Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: The Media (in any form) (11/11/10)
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TITLE: Secret Source | Previous Challenge Entry
By Heather MacInnis
11/17/10 -
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Peter looked serious as he gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead. “No, I didn’t forget anything—just needed a good listener.”
Kelly beamed. “That’s me.”
“Well, here’s the situation.” Peter plopped onto the large, soft, old couch and looked directly at his sweet wife. “I’ve got a big scoop. One of our local politicians has gotten himself into some trouble, and someone has seen to it that I have all the evidence to write it up. Now, if I write this, it will get national attention. It could be really big for me—I’m talking huge. That would mean more money for us—and for our baby.” He patted her abdomen lovingly.”
“So far, I’m not seeing a problem.”
“The problem is that it really is a personal issue, and I’m not sure if I have a right to print this. In my mind it is more gossip than real news.”
“You said you have evidence?”
“That’s for sure. There appears to be no doubt it being true. But you and I both know that just because something is true doesn’t mean it has to be published.”
“Does what he did affect his ability to do his job, or his credibility in his job?”
Peter thought for a moment. “No, that’s the thing. It doesn’t change his ability, but it could affect how people see him. The sad thing is that if he were in any private job, it would be considered irrelevant, but because he’s a politician he’s fair game.”
“So, do you think people need this information to make an informed vote?
“I guess I’d have to say no. In my mind, it will bring a lot of pain to him and his family and possibly hinder him from getting issues resolved. But . . . just because I don’t write it, doesn’t mean somebody else won’t. Trust me, this will come out no matter what. Why shouldn’t I get the glory? Besides that, if my boss finds out I had this scoop and passed it by, he’ll be furious and maybe even fire me.”
Kelly smiled and snuggled in close. “You know one of the main reasons I fell in love with you was because you were a man of principle. If you feel you should, go ahead and write the story. But if you don’t feel comfortable about it, let somebody else do the dirty work. You be the one who writes stories that help, encourage, or touch people. God will reward and bless as He sees fit. He will give you even better stories that are worth writing. If you get fired, it just means He has something else He wants you to do. Pray about it, and let God guide you. I’m with you no matter what.”
Peter held her close. “I’ll remind you that you said that when I get fired.”
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“Nelson!” Peter tensed as he heard his boss coming closer.
“I am given to understand that you had access to some highly confidential information that would have created quite a sensational story and you let it pass. Is that true?”
“Yes sir. I didn’t feel . . .”
“Well, I don’t know how you caught it, but apparently all that information was a very clever hoax. The Journal wasn’t so lucky. They printed the story, and now they have real egg on their face. Good work. By the way, I really liked that story you did on the underground economy—real quality research. Whoever your secret source is you better hold on to him.”
As his boss walked down the hall whistling, Peter raised his eyes upward in silent praise. “Thank you, Father. Thank you Holy Spirit for your guidance.”
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Since this piece was almost entirely dialogue, I missed out on action and description that would have helped me to visualize this scene, and to get to know your characters better.
Great ending, and a very good entry.