Love Letter to the Editor by Robin Lee Hatcher

Author:Robin Lee Hatcher
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Published: 2014-03-31T16:00:00+00:00

“This!” Kendall slammed a folded newspaper onto the front counter. “What on earth were you thinking, printing this claptrap? How do you think it makes me look?” He glanced toward Molly again and pointed at her. “She needs to be fired.”

Jack was out of his office by this time and went to stand near her father. “Excuse me, sir. I am Jack Ludgrove, the managing editor of the newspaper. I decide what goes into each edition. Perhaps you would like to come into my office so we can discuss your concerns.”

“I would not like to go into your office. I can stand right here and tell you. I serve on the board of directors of the railroad that’s bringing a line through Killdeer and on up into Idaho Territory.” He jabbed a finger at the paper. “Have you no idea of the sentiment toward Chinese immigrants these days?”

“I am aware of it, Mr. . . . ?”

“Dobson. Kendall Dobson.”

“Mr. Dobson, I am aware of the opposition. Especially in California. But the president vetoed the bill restricting immigration as it violated the Burlingame Treaty of 1868 between the United States and China.”

Kendall sputtered something. Words Molly couldn’t make out.

“Sir,” Jack continued, “does Miss Everton’s column claim as fact anything that is not fact?”

Kendall’s irritation was evident even as he answered, “No.”

“Then I’m afraid I don’t see anything that can be done about it.”

“We don’t need her making the Orientals who work for the railroad want more than they get. That’s what it’ll do. You should fire her for stirring up that kind of trouble.”

“That isn’t going to happen, Mr. Dobson. Miss Everton did her job, and she did it quite well, I might add.”

Kendall swore at Jack.

“This conversation,” Jack said, his tone icy, “is at an end. Good day, Mr. Dobson.”

With another curse, Kendall swept the newspaper off the counter and marched out of the building, slamming the door behind him.

From behind Molly, Hank Morrison said, “What a windbag. Good for Jack for putting Dobson in his place.”

Only then did Molly realize tears had welled in her eyes and her throat had grown too tight to swallow.

The typesetter patted her shoulder. “Don’t let it bother you, Molly girl. Nobody cares what he thinks.”

She nodded, then made a beeline to her office and closed herself in. After sitting in the chair, she folded her arms on the desk and hid her face against them.

How humiliating. That Jack Ludgrove, her new boss, should have to defend her to a former suitor. Please don’t let Jack know that’s what Mr. Dobson is. Let him just think Kendall is an angry customer.

There was a light rap on her door. She straightened and wiped at her eyes before answering, “Yes?”

The door opened and Jack looked in. “I hope he didn’t upset you.”

She shook her head. A bald-faced lie.

“It’s a good column, Molly. You have nothing to apologize for. Not to anyone.”

“Mother thinks I should use the column to share household hints. Maybe she’s right. Who could get angry over a recipe for apple cobbler?”

Jack grinned.

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