Part 161 (1/2)

certainly didn't make any secret of it to me, and obviously,

251.

252Melody Carlson

they know that my job is to print the news here. All they

really said was that they'd discovered enough evidence to put

a temporary halt to any more construction in the area in

question until they can reach a final conclusion in their study,

but at least this will slow the development boys down a little.

And, as I mentioned in my article, the holidays are a good

time for them to take a break anyway. No big deal, really.”

Scott laughed. ”Sure, no big deal, but maybe I should

start packing a gun to the office just in case old Greg Snider

should decide to come in here and vent a little frustration.”

Maggie made a face at him. ”Gee, that's a pleasant

thought, Scotty. Any more Christmas cheer you'd like to

spread around?”

”Just trying to be practical is all.”

”Speaking of practical...” She glanced out the window as

the big flakes quickly acc.u.mulated on the steps of the porch

outside. ”With the opening of the ski resort looking quite

possible, I wonder if I shouldn't hold back on printing a

couple of those especially irate letters that I selected for this

week's editorial page. And maybe we should shelve that local

Ibusinessowners pet.i.tion story. Some of those people might

be feeling a little more optimistic and positive right now.”

”But then again,” said Abigail thoughtfully, ”It just might