Part 24 (1/2)

of being printed, and she still hadn't reached Mr. Westerly.

Perhaps she would have to simply drive out to see him

during her noon hour; then she could actually hand deliver

an early edition and gently break the news to him herself.

But no sooner did she walk into the door of the Pine Cone

when Abigail rushed toward her with a frantic expression in

her eyes.

”Oh, dear!” she cried. ”I've just had a phone call-there's

been an accident-”

”Who?” Maggie's heart began to pound.

”It's Spencer-”

”Spencer? But I just saw him leave the house-just min-

utes ago. Daniel picked him u~

”The sheriff just called. Daniel's car hit a truck, Maggie.”

She began to sway, her knees growing weak, and Abigail

gently but firmly eased her into a foyer chair. ”Where is

he?” Maggie blurted. ”Is he okay? I need to see him right

away-”

”Hush now and let me explain. The boys are on their way

to the hospital even as we speak. The sheriff said there were

no fatalities, but-”

Maggie rose quickly to her feet. ”I've got to go-

”Just hold on. I knew you'd need a ride, and I already

called Jed.” She peered out the window. ”And if that isn't

him right now!”

In the same instant, Maggie burst out of the office and