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     “Where the hell have you been?”
     I couldn’t help but notice the vein standing out from Howard Ray’s forehead. He motioned for me to close the door and sit down.
     “Let’s see. I sent you out on Tuesday, the 12th. Am I incorrect?
     “Yeah Boss.”
     “And what were my instructions to you?”
     “You asked me to fly to Kansas City, then to Osawatomie, a Midwest town with a population of a little more than 4,000 in the dead of winter to find entertainment? Instead, I sent you something real, a story with a message.
     “Yes, and it was a good story! A really good story” Howard’s scowl morphed into a partial smile. “We printed it in the Sunday edition. But the next time you write something like that, send a couple of boxes of  tissue. There were more tears in this office than there’s been since the election. And the comparison between the Kansas tax debacle causing a lack of funding for the hospital and what is happening nationally was a nice touch. However, I dumped that as so much rubbish. You are not writing about politics here. Our readers are largely liberals, but the conservatives are the most vocal. You understand?” Get out of here and close the door!
     I stood quietly then left the office. I guess I was lucky to have kept my position after spending an additional day to shoot birds with Linda. As I closed the door and turned away, I was met by Marsha, Howard’s administrative assistant.
     “Howard wanted me to give you this. I’ve made the arrangements for you. And by the way, here is the form I need from you before you go. You have an expense account, and I’ve no doubt you ate, and purchased a tank of gas? Well, complete this form and you will be reimbursed. You also have a $100 daily allotment for per diem expenses for your next trip. You may pick up a check for that when you turn in your paperwork. Oh, and one more thing, Howard is sending you back to Kansas to report on Spring birding and the Wings and Wetlands Birding Festival in late April in Great Bend.  That’s right up your alley, isn’t it Steven?”