  Flash stepped forward into George Doyle’s view. The soundman saw him and lapsed into confused silence. “Sorry. I couldn’t help hearing,” Flash apologized. “I don’t mind saying I’m curious about this proposition which wouldn’t interest me.” “You’re not Flash Evans?” inquired the stranger before Doyle could find his voice. “Yes, sir, I am.” “Flash, this is our district manager, Mr. Clewes,” Doyle said unwillingly. “We were just speaking of your fine work at Indianapolis.” “Yes,” nodded Mr. Clewes, “as I mentioned in my telegram, those pictures were the best we’ve had in months! The sound effects were fairly good, too.” Flash glanced at Doyle who shifted uncomfortably from one foot to another. “Thank you, sir,” he said politely to the district manager. “I didn’t happen to see your wire.” Mr. Clewes gazed questioningly at the sound technician. “I repeated the contents to him,” Doyle said defensively. Ignoring the technician, Mr. Clewes turned to Flash again. “Howard Brandiss, who heads our company, was much impressed by your work. When he saw the crash films run through he said to me: ‘Fly down to Columbia and sign that photographer on the dotted line before some other company gets him.’ But Doyle here tells me you wouldn’t be interested in any proposition we might offer.” “Flash already is employed by the Brandale Ledger,” Doyle broke in hurriedly. “He’s on his vacation now. I understood him to say he wouldn’t consider working for a newsreel concern.” “I’m afraid your hearing was almost too acute,” Flash said pleasantly. “Either that or I gave the wrong impression.” “Then you are interested?” Mr. Clewes asked quickly. “Not in a permanent job. I might consider filling in a month for Joe Wells. That is, if Mr. Riley has no objection.” “And who is Mr. Riley?” “My editor on the Brandale Ledger.” “I am sure we can arrange everything to his satisfaction,” said Mr. Clewes. “And I respect you for being loyal to your employer. If you are unwilling to leave the Ledger, we should not try to convince you otherwise. Nevertheless, after a month of newsreel work, you may decide you prefer it to your newspaper position.” “That’s quite possible, sir.” Dismissing Doyle with a curt nod, Mr. Clewes drew Flash aside. For a half hour they talked together, discussing salary and matters of general routine. The district manager then insisted upon placing a long distance telephone call to Riley of the Brandale Ledger. He stepped from the booth, smiling broadly. “Everything has been arranged. Mr. Riley says you may work for us, providing we don’t try to steal you away from him at the end of the month.” “I aim to go back to Brandale when my vacation is over,” Flash insisted. “My home is there.” Mr. Clewes gazed about the lobby in search of Doyle. The technician had slumped down in a chair in front of the fireplace. He came over as the district manager motioned to him. “Doyle, meet your new partner. You two will continue to work together.” The technician’s face twisted into a strained smile. “Glad Mr. Clewes was able to persuade you when I couldn’t,” he said to Flash. “We’ll get along fine.” The district manager glanced at his watch. “I have fifteen minutes to catch my plane,” he declared hurriedly. “How about our next assignment?” asked Doyle. “I was coming to that. No news of special importance is breaking in this section of the country right now. Your instructions are to start East again. Stop off at Melveredge Field and try to get shots of the new bombing plane which is being tested there.” “Try is right,” grumbled Doyle. “That place is so surrounded by barbed-wire red tape a newsreel man couldn’t cut his way through in a month. How about permits?” “News-Vue will endeavor to make the necessary arrangements. Even if you can’t obtain pictures of the bomber, you should be able to get routine maneuvers. Do the best you can. Further orders will be forwarded to you at the Clarinda Hotel.” Mr. Clewes shook hands with both Flash and Doyle, and hastened to his taxi. In silence, the two newsreel men went to their room. They began to pack. “This is a poor assignment,” Doyle complained, jamming shirts into his bag. “We’ll waste a lot of time at Melveredge Field, fail to get the pictures, and then be reprimanded for our pains.” “Mr. Clewes must think we have a chance or he wouldn’t send us.” “Us,” said Doyle with biting sarcasm. “A lot of good you’re going to do me!” The words were spoken before he thought. Once said, he could not retract them. But instantly he was ashamed of the unwarranted outburst. “Sorry,” he apologized curtly. “I shouldn’t have said that. But you made me sore, trying to show me up in front of Mr. Clewes.” “In what way?” “Letting on that I hadn’t shown you his telegram. And then the way you breezed up and accepted a job after you made me think you wouldn’t take one.” “I don’t remember that we ever discussed it,” Flash returned coldly. “But that’s neither here nor there. I’ve taken the job. Whether we like it or not, we’ll be working together. Why not try to get along without friction?” “Suits me. All I ask is that you do your work and don’t expect to use me as a crutch.” “We understand each other perfectly, Doyle. Now when do we start?” “Twenty minutes.” “I’ll meet you at the parking lot. I want to telephone Joe and tell him I’ve taken the job.” Flash had another errand in mind, one which he did not reveal to Doyle. Quickly he made his telephone call from the lobby of the hotel. “I’m glad you’ve changed your mind,” Joe told him gratefully. “Can’t you come over to the hospital before you leave town?” “Afraid not. We’re starting in a few minutes.” Joe Wells hesitated, and then said: “You’ll get along fine, Flash, if you manage to stay on the good side of Doyle. He can help you a lot. But I’ll give you a tip. If he takes a dislike to a fellow, he knows all the ways of making it plenty tough.” “Everything will be fine, Joe. I’ll manage. And your job will be waiting whenever you want it back.” He hung up, smiling ruefully at his friend’s belated warning. Already he had incurred George Doyle’s dislike. But he was not afraid of what the technician might attempt to do. He would be ready and waiting. |
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