Truth Be Told by Carol Cox Page B

and print a retraction? Or are you concerned she may pick up the articles where her father left off?”
    â€œI hope she may prove to be more reasonable than her father. From what I’ve been able to learn, she spent the last ten years in Denver, but she lived here as a child and has returned to visit every summer. She obviously has a heart for this place. If she cares about the people here, she won’t want to jeopardize their future by shutting us down.”
    â€œThat would make sense.” Ben felt a glimmer of hope.
    â€œBut there is also the possibility her father’s influence might cloud her perspective. She may be more interested in taking up his mantle without considering the consequences to her community.
    â€œSomething needs to be done.” Merrick eyed Ben steadily. “And I believe you’re the man for the job.”
    Ben started, then he leaned forward. “What is it you want me to do?”
    Merrick smiled and cleared his throat. “I’m hoping Miss Wagner can be convinced to set the record straight, print a retraction. And that’s where you come in.”
    â€œYou want me to speak to her about it?”
    â€œNot straightaway. This calls for a more delicate approach.” Merrick’s smile widened. “As I told you, her father and I butted heads more than once, and the man took an unreasoning disliketo me. From the response I got when I spoke to her at his funeral, it would appear she feels the same way. And that isn’t surprising, since all she has to go on is her father’s skewed perception. She needs a fresh look at Great Western, and that’s what I want you to give her.”
    Ben scooted forward in his chair, his heart quickening. “How can I help?”
    â€œYou’re close to her in age. It should be easy for you to build a rapport with her and let her see you as a friend. Don’t bring up anything about the articles—not at first. Help her see the good in what we do. Convince her that Great Western is a company that will benefit not only this community, but the territory at large.”
    Ben took a moment to digest what he’d just heard. “I don’t know, sir.” He took a deep breath and went on, wondering if he was about to bungle an opportunity to win his employer’s confidence. “I’m not sure I would be comfortable doing that. It sounds a bit like subterfuge.”
    To his great relief, Merrick’s eyes shone with understanding. “It’s to your credit that you feel that way. Your honesty is one of the reasons I picked you for this job. I’m not asking you to deceive Miss Wagner—quite the contrary. I’m asking you to help her see things as they really are.”
    Ben nodded slowly. “All right, then. How do you want me to go about it? How soon do you want results?”
    â€œThis is a matter of some delicacy. It isn’t something we can rush. I want you to take all the time you need to build a relationship with the young lady and let her know she can trust you. Once that trust is established, she may be willing to print a retraction . . . or even better, write a story in ourfavor. Until then, we’ll shift some of your duties to the other fellows in the office. I want most of your attention focused on the pursuit of Miss Wagner.”
    â€œPursuit?” Ben drew his brows together. “That almost sounds like you’re asking me to initiate a courtship.”
    Merrick shrugged, and a smile flitted across his face. “Would that be so bad? She’s certainly attractive enough. It shouldn’t be too much of a hardship for you to spend time with her.”
    Merrick’s smile broadened to a grin. “Ah, if only I’d been charged with a task like this when I was starting out!” He leaned back and gave Ben a wink. “Be sure to let me know how things progress.”
    Ben nodded and rose to leave. As he reached the door,