Casey, Crime Photographer - The Camera Bug

Mid-afternoon, in the photographic department of the Morning Express, Casey sits at his battered desk, wearing the scowl of a man who began his day with a dull razor and cold coffee. The door opens and a young man enters. He asks "Excuse me, is Mr. Casey in?" Casey says "Yeah, that's me". The young man says "My name's Forester, Alan Forester. I've heard a lot about you". Casey says "Yeah, I know. I'm on all the sucker lists. What are you selling?" Forester says "Oh, nothing. That is, well, you see, I'm a photographer". Casey laughs, and says "Sometimes I think every guy in the world is a camera bug. Are you looking for a job?" Forester says "Yeah". Casey says "See the city editor. His name's Burke. Four floors above". Forester says "Well, I've already seen Mr. Burke and he says there aren't any vacancies here. I've been to all the other papers too. I thought you might advise me how to get a start". Casey asks "How old are you?" Forester says "Twenty-one". Casey asks "You got a job now?" Forester says "I work in a camera supply store. I know a lot about taking pictures, honest I do. And well, my wife and I decided that it's time for me to break into the line I've always wanted". Casey says "You've got a wife and a job with regular hours?" Forester says "Yeah". Casey says "Oh, boy. My advice is to forget it. You're out at all hours. You can risk your hide to get a good shot and the city desk may stick it on page ten. This is a dog's life, kid. Keep out of it". Forester says "Yeah, but you get around and you see things". Casey says "Well, okay, camera bug. Here's the only way I know how to break in. You put in about twelve hours a day on the streets with your eyes open and your camera ready. Occasionally, you'll get a news picture you can sell. If you're lucky, you may get a shot that you can trade to the city editor for a steady job. That's all I can tell you". Forester says "Oh, thanks a million, Mr. Casey. I'll do exactly as you say".