by Zuri Day
Uh-oh. Things just got tricky. Teresa knew that if she agreed, she’d have to deal with a man from whom she’d rather keep a vast distance. If she said no, well, she’d have to deal with his dad.
“I’m flattered that he appreciates my writing, Gloria. At this time, however, I’d like to focus on my job here. You can understand that, can’t you?”
Gloria gave her a sly smile. “I’ve met Paul. I’ve also met the wife he married when just out of college, the one who’s been forced to endure more than one affair. I’m sure that will be changing now that he’s in the public eye with higher-office aspirations. That said, I know exactly what you mean. We’ll try to keep you too busy to take on extra work.”
Teresa exhaled. “Thank you.”
“Regarding your series, the Campbells own a number of papers in small-to-medium-size markets across America. Your series will appear in a majority of these papers and, hopefully, several papers throughout Alaska, as well.
“Benny is so impressed with how you were able to balance presenting Paul’s position in an innocuous way that he wants to see more articles like this, even after this particular series is over.”
“Great, then he should appreciate the article covering the various industries in Alaska, including the seafood industry, which is the state’s largest export. But, Gloria, in my research I’ve uncovered some varying points of view on some of what was covered in article one. Those opposing viewpoints will be presented along with those previously mentioned.”
“That POV wouldn’t happen to be Atka Sinclair’s, would it?”
Both Teresa and Gloria looked up. “Benny! Good morning.”
Teresa nodded. “Good morning, Mr. Campbell.”
Neither had heard the paper’s owner come down the hall. Teresa fixed her face in a neutral position. This was going to get interesting.
Benny sat in the chair next to Teresa. His face slightly red, his expression slightly accusing.
What did he think he knew?
“I know Atka Sinclair is in town, one of the businessmen invited to a meeting involving your brother. What I’m not sure of is whether or not you know he and my son don’t see eye to eye.”
“As of this weekend, sir, yes. I know.”
“Then you also need to be aware that however you include the other side’s point of view, the position of the paper comes down on the side of the mining company and others wanting to bring big business into a community that needs an infusion of commerce and an increase in jobs.”
“What I’m hoping, Mr. Campbell, is to write an article that presents enough facts from both sides of the coin that then allows the readers to make up their own minds.”
“How does Niko believe the Sinclair Salmon Company can benefit Paradise Cove?”
“That is a topic we haven’t discussed and a question better directed to either Atka or Niko.”
Benny reared back in the chair and removed an unlit pipe from his mouth. “Are you telling me you’re doing an article on Alaska’s seafood industry and didn’t interview the owner of the largest such company in that state?”
“No, Mr. Campbell, I didn’t interview any of the company owners.” Now, had he asked whether I’d slept with any of them... “Unfortunately, because of my ankle injury, I didn’t even get to tour the fisheries in Bristol Bay. My information for the article comes from doing intense research online, and speaking with the managers of two facilities and those in several supporting positions such as the harvesting boats, processing plants, canneries. It would have been nice to get a quote from the top guys, but there was no lack of sources for what I feel is a well-rounded piece.”
“That may end up working to our advantage. Now that he’s potentially developing a business relationship with your brother, maybe he can be persuaded to focus more on developing business outside of Alaska and keep his nose out of where it doesn’t belong, like my son’s progressive mining measures.”
“And you think I can do this persuading?”
Benny gave her a quick but pointed once-over that showed Teresa where Paul had gotten his lascivious skills. “Something tells me that if you haven’t gotten his ear already, you can get it, and he’ll listen to what you’ve got to say.”
Teresa hoped her light chuckle would cover her dark thoughts. The names she was thinking of to describe the man talking to her were ones not allowed in polite company. And then there was the fear. Did he know about her and Atka?
“I don’t have to tell you that any business opportunity that comes our way as a result of Paul being elected would benefit your family, probably a great deal more than any liaison that would happen between the Drakes and Sinclair. I’m not surprised that he has followed the scent of success to our affluent city, where Paul grew up. It won’t help him any. My son is going to win the election, the bill allowing more mining efforts will be approved and Sinclair will once again be on the losing side of progress. What you’ve got is a perfect opportunity to get next to Sinclair and glean any information that might benefit Paul, and your family.”
Benny stood as if her cooperation was a done deal, showing not one ounce of guilt at asking Teresa to lower her moral standards and write the story from a position the paper’s owner supported by any means necessary.
Drakes didn’t like to be told what to do, especially when they didn’t agree with what they’d been told. So following her boss’s directives was going to be a problem.
Chapter 13
“So... I need to talk to you about the articles I’m writing on Alaska.”
“Cool. I want to share what happened in today’s meetings, too.”
It was Monday evening. Atka had spent the first part of the day in San Francisco and the afternoon with Niko. Teresa had spent the morning at work, but in the afternoon had arranged for Atka to be moved from the town’s quaint little inn to a Drake-owned condominium in the Seventh Heaven community. An hour ago, Niko’s wife, Monique, had called and invited the two to dinner. Teresa knew what it really was—a chance for the first couple to have their separate and personal observations of how she and Atka interacted, as well as find out even more about him. All that, and she wouldn’t have been surprised if one of the members of her protective clan requested a background check.
“My piece on Alaska is a four-part series encompassing the state’s people and products. The first, as you know, was on some of the movers and shakers of the state, particularly because of mayoral candidate Paul Campbell’s connection to Paradise Cove. The remaining articles will cover its resources—oil and gas, of course, gold and other minerals, the seafood industry and tourist attractions. In tomorrow’s paper, the article focuses on resources including the salmon industry.” She glanced at him. “It was written right after I’d returned from Alaska, when I didn’t think I’d see you again.”
“You seem nervous.” He offered up an exaggerated frown. “What disparaging thing did you say about me?”
“Nothing! But I do write about Sinclair Salmon and the company’s position as the largest fishery in the area, one that had profited greatly from the area’s bounty of salmon in all its varieties and one that sought to expand their reach to the lower 48.”
“I’ll be interested to learn more about this impressive company.”
She swatted him playfully. “Stop it. I just wanted to tell you before you grabbed a paper or read it online. We both had our suspicions about each other and I just wanted to let you know that the article was written right after returning home, before knowing that you were the Sinclair behind Sinclair Salmon.”
“Fair enough.”
“I have a question, too.”
“Okay.”
“I understand there is friction between you and Paul Campbell. Is it strictly a business rivalry or is there more to the story?”
“Is this the journalist asking?”<
br />
Teresa wanted to be irritated but understood the question. “Yes and no.”
“I don’t want to answer any journalist questions.”
“Will you answer Teresa Drake’s questions?”
“Only if she promises not to share what’s discussed with the journalist.”
She looked away, out the patio doors and into the small yet well-landscaped backyard. “If you want me to hold what we discuss in confidence—” she turned her gaze to him “—then I will.”
“You give me your word?”
“Yes, Atka. You know what? Maybe you shouldn’t tell me. If you’re going to clam up or interrogate me every time I try to have a conversation with you, maybe we shouldn’t see each other at all!”
Atka’s demeanor put the c in calm. “As you wish.”
His quiet steadiness was unnerving. “I...it’s just...yes, I’m a journalist. Yes, I ask a lot of questions. But can we just establish that when I’m talking to you, it’s as a person, as my lover, as someone I consider a friend, and not as someone out to expose you. Can we do that?”
Atka reached over, slid his forefinger down the side of her face and cupped her chin. “My feisty papoota. I apologize for making you angry. Yes, from here on out, we can establish that conversation between us is personal, not professional.” His finger slid across her chest and down her arm, leaving goose pimples in its wake. “In fact, I’d like to keep everything we do personal, private...just between us.”
By the look on his face, Teresa knew he was talking less about his company and more about coitus. She could live with that. “Okay.”
“So...to your question. I can’t stand Paul Campbell. He’s an arrogant opportunist who thinks he can smile and schmooze himself into the hearts of native Alaskans, without really listening to our points of view.
“A few years ago, he and I were in a meeting where the possibility of heavy mining in an area that would affect Bristol Bay was being discussed. For every point he made, I had a counterpoint. By the end of the evening, most in attendance were on my side. He’s had it out for me ever since, but I work with some of the best business and financial advisers in the country, so there’s no way he can come after me for how my company operates. There are millions to be made from mining ore in Alaska. But I think Paul’s enthusiasm for this project is as much about disrupting my success as it is about increasing his.”
“His father wants me to write more articles that support his position.”
Atka looked at her. His expression hardened. “Are you going to do it?”
“I’d rather keep the articles neutral and let the reader decide. Hopefully, I’ll get my way.”
Later, the two entered Golden Gates, Paradise Cove’s most exclusive community. Teresa was driving. She bypassed the block where her parents lived and continued to her brother’s house, just a few short blocks away.
“This is Niko’s house?”
“Yes.”
“Very impressive. Your family lives an opulent lifestyle.”
Teresa shrugged. “It was pretty much our normal, how we grew up.”
They exited the car and crossed the large porch to the front door. She rang the bell. Monique answered. They entered the home’s grand foyer, boasting twenty-two-foot ceilings and a custom-designed chandelier. Teresa looked at Atka, whose face held an expression that she couldn’t read—not the first time since meeting him that she felt part of him was an enigma.
“Hello! Welcome!” Monique gave each a brief hug. “Come on in. Niko’s grilling out back.”
Teresa stopped. “Niko? Cooking?”
Monique laughed. They continued walking down the hall.
“See, papoota princess. Real men cook.”
“Not the real men I call brothers. Girl, what did you do to get Niko in the kitchen?”
“Well, that’s a bit of a stretch. He’s fine on the patio but still not in the kitchen much. I bought him a grill set for Christmas. It sat for a month before he tried it out, but when he did, he discovered that he actually likes to grill. I think it allows him to chill out and let the day’s problems and issues and meetings fall off. Grilling takes skill, but it’s also kind of mindless, depending on what you’re fixing.”
“What’s he cooking tonight?”
“Salmon.”
Atka reacted. “Really?”
“Yes.”
“Then let’s hurry and get out there before he ruins that delicate fish.”
Within minutes of arriving on the patio, the cooking competition had begun. Atka determined Niko’s first attempt was way too dry for an entrée but could work in a salmon salad. He proceeded to grill four more filets and, using only the seasonings available from Niko and Monique’s pantry, created a succulent grilled salmon steak worthy of a five-star restaurant. Along with the rice pilaf and salad Teresa and Monique put together, it was a wonderful meal.
“I’ve got to give it to you, man,” Niko began as he wiped his mouth and tossed the linen napkin on the patio table. “That was some of the best salmon I’ve ever had. Who taught you how to cook like that?”
“My grandparents.”
“His emaaq and apaaq,” Teresa offered with a wink at Atka.
His look caressed her. “You remember.”
“That’s what you call them?” Monique asked.
“That is grandmother and grandfather, in my native language.”
A look passed between Niko and Monique. He reached for his wineglass and sat back in his chair. “That was quite a trip to Alaska, sis. Not only did Atka save a damsel in distress, but the man has you back here speaking in another language. What do they call that at church, babe? Speaking in tongues? It’s clear that more than a rescue happened between the two of you.”
“Ha-ha, brother. It’s good to know Monique’s churchgoing ways are rubbing off on you.”
Niko waved his hands playfully. “Praise the Lord.”
“I still have to drag him to services,” Monique said, giving Niko the side eye. “And he’s more than a little devilish most of the time.”
“Baby, that’s what you love most about me.”
“Well...” Monique’s coy expression cosigned that this was true.
Niko turned serious. “From what I’ve seen so far, you’re a stand-up guy. I like that. Teresa’s kissed her share of frogs—”
“Niko!”
He looked at Teresa. “You’re right. I should have said dogs.” The table laughed. “I know we’re still in the planning stages, but I can see your proposal for sustainable fishing being a real boon to our community and our economy. You’re a good businessman. You’ve got your own money, so we don’t have to worry about you trying to take hers. All in all...I say it’s a yay.”
Teresa looked at Atka. “As opposed to a nay, as though I need his vote on who to date.”
“Life would have been easier if you listened to my last nay.”
“I hate when you’re right.”
“Ha!”
They moved inside for dessert and coffee. Afterward, Teresa and Atka headed to Atka’s condo for a night of lovemaking.
“I like Niko,” he said as they headed across town. “He’s a straightforward businessman, honest and fair. With his kind of integrity, I’m surprised he’s in politics.”
“He’s a natural-born leader. So far, most citizens are very happy with the job that he’s done.”
“He’s good people. It seems you all are.”
“How do you think it will go when I meet your family?”
“I don’t know. They were pretty hard on my first two girlfriends. But they loved Mary. They’d known her all her life, so she easily felt like a sister. You’re unlike any woman I’ve ever dated, or introduced to them. Most likely, they’ll be reserved at first. Don’t take it pers
onally. Similar to your family’s treatment of me, you’ll have to be vetted. But I think you can hold your own.”
“You mentioned me along with your other girlfriends. Is that what I am?”
“Absolutely. You’re mine now.” He thumped his chest. She giggled. “So tell your admirers you’re off the market. Because this is one Yupik who does not like to share.”
Chapter 14
The next day, Tuesday, Atka’s Paradise Cove tour by way of Drake family homes continued.
“Okay, which brother is this again?”
“Warren. You sat next to his wife at brunch, and talked about horses.”
“His wife’s name is Charlie.”
“Right. They met when he decided to build a ranch and vineyard next to her property. He’s always been the one most like you and Grandpa—hunting, fishing, farming—and has always had a connection and love for the land. We call him the cowboy.”
“He lives out here, in the country?” Teresa nodded. “I like him more already. He works in the family business?”
“Yes. But he also runs a full-on ranch and winery, producing grapes for Drake Wines.”
“Your family is in real estate and owns vineyards?”
“Warren owns a vineyard. He was talked into it by one of our Southern California cousins, whose family owns a very successful winery. It’s my father’s brother, our first cousins, who live near Temecula, Southern California’s wine country. They own the vineyard, which also includes a resort and spa.” She glanced at him, her eyes shining with excitement. “It would be great if we go there, too, maybe in the helicopter you rented, so I can vet your flying skills.”
“Sounds interesting. I’ll have to call the office and see what’s going on. I need to spend at least one more day in San Francisco. I’m not like some people who own the town and can work at their leisure.”
“I resemble that remark.”
“Ha!” He’d expected a fiery retort. Her nonchalant answer both surprised and threw him. She was something, his papoota princess, like peeling an onion to try to figure her out. In that moment he was struck with an unexpected realization. He wanted to do that—unlock the mystery, solve the puzzle—even if it took a lifetime.