by Tania Joyce
The meeting proceeded as Toru started to present the results of their initial studies. Aboriginal Archaeology assessment all cleared, Bushfire Threat cleared. Social and economic development would boost tourism in the area. The list went on and on and Troy’s heart sank, sure that his efforts to stop the development would be futile.
Then it was Maxine and Ray’s turn to deliver their findings. Traffic and Infrastructure costs would be exorbitant. Without the neighboring properties agreeing to sell, JLR would not have enough land for a fully integrated tourist project; therefore, as a standalone golf course and hotel, it wouldn’t provide enough financial benefit to the community. The current zoning is and should remain agricultural as the property was surrounded by prime viticulture land.
“And for your information, we have provided a summary of recent water and soil tests done on Gumtrees and have concerns about the accuracy and detail of the trace elements detailed in their submitted report.” Maxine handed the documentation to Matthew.
Maxine might exude confidence but Troy knew their chances of success were slim. As Matthew flicked through the summaries of the reports in front of him, all hope seemed lost. Then Kelleigh interrupted the proceedings. Her hands trembled as she handed everyone a new printout and her voice faltered as she spoke.
“While we are on this subject, yes, the report provided by Toru is incorrect. I have a new one here to present.”
Troy gave her an evil stare. What now? Was this more damning evidence to ensure the project was approved? Reluctantly, he picked up the document.
“Kelleigh,” Toru jumped in and waved his hands around. “I’m sure Jerry provided an accurate report; there is no error.”
Kelleigh took a deep breath. She looked like she was about to vomit. “No Toru. I have worked in engineering and site analysis for years and know what I am talking about. The geo-tech report of Jerry’s is missing vital information. I had samples sent to another lab for testing to compare the results. The report from our consultants in Melbourne came through this morning and it clearly indicates there are high traces of pesticides in the soil.”
Troy shook his head. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Was she jeopardizing her own project? Why?
“No, you are wrong, Miss Johnstone.” Toru’s face was turning red as he tugged on his tie. “Their report must be wrong, not Jerry’s.”
“I’m positive it’s not. And I’m sure that document from Gumtrees will support these finds. In many of the samples we took on the foothills we found dark patches of concern in the rods. It wasn’t until the results came back my suspicions were confirmed. There are traces of DDT—dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, Aldrin and Dieldrin. These pesticides are all now banned, but because the chemicals don’t break down they are still evident in the soil. While they have minimal impact to farming, human exposure can lead to serious illness,” she addressed all of her findings to the attendees.
“You don’t know what you are talking about,” Toru let out a strained laugh.
Troy wanted to kick himself under the table. He should have thought of this. Of course, before the ban in the late 80s these pesticides were used everywhere in the Valley.
But did Kelleigh know what she was doing? She was putting her project at risk. This moved the scales for halting the development in his direction. He didn’t know whether he wanted to kiss her or shake some sense into her. Was this courage or downright stupidity on her part? She had some guts whatever the case, and that was something to admire.
“I do know, Toru. This audit suggests that the site is too high-risk to build on. Land sculpting and the construction of the hotel and villas will result in too much exposure and risk to humans.”
“Miss Johnstone, that’s enough.” Toru’s eyes looked like they were going to pop out of his head.
Kelleigh ignored him and turned to the councilmen. “Matthew, you can order another audit if you wish, but I am sure those reports from Gumtrees that Troy’s lawyers provided will support these findings.”
Troy sat stunned in his seat. Kelleigh had just provided the most crucial piece of evidence to prevent the development. This was incredible. He knew those reports she sent were suspect. He collapsed back in his chair while Toru and their lawyer could provide no justifiable explanation.
What a turn of events.
“Is that everything then?” Matthew asked as he gathered all the documentation from everyone. “We’ll review all this information along with the application and call you if we have any enquiries. We should be able to make a decision by tomorrow morning.”
Everyone said their goodbyes and headed outside into the foyer.
As Troy walked out behind Max and Ray, he saw Toru having words with Kelleigh just outside the door. Toru’s face was flaming red and Kelleigh looked undoubtedly upset by whatever he was saying. Before he could react, she dashed into the rain across the car park. The urge to run after her made him ache all over, but he had to stay and thank his lawyers.
“That went well. I think we kicked their fucking asses,” Maxine grinned, looking very pleased with herself. “Kelleigh just handed the ruling to us on a silver plate. The council would be crazy to approve this application. Trust me; they won’t want to risk future law suits.”
“There’s no way this will be approved,” Ray said. “If it is, we’ll take it to the next level. It’s a guaranteed win. I bet my life on it.”
Troy smiled, absorbing their positive vibe. But his mind was elsewhere as they exited the building. He saw Kelleigh sitting in her Landcruiser, head down on the steering wheel. When she sat upright, she wiped her cheeks with her fingertips. Damn it, she was crying. He needed to get to her. Find out what was wrong. Thank her for all she had done. He excused himself from Max and Ray and stepped out into the rain to cross the car park to her. But it was too late. She took off before he could reach her. He was left standing, rain drenching him through to his skin, unable to do anything other than watch her go.
“Looks like she can’t get out of town fast enough.” Ray laughed as Troy returned to stand under the awning of the building.
Troy tried to join in Ray’s joke, but he was worried about Kelleigh. He had questions, wanted answers, and wanted to thank her. Basically, he was looking for any excuse to see her again before she left.
“I think this calls for lunch.” said Maxine, “Somewhere with lots of fine wine. Where to, Troy?”
Bugger. He couldn’t fob them off, not after all the hard work they’d done for him in such a short period of time. Lunch it was, then he’d go in search of Kelleigh.
***
“Good news.” Maxine said to Troy and Nick on speakerphone the following morning. “JLR’s request for development has been denied. We’ve just received notice from Matthew. The council wouldn’t approve the application for rezoning because the land must remain an agricultural property and those trace elements have them running scared. They’ll do anything to avoid being sued. I think another major factor is that without acquiring the neighboring acres, the golf course wouldn’t generate enough jobs, tourism and income for the community. It’s a huge win for us.”
Troy and Nick slapped each other a high-five and sighed in relief.
“Max, you’re the best. I owe you one.” Troy said with true sincerity.
“Too fucking right. I’ll hold you to that. But Ray did most of the work. This was his area of expertise.”
“Thanks, Ray.” You couldn’t wipe the smile off Nick’s face if you tried. Troy felt his was just as broad.
“You’re welcome.” Ray’s voice boomed down the phone line.
After jokes about bills and legal fees to pay, Troy hung up and punched the air, celebrating their triumph. No golf course. No hotel. No villas. Life couldn’t get much better with such a win.
But what about Kelleigh? He’d been unable to find her yesterday afternoon. She wasn’t at Harrigan’s, she wasn’t at Larry’s. With all this rain about he hoped she was okay.
Kelleigh had ris
ked everything to save his community. He wished there was some small way he could thank her. But seeing her again and having to say goodbye, knowing that it would be the last time was going to be harder than he thought. There would be no more chances of their paths ever crossing. She’d chiseled her way into his heart and made him feel things he didn’t think would ever be possible again. Why was everything so temporary?
Yes … Jessica had been right. The universe did conspire in mysterious ways, but not everything ended in a happy ever after.
Chapter 21
Kelleigh walked around her room at Harrigan’s on Thursday morning in a daze, packing up all her belongings. Folding her clothes, packing her shoes and collecting her toiletries. Rolling up all her maps and gathering up her documents. Tonight would be her last night here.
The phone call she’d been expecting had happened ten minutes prior. Toru gave her the news that the development application had been rejected. He’d given her the order to pack up, clear the gear off-site and send the crew back to Melbourne. Since pulling her aside yesterday after the meeting and accusing her of undermining the project, she had no tolerance for her boss anymore. Their words had become heated when she questioned his motives behind paying off Jerry. Revealing to him she had the evidence on her phone if he didn’t confess. Reluctantly Toru admitted it was all for a massive bonus and meeting corporate targets and goals. What a scumbag. Knowing Toru would suffer as well filled her with a huge sense of satisfaction.
Toward the end of their call, Toru had curtly reminded her that under the terms of her employment, she had four weeks until she finished up at JLR. She wasn’t looking forward to telling her team this morning, or looking for a new job, or traipsing through recruitment sites and attending interviews. She had no income protection to cover loss of employment. Her insurance payout from her car would hold off the banks for only a little while longer.
Sitting down on the side of her bed, she started to put on her boots to head out on-site. It was going to be a long, wet, muddy day packing up all the gear and surveying markers with her team. It would be her last day at Larry’s and driving past Gumtrees. Closing her eyes, images of Troy danced behind her eyelids. She wondered if he’d heard the news yet and wondered how he’d be celebrating the win.
The TV caught her attention; she reached for the remote on the bedside table and turned the volume up. The screen flashed with flood warnings in the area, advising people not to undertake travel unless it was absolutely necessary. Yep, getting out of here was definitely a necessity. The creeks were up and flooding in low-lying areas was a growing concern. She jumped to her feet. Shit! Her team had left their large tripods and some of their surveying equipment near the creek flat on Larry’s farm. It was going to be the last area they had to survey before heading home. She had to get out there as soon as possible to make sure none of the equipment was lost. She didn’t need Toru accusing her of damaging and losing expensive equipment.
Driving through the rain out to Larry’s for the last time, Kelleigh absorbed in her surrounds. Rain could not hide the beauty of the rolling green hills, the countless rows of grapevines or mountains in the distance. She would miss this place and the people she’d gotten to know during her brief time here. Larry, with his love of fresh pastries and a chat over a cup of tea. Grace, watching out for everybody. Nick and Maria at Gumtrees. And then there was Troy. Every one of her muscles clenched tightly around her heart when she thought of him. What should have been a one-night stand seemed to have developed into something so much more. Something that should never have been. Something that could not be.
“Come on, snap out of it,” she cursed, trying to think of something positive about heading home to Melbourne. Fran’s baby was due soon, and … and—crap, that was it. She was jobless, homeless and prospectless. What a combination. Her future was like a blank sheet of paper and it was up to her what to write. It was all up to her, no ex-boyfriends or parents to influence her direction.
***
Huge puddles of water lay on the side of the road and the thick mud squelched beneath the car’s tires as Kelleigh drove toward Larry’s. Either side of her, the grass, the trees and the grapevines drooped under the weight of all the heavy rain. The sky was still heavily overcast as she crested the hill and headed down to the creek crossing. It seemed like so long ago since she’d broken down here in her car.
She saw a Landcruiser and two people working between the grapevines in the paddock at Gumtrees. One pushing up against the upright post of a trellis, the other ramming the ground with a crowbar. With that old Akubra hat on his head and faded blue jeans hugging his legs, she knew instantly the man closest to her with the bar in his hands was Troy. He turned toward her as the vehicle came into his view.
Butterflies swarmed in her stomach, this would be her last chance to see him. Her chance to say goodbye.
She stopped the car, got out, jumped across a large gutter of water and waded through the long wet grass into the clearing at the start of the trellises.
Troy made his way down through the vines to greet her, his eyes shining from beneath the rim of his hat.
Troy took off his leather work-gloves and tucked them into his back pocket.
“Hi,” Kelleigh said as she wiped a mound of mud off her boot on the fresh grass.
“Hey. How are you?”
“Good. How are your vines doing?” They all hung limp; looking sad, sodden and soaked through as water dripped off the ends of the leaves.
He chuckled. “They’ve had enough rain, that’s for sure. Too much more will delay harvest because the water dilutes the sugar content in the fruit. We gotta be able to pick ’em at just the right time.”
“I think everyone has had enough of the rain over the past few weeks.” She squished her boots around in the mud.
Troy took a step closer. “About yesterday … at the council meeting. I tried to find you afterward but couldn’t find you anywhere.”
“Yeah. I needed some time to think. I found a park in town and sat under a huge willow tree for a while.”
He grinned, looking down at the ground. “I know the very place. That poor old willow tree puts up with a lot.” He paused. “You looked upset after the meeting; I saw Toru and you having words.”
“Lucky for me, he won’t be my boss for much longer. We’ve all been given our marching orders now the project is cancelled.”
“What? You lost your job over that?”
She shrugged. “No development. No job. No other projects in the pipeline.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I truly am. But can we backtrack a bit?” He waved his finger around in a circular motion. “What was with sending me Jerry’s report via email? I was far from impressed with its inaccurate data. Then, when you came in to the meeting in a fluster and presented something totally different, I was so confused. I’ve been trying to sort all this muddle out in my mind but nothing has become clear.”
She looked away from him, wondering how to explain the craziness of the past few days. No, make that weeks. “I had my suspicions about Toru after meeting with him and Jerry. I acted on my instincts and took two lots of samples of everything for analysis. At the festival dinner I’m sure I saw Toru paying off Jerry, but I had to have more proof. I was running out of time and options. I needed the report back for Melbourne so I could compare it against Jerry’s results. I sent it to you hoping you’d find something in it as well. Luckily you did. I wanted to call, but work was busy. Toru and our lawyer arrived and I never found a free moment. After having dinner with them and I got back to my room, the report from Melbourne had come through on email. I saw the discrepancies in the data and spent half the night stressing over what to do.”
“You could’ve kept that report from Melbourne a secret. Why risk your project?”
“It’s not just about the project. It’s about doing the right thing and being honest. I couldn’t let Toru get away with what he’d done. The consequences of developing on contaminated land a
re too high. Putting the health of humans at risk is not something I could live with. So, lucky for you, no golf course and no hotel.” she said as she rocked on her heels.
Troy listened and adjusted his hat on his head. “I don’t know how you do it, but you keep on surprising me all the time. What you did took courage.”
There was that stupid flutter in her stomach again. Damn it! She had to look away.
“Yeah well, now I have to go and tell my team the news. We’ll be packing up today and be heading to Melbourne tomorrow. I’d better get going before it rains again,” she jutted her chin to the west, “and by the look of those clouds it won’t be long before it starts.” Her hand trembled as she placed it out in front of her to shake his hand goodbye. “It’s been nice meeting you.” Why was saying goodbye so hard … and awkward?
Troy grabbed her hand, stepped toward her and kissed her on the cheek. She closed her eyes as moments with him over the past few weeks flashed before her. Their first night together, the walk in the gardens, the wine tasting in the cellar and the magical time at the festival dinner. Their time was up and it was time to say goodbye. Droplets of rain started to fall on her face as his lips lingered on her skin for the briefest of moments before he stepped away.
“It has been a pleasure meeting you. Most of the time anyway.” He swallowed hard. “Have a safe trip home.”
Her chest ached at the thought of having to turn around and leave. Why had he touched her heart so deeply in such a short span of time? She’d never believed in love at first sight, but couldn’t deny how she felt for him now. So much had happened within the span of a few short weeks. What was that song ringing in her head? Was it the Roxette song from Pretty Woman? In this world of reality, there would be no knight in shining armor riding in on his horse to rescue her. No handsome man in his Akubra driving after her in his Landcruiser. Nope. It was time to move on.