livid color about the paper's biased coverage of the wetlands
*issues, even suggesting it was the newspaper's fault that Pine
Mountain Estates was being investigated in the first place.
Maggie listened quietly to them without commenting one
way or the other, then she handed each man a candy cane,
wished them a very merry Christmas, and graciously showed
them to the door.
The Christmas edition would also carry the uplifting
*story of how Barbara Harris was donating a church building
to the town, and how Michael Abundi had been invited to
pastor their congregation, though the official announcement
wouldn't come until Sunday. The Christmas edition was
coming along so well by Friday afternoon that Maggie sug-
gested that after next Monday they should all take the rest
*of next week off and simply enjoy the holidays.
Looking for You All My Life277
"I can do you one better than that," added Clyde,
winking at Abigail and Gavin. "What Maggie doesn't realize
is that we usually don't publish our next newspaper until
after the New Year. Which means I don't want to see anyone
in here until the first Monday after that."
"Actually, you guys won't be seeing me for another two
weeks after that," added Scott.
"That's right," said Maggie. "I'm letting him take his two
weeks of vacation time early this year-for his honeymoon."
Before Maggie left the office on Friday afternoon, Gavin
pulled her and Clyde aside. "I wanted to let you guys know
that Stan called me today. He looked over all the informa-
tion I faxed him yesterday. He said he doesn't see any reason
not to look into this whole thing more closely. But then he
said," and Gavin chuckled, "that the only obstacle at this
point might be the actual physical layout and appearance of
the land we're considering."
Maggie laughed. "Boy, is he in for a pleasant surprise!"
"Good job, Gavin," said Clyde.
"Thanks, but we've only just begun," said Gavin soberly,
although Maggie felt pretty sure she could see him glowing
as a result of his uncle's rare praise-the first positive word
she'd ever heard Clyde send in his direction.
"I know," said Clyde, "but it's a good start." He glanced
to Maggie and placed a finger over his lips. "But still, mum's
the word."
"Got ya. When will Stan come to check everything out,
Gavin?"
"The first weekend after the New Year. I've got it all set
up. Gavin looked uncomfortable for a moment. "Do you
think we could do this at the expense of the development or
the paper or something? Even though I sold my SUV, I'm
running a little short on funds."
"Of course, son. Did you think I expected you to fund
this entire operation from your own pocket? Remember this