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Of course she would pick Wonder Woman. Harper got up from the guest chair in Susan’s office and stated out the door.
“Where are you going?” Susan bellowed.
“To make tea.”And get the hell away from you.
Harper went into the little office kitchen, filled the kettle, and plugged it in. She was still off-kilter from this morning’s run-in with Jason. Coming to work seemed like the best thing, but now she wasn’t sure. She couldn’t concentrate. She wanted to confront Gina. Find out who was responsible for Astrid’s death.
She also wanted to confront Susan and find out what someone had on her that could coerce her to change zoning laws. The problem was Susan probably wouldn’t know at this point. If someone was blackmailing her Susan would be pissed off and yelling about everything. She’d be in a rage even if she didn’t say why. She was just ticked off at this point, so chances were excellent that no one said anything to her yet. Should she tell Susan what was coming?
She made her tea and went back into Susan’s office. She was going over details for the Halloween event at the Manor with Brenda Holmes.
Brenda was cautioning the mayor on her address to open the Extravaganza. “You will be giving your remarks around six p.m. That kicks off things for the kids. I’ve written them out. I know you like to go off-script but whatever you do, keep it short and sweet. The families are there to have fun and if you speak for any more than two minutes the kids will get antsy and then the parents will get mad and the whole thing will be a public relations bust.”
Susan stuck out her hand. “Give me your remarks. I’ll keep it short.”
“Brenda, can you give us a second?” Harper stood by the door, tea in hand.
She glanced at Susan, who was studying Harper.
“Go ahead,” Susan said. “Check and see how things are going up at the Manor.”
Brenda got up and left the office, shooting Harper a questioning look on her way out the door. Harper closed it after the woman, and then went and sat in the seat she’d just vacated.
She set her mug down on the desk. “We have to talk.”
“I gathered that,” Susan said wryly. “What’s up?”
“I heard a rumor.”
Susan snorted. “By now you should know better than to believe anything you hear.”
Harper ignored the outburst. “This is about a group building some kind of community on the bluff by Everlasting Manor.” She stared at Susan.
Susan waved her hand. “There are always rumors,” she said dismissively but there was no force behind her words and she hadn’t outright said no.
“In order to build on that ground, zoning laws would have to change. There would be an outcry in the community because it would limit beach access to the bluffs. The wildlife supporters would be incensed. This would be a major fight, and not one to be undertaken lightly. You could lose the next election.”
Susan balked. “That’s not necessarily true. You can’t know for sure.”
“I’m from Cedar Bluff, and I know these people. The voters will hate it, and you know it. You got elected the first time because you promised to bring in business but do it in a way that supports what’s already here. No rezoning or overdevelopment. You put the wildlife protection order in place. And so far, you’ve stuck to that. Your supporters are happy. They’ll flip on you if you roll over on that promise.”
Susan pursed her lips and glared at Harper, but then seemed to relent. She pushed some papers around her desk and then slumped in her chair. “You’re right. I know it. The voters wouldn’t go for it. As much as the deal appeals to me for all kinds of reasons, including a sharp increase in the general funds based on the taxes the developers would have to pay, there would be no way to convince people it’s a good idea.”
This next part was the delicate bit. Harper bit her lip. “Along with that rumor, I heard something else. Someone earnestly wants to get this deal done. They are willing to go to great lengths to do it.”
“Yes, they are very keen on it.”
“I’ve heard they might try blackmail. Is there anything that they might have on you to force you to make the deal happen?”
Susan scoffed. “They’re hardly likely to try blackmail. That’s ridiculous. That is a silly rumor.”
“It’s really not a rumor.” Harper pushed, “Is there anything they could blackmail you with?”
“What do you mean it’s not a rumor?”
“I overheard it being discussed as an option if you didn’t cooperate. Tell me there’s nothing they can hold over you.”
“There’s nothing. I haven’t done any business with them and all of my deals have been above board.” Susan’s tone was indignant.
