure. But it receives as much of a reaction as the man's comments from before, and it's set down along with a second series of notes. "I'll give that figure to the companies we're working with. I don't anticipate it being a problem, so we'll see what we can do just along the normal routes first. But I was also thinking about potentially having a charity dinner, as well. Maybe a donated art auction. If we intend to make this an annual event, we're going to need more of a face in the local business community." At the question of grants, well, that's more Dr. Richard's department than hers. Her company's just the primary business funding source for the event. It's no secret that Savoy & Savoy have made charity work part of their business plan, and the local hospital which Dr. Richards represents, well, they were simply at the right place at the right time.
—-
And with the addition of someone from the CDC, well, Dr. Trudeau brings in a different set of skills, experiences and connections. David is very much aware that discussion of large numbers means a great deal of funds, and with the nature of this charity, it means 'big bucks'. This is serious business.
David nods, his smile ghosting as Mignonette ticks down the different events that could make this a reality. Dinners would be black tie, undoubtedly. His tux is in the closet, just waiting to be trotted out again. Not that he enjoys it, but he's now more than familiar with how to tie a real bow-tie.
"And that PR can and probably will come from the pharmaceuticals. I have contacts there, but you understand, I won't be able to be the one to call them as this isn't an 'official' event for 'us'. Not until I contact our PR officer." He makes it sounds as if he is going to do such a thing; 'when' not 'if'.
Settling back into his seat, David takes the moment to push his glasses back up before making notes, listing what he needs to get done before the next meeting.
—-
"Please don't put yourself out, Dr. Trudeau. You've already done more than I would have expected you could do." She leaves the rest unsaid, but it hangs there regardless, 'with all of the red tape you have to cut through. "And that is appreciated." With that, she turns back to Dr. Richards, "So, I'll get my people started first thing in the morning, getting us an estimate of how much we can raise immediately, and how much we'll need to raise by outside events. And I have the time table from you on how long it will take to get your people mobilized, and," with this she turns to the man from the CDC, "I have the numbers from you, and if you can get me a list of the companies that we'll be bidding with, I can start pressing palms." A momentary inhale and time to get her thoughts in order, before she looks back between the two men, "Is there anything else we need to discuss?"
—-
David makes a quick note, scribbling names; he's got to get contact information, phone numbers and addresses. He waves a lightly dismissive hand, "I'll do what I can do. No sense reinventing the wheel, eh?"
He falls silent for the conversation with Dr. Richards, his gaze flickering back and forth between the two. Things look like they'll actually get accomplished, and he's pleased with the hospital's involvement.
When David had heard about the charity, he'd checked to see if the local hospital was involved. What better way to make good relations between his department and the health organizations?
PR.
"Hmm?" His eyes raise, his attention coming back around as he's pulled from his own thoughts. "Yes," is given slowly, "of course."
As for whether he has anything, David shakes his head slowly, his lips pressing together briefly before, "I'm good."
—-
"No, I think we have everything in hand, Ms. Savoy." Dr. Richards does offer a hand to the woman, who accepts, with a, "Miss Savoy. And thank you again, Dr. Richards. You have my number, and you know you're always welcome to contact my office. If I'm unavailable, Desiree will be working on this with me, and she'll be able to answer any questions you might have." With that, the hospital's representative excuses himself, adding a, "Good afternoon, Dr. Trudeau, and thank you." And then it's just the lawyer and the doctor, and Mignonette is moving to her briefcase, which is a few seats down from where David's been sitting, and set beside a small duffel bag and a dress bag.
—-
David begins to pack his things away into his attache case, setting the papers in front of a couple file folders. He's got everything sorted by the time Mignonette starts heading back to the spot where she's got her briefcase. He rises to his feet as Mignonette approaches, a genuine smile flickering onto his face that is echoed on the rest of his face.
"Faites-vous a lot of ces choses? Vous semblez to have the whole situation sous controle." «Do you do a lot of these things? You seem to have the whole situation under control.»
—-
Mignonette looks across, as she catches sight of the doctor rising to his feet, and at his smile, her own expression softens, become less lawyer and more, well, perhaps human might not be the appropriate term, unless of course, you have a dislike of lawyers, which many people do. "I've been assisting in the family business since I was very young, even when all I could do was help to set the plates before we had guests over. Most of what I learned I learned in my home, before I ever left to go to school. My father made sure that I would know how to do it financially and legally, my mother made sure I would know how to do it socially. And now that I am the face, as it were, of the Savoy in Dallas, it's been most of what I have been doing, when I haven't been working on my case load." She takes a moment, placing her paperwork into her bag, and removing a sketchpad, which she tucks under her arm, "I was surprised to see you here today."
—-
David nods at the brief history lesson, his expression attentive. He picks up his attache, but leaves it hanging loosely in hand. "Sounds like a good life lesson." He takes the cue to remain in English; he has no problem in either language. "It's the best place to learn. The basics. Right from the beginning."
Waiting as she gathers her things together, it looks all the world as if he's staying in order to walk her out, which he is. At the expression of surprise at his attendance at the planning session, his brows raise in askance, and his mouth drops open slightly. "Oh? Yeah.. that. Well, part of my job is to pretty much go out and educate the public. Sort of a friendly face. And, my being," he smiles bemusedly and continues, "not from around here, it does garner me a little bit of attention. Even if they might not quite understand what I'm saying all the time." David gestures towards the door of the rec center, and won't take the first steps unless and until Mignonette does. "And, I'm the keeper of the numbers. Statistics and population concentrations are high on my list of things to track. Our office tracks them for Dallas and Fort Worth, and all the little towns around. Roanoake, Keller.."
David pauses, and chuckles, "With your story now, I can't possibly say that I'm surprised you're here."
—-
It takes a few minutes, for her to get herself completely together, and while doing that, she also takes the time to slough off the rest of the Savoy 'skin' she's been wearing. It's like a suit, that fits you so well when you're wearing it you don't notice, but as soon as you take it off, it's such a relief, and when it goes, so too, her english, as she switches back into something more comfortable. "It was the only lesson. To be a Savoy is to be a .Savoy. You don't learn anything else. You don't live anything else." But finally, once she has all of her things gathered, she does take a step to begin the short walk out of the red center, "You must hate it. Being relegated to doing publicity and community outreach. Paperwork and red tape, when you could be in the lab doing the research you were trained to be doing. Or out in the field actually putting it to good use. Sometimes I think I could die happy, if I could just see the inside of a courtroom more than once or twice a week." <fr> A quick juggle to distribute the weight, "But more than that, it was such a random thing to meet you at the college, and then to see you here again. In a city of so many million, I seem to have a knack for running into the same people over and again."
—-
"Ah.. d'ac.." «okay..»
David can see the shedding of a facade. It's in the posture, the manner, the mien, and the final bit to be put back into place is obviously the greatest comfort to the woman; her langue maternelle. As far as he's concerned, he can speak one or the other, or both at the same time. Sometimes people are funny about speaking a 'foreign' language in the middle of non-speakers; the feeling that one is talking about those who lack comprehension breeds mistrust. And David really doesn't care.
"Ah.. cela m'etait egale.." «It is all the same to me.» He chuckles as he waits as she gets everything together. "Why don't you get back into the courtroom more? Surely you can work it such that your cases lead you back there?"
David chuckles and there, offers a slightly Gaullish shrug of his shoulders at Mignonette's penchant for running into people. "Well, it's like social circles. The same people would frequent them, eh?"
—-
"And how much of your day to day work leads you back to the laboratory?" <fr> Mignonette takes her time getting to the door, and she turns around, out of habit and pushing the door handle down with her back, to open it and step through. There's a momentary twinge, but it goes unremarked, before she holds the door for you to step through, "The majority of my work now, is in securing clients for the business, or handling our more high dollar accounts, many of which have nothing to do with going to court at all. And everything to do with growing the power base of the firm, and establishing roots that will continue long after i've been relegated back to the stables for breeding." <fr> A shrug of his shoulders meets one of hers, "I have tried my best to avoid them since I have come to Dallas, but I am repeatedly reminded that there are some places I cannot go, and some people whom I cannot associate with. Or perhaps, cannot associate with me." <fr>
—-
David laughs softly, "Pas grand-chose de ma journee, non.." «Not much of my day, no.» He exhales in a somewhat theatric sigh, "But when I do, I'm there for days." Pushing up on his glasses, he steps over the threshold and holds the door with his free hand so it won't close immediately upon release by his current companion.
"Ah.. oui.." Then, there's something that's added that David really didn't expect, and once again, his brows make the upward climb as his head rolls forward slightly, his head canting in a 'I'm sorry?' in body language. "Vous voulez dire, de 'se marier'? Parce que le son n'est pas comme si vous tes heureux l'ide." «You mean to say, 'to get married'? Because it doesn't sound as if you're happy about the idea.» There's a touch of bitterness in her tones that he perceives, at least, giving him the distinct impression that there is certainly a nerve touched. Inadvertently, on his part.
"Ah.. okay?" Puzzled is a good word for it. "I'm sorry?"
—-
"I am the same way. When I do have the chance to really do what I was trained to do, what I love to do, I lock myself in the library, except for food deliveries and court appearances. But I do not begrudge the younger generation their chance. It is a wonderful life, and I am fortunate to have a solid team of attorneys at the firm. Thank you," Mignonette offers as she steps out of the center and takes a moment to allow her eyes to adjust to the brightness of the day outside, or what's left of it, "There is a storm coming." <fr> But as she hears the question, and the comment, she nearly curses aloud. One of the troubles with speaking french primarily to your family, is that it can set you into a certain mindset, and she obviously catches her mistake the moment after it's made. But when she turns back to the man walking with her, that sweet, friendly expression neatly in place, and quite believable, "Oh, I could certainly still work while I was married. But it would be very difficult to raise children and keep the schedule that I have now. It is not very much different from when men say they've been 'put out to pasture.' Wishing to do the work you have always done, but knowing that your life has led you too far away from it?" She offers a hopefully disarming smile, "Perhaps I should practice my french more. I'm afraid the sentiment did not carry as well as I intended."<fr>
—-
"Ah, see, I am a perfectionist, so I have to remind myself on a daily basis des autres «others» will have to learn," an admission that David makes with some honesty. "C'est difficile." «It's difficult.»
Ah well. Again, his shoulders rise in a shrug, and his attention is fully on the attorney with him. He only blinks when he finally lets the door go and turns to face the 'out of doors' completely. David watches as the bits and pieces are pulled back together in semblance of control and the explanation comes easily to her lips. After all, she is a lawyer, and from what he's seen so far, probably not a bad one at that.
"Ah.. the 'old ball and chain'." David understands the sentiment, but he's a little skeptical of her equating it all. Is he willing to blame it on the partial disuse of French? Not really, but he's also willing to let it all slide, if only for the moment.
"It wouldn't be easy, no. Doing what you love, then having to teach others. But, on the other hand, there is something to the change of scenery, or so I'm told." Bachelor.
—-
"It is a difficult thing. And I am certainly neither perfect nor finished learning, and I find that my age and lack of experience sometimes works to my disadvantage. It is not common, to find a full partner in my firm who is less than forty years old and not male. People who have spent years dealing with my firm sometimes take issue with it. It is a difficult thing." <fr> And while it's obvious that he doesn't seem completely convinced, Mignonette seems, for the time being, grateful that he isn't pushing. And she does continue on, once the doctor has departed the rec center, and starts on her way towards the parking lot. "That is why I was actually glad to be coming to Dallas, despite the drawbacks. A new place, a chance at new adventures, a new life. A bit of independence." <fr> There's some laughter there, "It is difficult to go into work each day, and everyone in your office is a blood relation, or close enough. And my father is a terrible taskmaster. He has a revolving door of paralegals." <fr> The laughter fades, but it's replaced with a genuine smile, "I'm certain you have a full schedule today, but perhaps you'd allow me to walk you to your car?" <fr>
—-
David's expression turns towards the gentler as they begin their path towards the parking lot. He nods in places, a smile rising and falling, but never really disappearing, as she recounts her 'position' in the world that is her family and her practice. He's really not convinced, but it's also not his place to even consider asking questions. That would throw a wall up immediately, and he's not really willing to push. No real need.
He chuckles at the idea of a clean slate, as it were, and agrees easily, "C'est une chance nouvelle grande, d'ac." «It is a grand new chance, I agree.» They're nearing their cars, and he gives a counter offer, "No, laissez-moi vous promener a votre car. Mine est proche, ici." «No, let me walk you to your car. Mine is near, here.» It'll take a couple more minutes, sure, but he doesn't mind.
Shaking his head, he frowns slightly with dramatic effect. "J'ai encore beaucoup a faire, oui, but a few minutes ne fera aucune difference." «I have a lot to do, yes, but a few minutes won't make any difference.»
—-
"Is that why you came here, all the way from Canada?" A pause, "Or were you just trying to escape the snow?" There's a flash of teasing in her expression. She knows quite well that she's playing into the stereotype of what the northern nation is like. And certainly she doesn't know the in-between, so perhaps she can be forgiven for making the mistake. "Although, I imagine you must have spent some time in Atlanta. Isn't that where your headquarters are? I don't imagine they let the best in the field get away without at least spending some time there." She makes a face, as he turns aside her suggestion, but then, seems, for the time being, to be willing to accept his counter offer, "Thank you, that would be very kind." And so, she does turn, making her way towards her SUV, a late model, black, and big, which looks completely out of keeping with the woman. But she does open the back door, setting her things down on the rear seat. It looks spotless, more in the way of a company vehicle than anything else. And with her papers and bags set aside, she opens the front driver's side, out of habit adjusting the backrest that's been placed in there. It's custom-made, or looks it, crated to support her by allowing her to rest against the outsides of the support, leaving her back raised up above the seat so that it doesn't touch anything. "Thank you, Doctor Trudeau. It really was wonderful to see you again, and I do look forward to meeting you." A moment to hoist herself up into the seat, and settle herself, before she looks back.
—-
"I got tired of living in an igloo and was looking for something else. I heard that in Dallas you lived in dirt houses." Adobe. "Which I thought was a step up." David can give back as well as he gets, certainly. "And I decided to trade in my sled dogs for a car." Can he find any more examples of stereotypes? Probably, but he's not going to bother. Not now, anyway.
"I didn't spend much time there. My main experience was up in Chicago. Closer to 'home'. When.. I saw that an opportunity was opening in Dallas, I took it. So, here I am." David bobs his head slightly and the smile relights his eyes, "And so far, so good. Still getting my bearings, but that'll come soon enough. All I hope is that I don't start talking like everyone else, though."
The car that he's led to is.. impressive, to say the least. The SUV screams not only 'company car' but 'responsibility' and 'status'. He whistles softly, but honestly, he could afford something like it if he really wanted it. Standing at the door, he waits until she's in and comfortable, and puts a hand on the door to close it when she's ready to depart. "Very welcome, Miss Savoy. Was my pleasure. Have a safe drive home, and I'm looking forward to working with you on the project. I'll have the contacts and numbers for you tomorrow. I have your fax number, so expect it before end of business day."
Pushing the door closed, David lets her leave when she will and turns around to start heading back to where he's parked. It's a small passenger car, though the plates are changed now to 'Texas' rather than 'Ontario'. David opens the back door and puts his briefcase in before looking up at the sky. Storm's coming, yes.. and pushing on his glasses, slides into the drivers' seat and starts the car. He'll be considering the day over a meal of take-out, certainly.
