Part 58 (2/2)

After this little speech, Abigail, Scott, and even Clyde,

who had just slipped into the reception area, burst into

hearty applause and cheers.

”Speaking of leaving,” said Clyde as he stepped up to Mr.

Ebbert and opened the front door, ”don't let us keep you.

94Melody Carlson

And don't bother sending any more of your hate mail here

again. It's just a waste of good paper and ink.”

”A lot like your liberal rag of a newspaper!” he growled

as he stomped out the door. ”I wouldn't even use it to line

the bottom of a birdcage!”

Clyde slammed the door behind him, then said, ”I'd say

that's good riddance to bad rubbis.h.!.+”

”Man,” said Scott, turning to Maggie. ”You're like a

magnet for trouble, aren't you?”

She held her hands up helplessly. ”I guess so. Honestly, I

don't know why I keep attracting these troublemakers.”

”It's because you stand up for what's right,” said Abigail

”and there's nothing wrong with that either.”

”Thanks for stepping in, Clyde,” said Maggie. ”And

thanks to you guys for standing behind me like that. It meant

a lot.”

”That guy's a total jerk.” Scott started to head back to his

office and then paused. ”And I don't believe a word of his

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