The snow continued to fall at a rapid pace outside the window at the WJM newsroom. It was nearly time for the news on this Halloween night. From the way things were looking they could be stranded at work all night if the snow kept coming down.
Mary sat at her desk looking over some budget figures Lou had given her while Murray typed up some last minute news from the wire, "Hey Mare, take a look at this and tell me if you think it would be too hard for Ted to read."
Mary took the paper from Murray, "Sure," she paused reading it to herself, "Well Mur, I don't think I would use the word infinitesimal in any copy for Ted to read. Just use the word small."
"Good point, I don't know what I was thinking," He put a fresh piece of paper in the typewriter, "So, is Joe picking you up later? It's really getting bad out there." He asked referring to Mary's boyfriend.
"He told me to call him. I don't want him to get out in this either. I sure hope they are getting the streets plowed." She said
"Well I can always give you a ride home." Murray offered.
Mary stood up and walked over to the coffee pot, "Thanks Murray," she said patting his shoulder. She poured some hot water in a mug and put in a tea bag.
"I feel bad for the kids, no way they could get out and trick or treat in this mess." Murray knew his wife , Marie must be going crazy with the kids inside all day.
Mary sat down with her hot tea and returned her attention to the budget, "I really wish Mr. Grant would stop pushing off the budget on me. He has to approve it anyway."
Just then the doors swung open and Rhoda Morgenstern appeared looking like Nanuk of the North. She took off her coat and sighed, "You would not believe it out there."
Mary looked at her friend, "Rhoda, what are you doing here? There is a blizzard out there or did you fail to notice?"
"Of course I noticed, Mary. I walked here from Hemple's. I figured it was easier than trying to drive all the way home." She reasoned.
"Well, we may all be stuck here then." Mary observed then looked at the clock, "Oh it's time for the news. Murray, you better get that to Ted."
"Right. Hey Rhoda, good to see ya." He said as he walked out of the room.
"You too, Murray." She called after him. She sat in his chair and turned on the television
This is Ted Baxter with the Six O'Clock news. The top story tonight is, of course, the weather. Roads are treacherous and the mayor's office encourages people to stay home. Stay tuned to WJM for further updates on our weather situation. In other news police are on the lookout for an escaped convict. Merle "Bone Crusher" Malloy escaped earlier this evening and is armed and dangerous. If you have any information contact the police immediately…
Rhoda eyes widened, "Mary, did you hear that?"
"Hear what?" Mary was wrapped up in the budget.
"What Ted said about that escaped convict, right here in Minneapolis." Rhoda was starting to bite her nails.
"Well how far could anyone get in this weather?" Mary pointed out.
Rhonda got up and looked out the window, "He's out there somewhere, Mary. He could be hiding anywhere and it's Halloween."
"So it's Halloween," Mary was getting annoyed at her friend, "Rhoda, you watch too many horror movies."
Rhoda rolled her eyes and sat back down when Murray came back into the room, "Well so far so good. He may just get through this newscast without mangling the copy."
Rhoda got up for Murray to take his seat, "Hey Murray, did you see that part about the convict?"
Murray looked at her puzzled, "Rhoda, I wrote it."
"Oh, right, sorry. I guess it got me all freaked out." She found another chair and pulled it up next to Murray.
Mary looked up from her desk, "Murray, Rhoda is letting her imagination go crazy. She watches too many scary movies."
"Yeah well, in those movies it's always the pretty girl who gets it. The one who thinks everyone is silly for being scared. You'd know that if you watched them." Rhoda said then turned her attention back to the newsast.
Police have received a reported spotting of Malloy near Broadway and Center Street. We will keep you updated as we receive any more information. Until then this is Ted Baxter for WJM saying Good Night and Good News.