“Amos Burns. I don’t work for him much, but he offered to pay well for it.”
“Amos Burns is the foreman on Grampa’s list,” Erik said quietly, for Amber’s sake. “Any idea which contractor he’s working for?”
“Davison Construction, I would think,” the man said, frowning a little.
“That would make sense, wouldn’t it,” Erik replied. “But I know for certain, that isn’t the case. I’m Erik Davison.”
The guy exchanged a look of concern with Paolo.
“I don’t know what Burns is trying to pull,” Paolo volunteered. “But Mário is my cousin. If he knew Burns wasn’t working for you, he never would’ve picked-up.”
“I don’t doubt it,” Erik assured. He wasn’t accusing Mário, but if he, Paolo, and the rest of the men thought Erik was, further attempt at conversation would prove futile. “Someone is intentionally working to disrupt the project on Pine Mountain. The occasional glitch or setback isn’t unusual in a project of this magnitude, but not to the extent we’ve experienced. There have been a number of order cancellations, and instances in which our guys go to pick up an order, only to find someone’s already been there and done so. On Monday, two men started a gas leak in one of the model homes, and set it to ignite.”
There was murmuring, and exclamations of surprise on the part of those listening.
“Do you know who the guys are?” Paolo frowned.
“No. There was no reason for anyone to be at model F, and the road was blanketed in snow when I saw the guys drive out. That told me they’d been there a while, plus, I didn’t recognize them. Rob went to check out the house, and discovered the interior garage door propped open, and the range spewing gas.”
“That couldn’t be an accident,” was one man’s verdict.
“No, it couldn’t,” Erik agreed. “If Rob didn’t find it in time, the gas would’ve ignited when it reached the pilot light on the water heater in the garage. He also found the heat was turned off to the rest of the homes, and the water turned on. He drained the pipes before they froze, but you can imagine the trouble that would’ve caused, and the repairs involved, if he didn’t. The glitches and setbacks are intentional. I’d like to find out who’s doing this, and why.”
“Would Burns benefit? Enough to make it worth it?” Paolo wondered.
“If he’s working alone, then I have a hard time seeing how,” Erik reasoned. “There’s probably someone else behind him, who stands to benefit if Davison Construction doesn’t come through.”
The door opened, and the bartender ushered in four deputies. The next hour was spent recalling the incident, and answering the officers’ questions. By the time they were satisfied, and both men carted away, several of the bar’s patrons had returned to their pool game, and others to their tables. The music was reinstated, but at a less deafening level than before. Paolo, his cousin Mário, the two men—Ed and Sy—who assisted in subduing the would-be assailant, and Mitch, who stood guard over the man, remained seated near Erik and Amber.
“Thanks again, for stepping in,” Erik said.
“We’re glad to do it,” Paolo answered for them all. “It’s a miracle me and my buddies are designated drivers, tonight. And here, at all. If Pine Mountain wasn’t closed due to the blizzard, and if I wasn’t returning a favor, I wouldn’t be.”
“I believe in miracles. It doesn’t surprise me,” Erik replied.
“I wouldn’t be here either,” said Mitch.
“Then you must be involved in one of the other two contracts,” Erik commented.
“Yeah… the lift.”
“How is that going?” Erik prompted.
“It’s just about done,” Mitch answered.
“Since lifts are all Sky Line does, and your company is global, I don’t imagine you rely much on local suppliers,” Erik said.
“No. We’ve got our own. There’s been no vandalism, either… unless it happened after we left yesterday,” Mitch replied, his eyebrows knitting as he considered that.
“How about the lodge? It’s within view of the lift.”
“I didn’t give it more than a passing look, but it was there when I left, anyway.”
“Okay. That’s good to know,” Erik said. Maybe the focus was on the subdivision itself. “The parking lot should already be in, but it isn’t. Neither are the roads. Have you heard anything about that?”
“I’ve got a buddy who’s a construction laborer,” Mário replied. “I’ve heard him complain there aren’t enough guys to get the work done on time.”
“Maybe that’ll change, now that they’ve got a different manager,” Paolo added.
“There’s been no tampering, or order cancelations that you know of?” Erik asked.
“No,” Paolo answered. “The guy thought putting pressure on the foreman would make up for not hiring enough people for the job. Several of them quit, and the foreman was about to.”
“Then it sounds like Davison Construction is the target,” Erik concluded.
“I heard Sherman was ticked when he didn’t get the contract,” Sy volunteered.
“Robert Sherman?” Erik asked.
“That’s the one,” Sy confirmed.
“Just how ticked off was he?” Erik wondered.
“He’s got a hot head. I’ve worked for him some,” Sy replied. “I didn’t hear it myself, but a guy I know, said he overheard Sherman say it’d serve the developer right, if his development was a fail.”
“Conner Stevens, too,” Ed included, and Erik frowned a little. “He was counting on this project, I heard.”
“And you think he’d commit sabotage, because it wasn’t awarded to him?” Erik asked. Ed considered that.
“I’d say… Sherman’d be a lot more likely to go to the trouble to avenge. Stevens, I don’t think so. But he did need the work. He was let down when he didn’t get it.”
“How did you get into the railway storage bay?” Amber asked. She loosened her grip a little, so she could look at Mário.
“I picked up the key along with the trailer,” Mário answered. “It was at a construction site Burns was working.”
“Who’s developing the site?” Erik wondered.
“Whitman, I’m pretty sure,” Mário replied.
“Did you see Burns, or Whitman, at the site?” Amber queried.
“No, but there were guys working there. Trucks were parked in front, and I heard hammering. The trailer was in the driveway like I was told, and a guy was waiting there with the key to the bay.”
“Did it seem strange to you, that Burns would ask you to pick up a Davison order, when he was working for Whitman?” she wondered.
“No… Burns is a foreman. He works for whoever’s got a job for him. I figured he was stretched, working for more than one contractor, and that’s why he called me.”
“How were you paid?” she wondered.
“In cash, by the guy who gave me the key.”
“What address was this?” Erik wondered. He removed his phone from his pocket, and prepared to make a note. “I’m curious to know if it’s Whitman’s property, or someone else’s.”
“It was 415 Bowman Street,” Mário answered.
“That’s in La Centerra,” Paolo said. “It’s Whitman’s.”
“How did Burns hire you?” Amber wondered.
“Over the phone.”
“Was it Burns you talked to, or someone else?” she questioned.
“It was his office that called. At least that’s what they said,” Mário replied.
“His office?” Erik frowned. So did Mário.
“I guess—I didn’t stop and think how that didn’t make any sense. But that’s what they said.”
“Did the person you spoke with, sound familiar?” Amber wanted clarified. “And what about background noise? Was there any?”
“I have no idea who it was, and if there was any background noise, I don’t remember it,” Mário answered.
Erik waited a moment, but Amber seemed to be o
ut of questions.
“Alright. Thanks, Mário,” Erik said. “Is there anything else, any of you can think of?”
The men thought, and shook their heads.
“If that changes, I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know,” Erik requested, and passed a business card to each of them.
“Will do, boss,” Paolo said. “Any idea when we’ll be back in business?”
“None,” Erik answered honestly, as he stood, Amber in tow, and shook each of their hands. “Rob got caught in it. He made it to one of the cabins, and is doing alright. But it sounds as bad as the weather reports make it out to be. Even when it lets up, the roads won’t be accessible right away.”
“Good thing we got the generators in and installed in those, anyway,” Paolo said.
“That’s an understatement,” Erik agreed.
The men went back to whatever they were doing before they were prompted to come to Erik’s assistance, and he led Amber out of the building, her grip on him vicelike.
If she refused to let him go, driving home would be impossible. In that instance… he’d threaten to call her father. That might encourage her to loosen her grip long enough to get her home. Maybe.
It proved unnecessary. When they reached the vehicle, she unclenched him, and took her place in the passenger seat.
Erik closed her door with a sigh of relief. As he made his way around the vehicle, he looked up at the stars shining in the night sky, and thanked God again for rescuing them both. The night could have ended very differently.
He took the driver’s seat, glancing at Amber as he started the vehicle. She looked as if she was fighting tears. As he watched, one glistened on her cheek.
He sighed quietly, and pulled out of the parking lot and onto the road.
What was he supposed to say to her? He was prepared to give her the lecture of a lifetime. He still might. But… she looked like she was punishing herself worse than he ever could. Besides, he didn’t want to punish her. He wanted her to grow up, to mature, to realize life wasn’t a game, and she wasn’t invincible. He wanted her to listen to reason, to consider the wisdom of others, to give her own thoughts and ideas the credit they deserved, and no more.
“You should let your parents know you’re alright,” Erik said. “It’s late. They probably wonder why I haven’t brought you home yet.”
She shook her head a little, and brushed aside her tears.
“Can you just take me to my apartment? Please.”
“Okay… but your parents are going to be worried.”
“I’ll tell them,” she said, taking her phone out of her pocket. She sent a text, and a moment later, she received a message. “They know. They’re not worried. Caleb’s already asleep. It’s okay if he stays the night.”
If Erik didn’t know the toddler was Samantha’s, he’d be worried sick over the little guy, for more reasons than one. But, Caleb was. He was also with his grandparents right now, safe and sound. And so, Erik would be able to sleep the night. What was left of it.
“Where is your apartment?” he asked.
“Turn left at the light,” Amber answered meekly.
Erik followed her directions back to the good side of town, to a modest apartment building surrounded by snow covered pines. He parked in a space by the door, and removed the key from the ignition.
“I’ll walk with you,” he said, and got out. They also needed to talk about what happened. He wasn’t quite sure how to start, and he couldn’t leave until they had that conversation.
He opened Amber’s door, and walked her to the building. He was glad to see the entry was keyed. She unlocked the door, and he walked with her down the hall.
Unless the building had a recent and total overhaul, it wasn’t more than two or three years old. It smelled like fresh paint, new carpet, and there was no visible wear and tear. It was also quiet, and the lighting soft, but not enough to leave one desperate for more. It reminded him of his own place, in Ashland.
Amber pressed the button for the elevator, and the door opened with a whoosh. They stepped inside, and rode it in silence to the second floor.
He followed her to the end of the hall. She unlocked the door, and swung it open.
“Is it alright if I come in?” he asked. “I don’t want to leave with things on this note.”
She nodded, and they stepped inside the brief entry. The kitchen and dining was on one side, and the living room on the other. The space was lit softly by the floor lamp, and those on the end tables.
Amber closed and locked the door behind them. She removed her coat and hung it on the coat rack, then offered to take his, which he gave her. Fresh tears filled her eyes at the sight of the torn fabric. She hung it beside her own, then motioned for him to have a seat on the couch. They both did.
She focused on her hands, which were clasped on her lap. Erik focused on her, and on how to start. This was a lot harder than he thought it would be a couple of hours ago.
“How are you?” he asked gently. It wasn’t what he thought he’d say, but it was what he said.
Fresh tears welled, and she brushed them away.
“Horrible,” her voice cracked. He considered that, and shrugged a little.
“I wouldn’t say you’re horrible. Impetuous, yes. Reckless, I have reason to believe it. Sometimes lacking in common sense, and resistant to accepting direction and working well with others, yes, I’m sorry, I’m afraid so. But horrible? You’re not horrible, Amber.”
“Yes I am,” she sobbed. He sighed quietly, and put his arm around her.
“No, you’re not. But… what were you thinking? Did you have no idea the kind of people you were putting yourself in contact with, and what could’ve happened?”
“I do now,” she cried, clinging to him again. “I’m so sorry, Erik. You could’ve been killed, and it’s all my fault.
“That’s true. That, and worse, could’ve also happened to you. I don’t want you forgetting that, because it’s what will keep you from being reckless in the future.”
“I can never forget,” she cried. “I’ll never do anything stupid again. All I was thinking about, was finding out who’s responsible for sabotaging your development. And… I wanted to impress you.”
“You did succeed in making an impression,” he said matter-of-factly, and she choked a little on her tears.
“Not the impression I wanted to make,” she sniffed.
“Why would you want to impress me, anyway?” he wondered.
“Because you’re smart, and you’re the nicest guy I know. Because I admire you. I don’t admire very many people.”
Erik couldn’t help laughing a little.
“Maybe that’s part of the problem. Pride is something you want to overcome, not cater to.”
“I can never be proud again,” she brushed away more tears.
“If this experience has cured you of false pride, it was worth it. I’m not sure why I rank so high on your list, but start looking around. I’m sure there’s a lot you can learn from the other people in your life. Like your parents, and your sister. They’ve been around longer than you. They have perspective you don’t. Not only can you benefit from that, you need it. Do you think your mom, dad, or sister, would’ve agreed you should go into that place tonight?”
“No, and neither did you,” she said, as fresh tears fell. “And now you won’t want my help anymore, and you really do need me. Since I’ll never do anything stupid again.”
“Never? Then you’re doing better than the rest of us. We all do stupid things sometimes. Maybe not that stupid, but… you learned from it. We should all be so smart.”
“I guess, but I mean it, Erik. You do need me, and if I’ve ruined it by almost getting you killed, then when you do get killed because I’m not there, it’ll be all my fault, and I can’t bear it!”
She cried in earnest, as Erik rubbed her shoulder, and wondered how to get her to stop.
“Look, no offense, Amber, but… you’re giving yourself way
too much credit, here, and putting yourself under unnecessary pressure. It’s God who’s in control, not you. You’re convinced, and so is your family, that you have gut feelings that need to be heeded. Maybe that’s true. If it is, where do those come from? If someone doesn’t listen… you need to trust that person with God, and not take on a burden and a responsibility that isn’t yours.”
“You’re right, and from now on that’s how I’ll look at it, but you can’t do this by yourself! Something terrible will happen!”
Erik sighed.
“If you’ll stop crying, then you can help.”
“Really?” she choked, swallowing back her sobs as best she could.
“I never said you couldn’t, you assumed,” he pointed out. “From now on, it has to be a real partnership. No running off half-cocked, and leaving me to catch up, and play defense. I have knowledge and experience to add to this team. So no blowing me off in the future, when I disagree.”
“I won’t,” she said quickly, brushing away the last of the tears.
“Good, so… hear me out, and don’t blow me off. I know you were relieved I wasn’t hurt, and I know you didn’t mean anything by it, and I’m not trying to embarrass you, but don’t ever hug and kiss a guy like that. He’ll end up with the wrong idea, and may have expectations he shouldn’t.”
“You think?” she replied wryly.
“Yes,” he said, giving her a funny look. “So don’t do that. It’s a terrible way to find out whether a guy is nice, or not.”
Amber sighed heavily.
“A really nice guy wouldn’t be interested in me, anyway.”
Erik’s blood chilled, then he remembered Caleb.
“You’re saying that because of Caleb, right?”
“No, it has nothing to do with Caleb,” she said grumpily.
“Then where is this coming from?” he asked in concern.
“It’s true, that’s all,” she replied crossly.
“It isn’t, and you need to stop believing it,” he rebuked her. “Over-confidence is a liability, but that’s no reason to lose your confidence. You have a lot going for you. You’re fun to be around, and you’re smart, too.”
“Sure, and that’s why I was so stupid just a couple of hours ago,” she scowled. Erik scowled back, and shook her a little.
Disengaged (Terms of Engagement Book 3) Page 17