Looking For You All My Life Part 113

the coast was clear. But to her dismay, even after several min-

utes of persuasive pleading, Clyde remained stubborn and

resistant to the idea.

"It's one thing for Gavin to come out here and apolo-

gize," he declared. "But I don't know why he thinks we

should give him a job."

"As I said, it was my idea, Clyde. And you know as well

as anyone that we really need someone to sell ad s.p.a.ce, not

to mention help with a dozen other little odd jobs that have

gone undone around here on a regular basis." She glanced

at an overflowing trash can sitting right next to the door.

"I'll get to that," he growled. "Do you seriously think

Gavin would lower himself to take out the trash around

here?"

"I think he should have a chance to try."

"He's had chances!"

She folded her arms and glared at him. "Clyde, you told

me when you first hired me that running this newspaper is

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178Melody Carlson

my responsibility. Does that or does that not mean I may hire

whomever I please?"

Clyde looked at the floor, then grumbled without

answering. That's when she knew she had him.

"I say we give him a chance." Then she grinned slyly.

"Besides, it's not like we have to pay him in advance, you

know. If he doesn't work out, the least we'll get is a little free

labor-that should make you happy. And if we're not satis-

fied with his work, we'll just send him packing, okay?"

"You ever hear that story about the camel who sticks his

nose in the tent to get warm? Before you know it, the whole

durned animal is inside the tent and there's not room for

you!"

She waved her hand at him. "Don't you worry, I'll take

full responsibility for Gavin. If it doesn't work out, you can

blame it all on me."

He made a noise that sounded like "hrutr.ph," and then

shook his head. "You can be mighty stubborn when you set

your mind to something, young lady."

"Isn't that why you hired me?" She playfully poked him

in the chest and saw a faint twinkle in his eye.

"Yeah, and I suppose it's a good thing too because I heard

we've got us a big battle coming up with those development

boys. I never did hear the whole story of how your little visit

went with Mr. Big Bucks."

She told him all about Desert Winds and her disap-

pointing findings there. "I've got my story and photos all

ready for this week's paper, but I honestly wish I could've

come back with better news."

He rubbed his hands together. "Well, let's give 'em what