Several weeks later, Kate waited anxiously for Angus’ blue pickup truck to come back from town. The article and pictures had been received at the Courant. Locke had received a letter from the Courant confirming that. It also contained a compliment on the article and the drawings, comparing the art work to Remington’s. Kate blushed at the compliment but Locke quickly agreed with the assessment.
So now they waited. The weeks issues of The Courant always arrived on Friday and the letter Locke received assured them the story and artwork would run promptly. The dust Kate saw coming from the road that led to town brought her a feeling of excitement, but only momentarily. It was not Angus’ truck but Bronson’s that drove up and stopped in front of her. She could tell by his speed that he was not happy. The truck had barely stopped when Bronson jumped out waving the latest issue of the Courant angrily in his hand.
“Kate Winston what is the meaning of this?” he stormed. Kate took a deep breath and hopped off the store step. She might as well face the fury head on.
“The meaning of what?” she asked innocently.
“This article?! The darker side of logging?!” The color of Bronson’s face and his voice were rising simultaneously. “Right here, the one with your silly little sketch of Angus next to it. I knew we should have let him go.”
“I think the drawing was quite well done,” smiled Kate. “One of my best actually. And it’s time Bronson. The issue of logging dangers has to be brought into the open. There has to be a safer way to log.”
“This will ruin our business,” said Bronson angrily.
“If you’d taken the time to read the article you’d see that it doesn’t mention the camp or even Angus for that matter. It’s the issue that has to be addressed.”
“Well then Kate, there’s another issue that has to be addressed. You’ll have to tone down quite a bit if you are to be my wife.”
“Then I suggest, Mr. Bronson, you find yourself another wife!” Kate turned on the heels of her logging boots, tears stinging in her eyes. She heard the truck door slam and Bronson’s truck drive off.
The decision had been made in an instant of destiny. Bronson was out of her life. And surprisingly all she felt was relief. Tears wiped, she sat back down on the store step and waited for Angus.
This might be quite an article to have Bronson that worked up. Kate started worrying about the ripple effect of the article. There were others to think about, Angus, her father and their jobs to name a few. She prayed nothing would happen to them because of her involvement.
Her thoughts were jarred when yet another truck, this time Angus’ blue pickup drove up the road. “It’s here, it’s here,” said Angus jumping out of the truck. His leg was healing but he still had a slight limp.
He raced over to Kate and sat on the step. They didn’t even need to open the paper up. The editor had put the article and the drawings of the accident right on the front page. “Front page artist, that’s what I’m sitting next to, and quite a good one I’d say,” said Angus with a large grin.
They both hungrily read the article and turned to the inside page to continue. “Me in the Courant,” said Angus as he closed the paper, “I never thought I’d see the day.” A smile crossed Angus’ face. “Well, Kate, you’ve done us proud. I’m not saying this won’t stir up a few hornet’s nests though.”
“Maybe it’s time to stir up those hornets nests,” said Kate. “You’ve heard the stories and seen the accidents too. There’s got to be a safer way.”
“Speaking of hornets nests Kate, I passed Bronson leaving toward town. He looked none too pleased. Was it about the article?”
“That and more. I’ve turned down his marriage proposal.”
“Well thanks be for that,” Angus replied.
“You’re happy?” Kate replied quizzically.
“You don’t belong with him Kate. Not only do I not like Bronson and his attitude but you’re not one of them. You’re one of us.”
“A lonely one, but yes I agree Angus.”
“There’s nothing wrong with being alone. Besides,” said Angus with a twinkle in his eye, “there’s always Locke.”
Kate grinned at Angus’ attempt at matchmaking. “We’re friends that’s all. That and we’re sharing in a kettle of trouble at the moment.”
Angus got up from the step. “Well, I’ve got to unload the truck for Mr. Woo.”
“And I’ll take the paper to show my father,” Kate replied.
Angus shook his head. “What a firecracker you’ve become.”
Kate laughed and skipped off to the kitchen.