A Nurse's Choice — Dan Ross

Two years ago Irene Nolan lost her husband in an oil company explosion, and after that tragedy, she decided to return to nursing to keep herself busy. Her Aunt Peg and Uncle Henry lived in the nearby Maine town of Port Winter, so Irene went to live with them and began working the late-night shift at the Port Winter Pulp Mill.

Her days flowed smoothly one into the other. She enrolled at the university to take some graduate courses so that one day she could qualify for an executive nurse's post. Frank Graham, a sandy-haired young doctor, was a good friend and an eager escort. All in all, Irene was making a new life for herself and easing the heartache of her loss.


Then several things happened to cause more than a few ripples on the otherwise serene pond of Irene's existence. Don Grant, the outspoken union leader at the pulp mill, approached her about the accidents that could be caused by the faulty safety regulations, bemoaning the fact the wealthy K.C. North, owner of the mill and many other enterprises, was no interested in improving the many hazards to the men's lives. Don enlisted Irene's aid in keeping a record of accidents due to such faulty safety precautions -- against her better judgment -- and hinted at a strike unless something was done soon.

Don's actions coincided with the arrival of the new managers, Bud North, K.C.'s son. Dynamic and charming, Bud was an experienced mill man who soon had things on an upswing, including the beat of Irene's heart. Irene knew that Bud could sweep her off her feet -- but were his values really the same as hers -- and as Frank's?