George is busying himself, getting everyone a glass of water. Betty Lou has already gone home for the day. The sweet caretaker left dinner in the oven, the scent of a squash casserole and pork tenderloin filling the house with a comforting aroma.
“There’s gotta be something in here to get your boss disinterested in my land so you can keep your job.” Ralph thumbs through a few sheets of paper. “What about the pond? Do they know about the pond? It’s quite large and deep. Could that be a deal-breaker?”
I shake my head, my damp hair finally drip-free thanks to the towel. “A pond isn’t part of the state’s water resources and can easily be filled in. In the state of Georgia, you can’t have construction or disturbance within seventy-five feet of state water.”
George hands me a glass, our fingers brushing in the exchange. I look up at him and smile, my center clenching as thoughts of our earlier lovemaking come to mind. “Thank you.”
His politeness holds reservation. “You’re welcome.” He turns toward his grandfather. “Here you go, Pop.”
“Thanks. Just set it back from this stack a little bit,” he mumbles, focused on the papers.
I raise the glass to my lips and freeze, the idea hitting me in an instant. I squeal, causing the two men to jerk their heads in unison in my direction.
“Too cold?” Ralph asks.
Careful, I set the glass of water on the table and present it to them with my palms up.
“The underground spring!”
Ralph’s brows lift from above his glasses. “I think you might be onto something.”
George pulls out the chair next to mine and sits. “You can’t build on top of land that has an underground spring?” he asks.
My mind is churning, flabbergasted the land surveyors didn’t report the underground spring in their initial findings. This information is a source of contention for a multi-million dollar land acquisition.
“Hear me out, fellas. In Georgia, building a structure the size of Global Dynamics over an underground spring is generally not recommended due to potential structural issues and legal complications. Oh my gosh, I can’t believe this slipped through the cracks.”
I stand, energized by my revelation.
“Go on,” Ralph encourages.
Both men have my undivided attention, the look of absolute hope in their eyes filling me with motivation.
“Why didn’t I think of this before? Springs are considered ‘waters of the state.’” I fling the towel from my shoulders over the back of my empty chair.
“So the spring belongs to the state?” Ralph repeats.
“Yes!” I’m in the zone now and pace with excitement as I explain. “Underground springs are protected under Georgia state law. If the surveyors had done their due diligence, they would have consulted with a professional engineer, a hydrogeologist, and the local authorities before bringing this piece of land to Global for consideration. All kinds of compliance and regulations come with building on or near a spring. There are environmental issues, and they’d have to adhere to the National Environmental Policy Act. Global Dynamics doesn’t want to do that.”
My heart races with gladness, knowing I’ve just figured out a way to save the farm and my job.
Ralph slowly rises from his chair. He looks frail and tired. “So what do we need to do now?”
George stands and adds, “Just tell us. We’ll do anything.”
I nod and quickly shuffle the papers back into the file Ralph has been sifting through. “Y’all don’t need to do anything. I can handle things from here.” I pause and lick my lips, unsure how George will respond when I say, “I need to go.”
“Right now?” he stammers.
I press my lips into a thin line and nod. “Yes. The sooner I get this information to my boss, the quicker this will all be over.”
“Can’t you just call him?” Ralph asks.
“No. It’s better if I do this in person.” I shove the files into my tote. “George, can you take this and meet me at my car out front?”
“Umm, sure.” He effortlessly slides the heavy strap over his shoulder and exits the kitchen, the hinges on the screen squeaking before the door closes with a loud thwack.
I approach Ralph and look him square in the eye. “I’ll only be gone for a few days,” I reassure. “And then I’m coming back so we can discuss George and his future here on the farm.”
