Part 70 (1/2)

gail. ”I think all it needs is a good paddling!”

This made them all laugh.

Later that afternoon, Clyde stopped by her office. ”I

heard you had an irate visitor today. How're you holding up,

old girl?”

”Okay, I guess. Got a minute, Clyde?”

”Sure,I was about to ask you the same.” He sat down

across from her and leaned back in the chair. ”Now, don't

you go letting that Snider boy get to you none. It's all just a

lot of hot air and bl.u.s.ter, you know.”

”I don't know that, Clyde. I've been wondering...

remember Buckie's pro-development comments at my house

on Thanksgiving?”

”Sure, but you've been doing the research about this devel-

oper, right? And writing what you know to be the truth?”

”That's right. Although, I must admit I do find pleasure

in exposing the very worst of the things I've heard about

him-not that I've heard anything good.”

”Do you think you're being unfair in any way?”

She thought for a moment, wanting to be completely

honest with herself and Clyde both. ”No. I think I'm just

telling it like it is.”

He smiled. ”Well, that's all anyone expects.” He reached

into his pocket and pulled out a piece of neatly folded paper.

”Just got this from Gavin.”

”Oh, really? How is he? Did he receive my letter apolo-