Wow is it really August Already! Sorry for the delay Here's Chapter 14!
Katherine bounced into the office the next morning.
She had spent the night writing and re-writing her review. If this was the first thing she was going to be published for she was determined to make it the best.
Not even the lack of sleep was slowing her down this morning.
"You's seem excited today Kathy."
Katherine smiled down at Mason as she handed him his breakfast.
Katherine arrived early as usual and anxiously sipped her coffee as she waited for Mr. Dana to arrive. She looked over the review for the 100th time scouring for typos. She wished her father was around to proof read this. He was so harsh on her very first article for college she thought she might cry. But it made her better. Katherine always tried now to look over her articles though her father's lens.
Her thoughts were disturbed by Charles Dana walking into the office accompanied by Henry Thomas.
"I'm telling you Charles she had the biggest damn (He mimed a pair of breasts).
Thomas stopped seeing Katherine's face turning bright red. Katherine quickly looked back down at her article.
"And that is a story for another time. I'll have that article on your desk within the hour, Charles"
He turned away from Charles and towards Katherine putting on the 'Thomas Smile'
"Good Morning Ms. Plumber."
Katherine smiled as he walked passed her. Vulgar as he was there was still something so charming about that man.
Charles started towards his office stopping at Katherine's desk.
"Good Morning Katherine. Apologies for Thomas' behavior in front of you. He gets quite a bit of pleasure out of sharing his nightly adventures."
"It's fine, Mr. Dana. I've come to expect it from him."
Charles smiled as he picked up the papers from his in-box.
"He is a character. Alright I am going to proof these before my meeting at 10:00."
Charles started into his office when Katherine stood up with the review in her hand.
"Mr. Dana, here is my review to add to your proofing."
Charles turned and look at Katherine with a confused look.
"Review?"
"The Vaudeville show you had be attend last night? Everyone was gone so you sent me. I typed it up last night. Not sure if it's what you are looking for but I'm open to any chang-"
Charles cut Katherine.
"Oh apologies Ms. Plumber...As it turns out Thomas was at the Burlesque house after all. He was able to catch the show as well as other things."
Katherine tried to shield her disappointment. Charles might see her as too emotional to handle a story as a non-partisan reporter.
"Oh! Well it all worked out then."
Katherine sat back down at her desk. Putting the review at the bottom of the stack of papers she was transcribing. Charles sensed Katherine's disappointment.
"I'm really sorry Katherine but it's his byline."
Katherine forced a smile on her face and looked up at her boss.
"I understand Mr. Dana. Thank you for thinking of me for the opportunity."
Katherine put a new roll of paper into her typewriter and began to transcribe. Charles started to walk into his office, but backed up to Katherine's desk.
"You know….Why don't you take the day off? You put in all that extra work last night."
"Oh Mr. Dana you don't have t-"
Charles held up his hand at Katherine.
"Ms. Plumber I insist. It's the least I can do. And you work harder than anyone else here. You deserve it."
Katherine was slightly relieved. She had lump forming in her throat that was getting harder and harder to keep down. She stood up and started to gather her things.
"Yes, that's very kind of you Mr. Dana. here are your telegrams and submissions for the latest edition. I'll be in early Monday to catch up on the-"
"Yes, thank you Katherine."
She put on her coat and started toward the door.
"Ohh and Ms. Plumber?"
Katherine turned 180 back to face her boss.
"If you come across a story, write it up and I'll take a serious look at it. You have my word."
Charles smiled down at her. Katherine politely nodded and smiled back at Charles. She then turned and walked out the door, trying desperately to stop the tears pooling in her eyes.