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“Unfortunately, yes,” Moira breathed, pointing to the report she’d prepared. “I mentioned that Shelby Francis was actually involved with the developers, but the EPA will be focused on the creek issue. They will want the creek to be rerouted, and the state has the funds and the agencies to do so… That will be their argument.”
“But the state will sell the property—”
“I know,” Moira cut in. “I know. I’m afraid that if you reroute the creek yourself, it’ll still end up in state hands anyway, Grant.” She pulled out the plans she’d drawn up for the creek, which included building a man-made pond the creek would flow into before flowing back out into the ravine and back into Charmaine’s property. “This is close to a quarter million-dollar project.”
“I don’t care how much it’s going to cost—”
“And Charmaine would have to sign off on it, too. Which is why I said you need to get friendly with your neighbors, on all sides. She doesn’t have nearly the number of resources that you do, Grant. Her property is at risk too.”
“How long do we have?”
“The EPA gave you the year but in reality, this needs to be done before fall, when the weather starts to turn.”
“So, three or four months?”
Moira nodded, her expression grave.
“Is that doable, Moira?”
“For an insane amount of money, yes.”
I tapped my fingers on the desk before pulling out my phone and calling the contractor Moira had had come out to give us a quote for building the pond.
I spent the next thirty minutes going over the project with him while Moira paced back and forth across my office.
“I don’t care about the cost, you send me the invoices and you’ll be paid immediately,” I said into the phone with urgency, meeting Moira’s gaze. “Moira will be in touch with the EPA about the protocol from rerouting the creek, and I will ensure my neighbors are aware of the changes.”
The contractor, taken aback by the fact I hadn’t even tried to negotiate his costs, stuttered a bit before saying construction could start tomorrow, if we were ready.
We were ready.
I hung up the phone and looked at Moira, who was a bit pale as I said, “Done. Now what?”
“Well, for the next three months or so I’ll oversee the project and consult with EPA to make sure you aren’t dinged for anything during the construction period.”
“And then what will you do?”
“What do you mean?” she asked nervously. “What will I do after everything is done—”
“Yeah. What will you do then?”
“I’ve already—” She paused, lowering her eyes to the floor. “I’ve already started looking into other jobs—”
“I think you should stay,” I said before I could stop myself. I was pumped with adrenaline from dealing with the EPA mess already, and hearing her say she was thinking ahead… thinking about leaving…
“Stay? But this… It’ll be over by the end of the summer—”
“I want you to stay. I want you to stay here and help me keep the property in check.” I couldn’t say how I really felt, not now. Not when she was looking at me like a deer in headlights.
“Why?”
“Because I need you.” For more than I was letting on.
“But—” She sucked in a breath, her shoulders relaxing a bit as she took a step toward me. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure I’ll need your services again. Often. I can hire you on a full-time salary, set you up in a house in town… or you can live here, in the bunkhouse. That could be your home. It is your home, as long as you want it to be.”
She said nothing, just stared at me as if she didn’t quite believe it.
