Wishmakers by Dorothy Garlock Page A

spend most of my time out in the field. The blue shaded area on the map is the area we're working this year. The green is next year's, and the orange the year after that. The flags with the
C
are logging camps, the
E
flags are equipment stations, and so on. Next week I'll take you out to one of the camps. You might as well see the whole show while you're here.”
    “I'd like that,” she murmured.
    While Chip sat at the desk and thumbed through some documents, Margaret wandered out into the hall and looked into the other offices. The telephone on one of the desks reminded her that she should call Rachel. She sat down and dialed the number. After a few rings Rachel was on the phone.
    “Margaret? Are you all right?”
    “Of course I am! I wanted to let you know that I arrived safely. Mr. Thorn is showing me around this morning. We're in the company office in Aaronville.”
    “Aaronville? Oh dear! Well…” she said hesitantly, “the country must be lovely there this time of year. Where are you staying, dear? How can I get in touch with you without going through the office?”
    “I'm staying out near the mill. The company owns a house there. Don't call me at the office, Rachel. It would be awkward. I still don't want anyone here to know who I am. They're very curious about strangers as it is. Chip…Mr. Thorn…has introduced me as…a friend.”
    “Are you feeling a bit more confident about being on your own?”
    “It's strange, but I do. Mr. Thorn inspires confidence. Sometimes I find it hard to believe I'm really here. I should have done this five or six years ago.”
    “Yes, and I feel bad that I couldn't convince Edward to let you live your own life.”
    “I'll never regret those years, Rachel. It gave Daddy peace of mind having me there, and…I knew I was loved. Oh, by the way, there's a man here who knows who I am. Mr. Thorn had an emergency and couldn't meet the plane, so he sent a man named Tom MacMadden. Mr. Thorn said he'd figure out who I was anyway, so he might as well be in on the secret from the beginning. If you need to reach me and all else fails, you can contact him.” There was silence on the other end of the line. “Rachel? Are you there?”
    “Yes, dear. I heard you. What did you think of Mr. MacMadden?”
    “He's nice. A real earthy, independent type of man. He seemed put out when I asked if he worked for the mill.”
    “Well, I doubt if I'll need to contact him. Give me the number at the house where you're staying, and I'll call there if I need you. Of course, you could call me every few days.”
    “I'll do that anyway. Hold on for a minute and I'll get the number from Chip.” Margaret punched the button to put the phone on hold and went into Chip's office.
    The big chair at the desk was empty. A quick glance told her he wasn't in the room. She stood beside the door and looked down the hall. The building was quiet. Was he in the men's room? She waited a minute, then walked quickly toward the front foyer, a nervous flutter in her stomach.
    Margaret stepped into the room and felt her heart jump into her throat. A man, a big man with a black beard, was coming toward the door. He was less than a couple of yards away, and he stopped short when he saw her. She stood riveted to the floor, her hand raised in horror to her mouth, and watched the man reach for her. Then, terrorstricken, she turned blindly and ran.
    “Chip! Chip!” she shrieked.
    Miraculously he was there at the end of the hall, a haven—safety! Desperate, Margaret stumbled toward him and threw herself into his embrace. She wrapped her arms about his waist and buried her face against his chest. His arms enfolded her.
    “What the hell? Maggie?”
    Margaret glanced over her shoulder to see the big man standing at the end of the hall, his palms raised and a look of puzzlement on his face. She burst into tears.
    “Did Boomy frighten you? I'll admit he looks like a bear, but he's harmless. He works here on our electronic