Minette grinned. “Go for it!”

Michelle was used to taking copious notes in school. She did well in her schoolwork because she was thorough. She took down the story, pausing to clarify the spelling of names, and when she was through she had two sheets of notes and she’d arranged a day and time to go out to photograph the rancher.

She hung up. Minette was still in the doorway. “Did I do that okay?” she asked worriedly.

“You did fine. I was listening on the other phone. I took notes, too, just in case. You write the story and we’ll compare your notes to mine.”

“Thanks!” Michelle said fervently. “I was nervous.”

“No need to be. You’ll do fine.” She indicated the computer at the desk. “Get busy.” She smiled. “I like the way you are with people, even on the phone. You have an engaging voice. It will serve you well in this business.”

“That’s nice of you to say,” Michelle said.

“Write the story. Remember, short, concise sentences, nothing flowery or overblown. I’ll be out front if you need me.”

She started to thank Minette again, but it was going to get tedious if she kept it up, so she just nodded and smiled.

When she turned in the story, she stood gritting her teeth while Minette read it and compared it with her own notes.

“You really are a natural,” she told the younger woman. “I couldn’t have done better myself. Nice work.”

“Thank you!”

“Now go home,” she said. “It’s five, and Carlie will be peeling rubber any minute to get home.”

Michelle laughed. “I think she may. I’ll see you tomorrow, then. Do I go out to photograph the man tomorrow, too?”

“Yes.”

Michelle bit her lip. “But I don’t have a license or own a car...there’s only Roberta’s and she didn’t leave it to me. I don’t think she even had a will...and I can’t ask Carlie to take off from work...” The protests came in small bursts.

“I’ll drive you out there,” Minette said softly. “We might drop by some of the state and federal offices and I’ll introduce you to my sources.”

“That sounds very exciting! Thanks!” She sounded relieved, and she was.

“One more thing,” Minette said.

“Yes?”

“I’m printing the conservation story under your own byline.”

Michelle caught her breath. “My first one. That’s so kind of you.”

“You’ll have others. This is just the first.” She grinned. “Have a good night.”

“I will. Sara’s making homemade lasagna. It’s my favorite.”

“Sara?”

“Gabriel’s sister. She’s so beautiful.” Michelle shook her head. “The two of them have been lifesavers for me. I didn’t want to have to pick up and move somewhere else. I couldn’t have stayed here to finish school without them.”