The paper had gone to press by the time Claire arrived back at the newspaper office. She could feel the vibrations of the presses in the basement as she strolled through the lobby. Up in the pen, most of the reporters had gone home, their work for that day done. A few lingered, preparing to go and report on the social events that would start in the evening. And, of course, Mr. Dudley was still there. Claire had wondered, on more than one occasion, if he ever went home before midnight.
"Surprised to see you back, Missy," Mr. Dudley told Claire around the ever-present cigar in the corner of his mouth.
Claire unpinned her hat and sat it on the edge of the desk. It was close to six-thirty and already dark this time of the year. At home, Mother would be setting the serving platters on the tab
