Read Online Love's Story by Kristin; Dianne; Billerbeck Christner - Free Book Online Page B

the lens to get the lighting the way I want it.”
    â€œI’ve never seen you use flash powder.”
    He shook his head. “Don’t like it.” Meredith browsed around the studio. “You working on a problem?” he asked.
    â€œHmm?”
    â€œUsually, when you get that expression, you’re sorting out a problem.”
    â€œI guess I am. Maybe you can help. I need you to take a special photograph.”
    He looked up from his work. “That shouldn’t be a problem. What do you need?”
    â€œI need a photograph of Thatcher Talbot.”
    Jonah grinned. “Lovesick, are you?”
    â€œOf course not. This is strictly business.”
    â€œSeriously, Storm, you know I promised him I wouldn’t take his photograph. I gave my word.”
    â€œHe’ll never know.” Meredith leaned her elbow on the studio worktable, close to Jonah. “Listen. I think our Mr. Talbot is a wanted man. If there’s a story on him, it’s worth a look.”
    Jonah jerked the thin paper. “I don’t like it, Storm. I like Thatcher. Anyway, if he were a wanted man, he could be dangerous.”
    â€œI just want a photograph to send back to Asa. I’ll let him do the investigation.”
    â€œAnd if he uncovers something?”
    â€œThen I’ll bring my finds to you, and we’ll make the decision together.”
    â€œEven if I wanted to help you, he’s too smart, too cautious. I’d never get the photograph.”
    â€œI’ll distract him for you.”
    â€œHow? No, wait!” His hand shot up. “Don’t tell me. I don’t want to know.”
    â€œDoes that mean you’ll help me?”
    â€œI don’t know, Storm. I’ll have to think about it.”
    â€œI’m riding out to Bucker’s Stand tomorrow. I’d like it if you went along.” Jonah sighed, and Meredith said, “I know. You have to think about it. Take all the time you want as long as you let me know by tomorrow morning. I’ll let you get back to work now.”

    The next morning Meredith thanked Jonah repeatedly when he said he would accompany her, although he was careful not to make her any promises. When they reached the camp, Josiah Jones, the bull, tipped his hat at Meredith as she rode past his tent.
    â€œYou are in a fine mood today, sir,” she said, after she dismounted.
    â€œI want to thank you for your article. It boosted the morale mountain high.”
    â€œI only wrote the truth, the way I see it.”
    â€œThe men will soon be in to eat. You’ll see for yourself.”
    The loggers entered the mess tent in twos and threes, all vying for Meredith’s attention.
    â€œWon’t you join us, Miss Mears?” asked one of the older lumberjacks. “You, too, Jonah.”
    â€œDon’t mind if I do.” Meredith tried to ignore the stench of working bodies as she and Jonah joined him at a long table. The loggers shoveled in food as if their innards were empty, yet they managed to keep up a conversation.
    â€œHere to write another one of your stories?” The older man asked.
    â€œI’d like to add a bit to the last one, if I could get your help,” she gestured to all of those seated about her. She could tell by their grunts, grins, and nods that they would help if they could.
    â€œIf I were to ask why you do it, why you jeopardize your life by working at such a dangerous occupation, what would you say?”
    â€œSo’s a pretty reporter women can ask us questions,” one quickly replied.
    She smiled.
    Another piped up, “Don’t know how to do nothing else.”
    Meredith grabbed her portfolio and fumbled for a paper and pencil. She wrote while the responses flowed without pause.
    â€œOnce you see these trees, you can’t never leave them.”
    â€œThere’s glory in these trees.”
    One younger man, who reminded her a lot of her stepbrother, Charles, said,