Crystal Caress

by Zuri Day

  They reached a vast flatland within the hilly surroundings. Atka looked to his left and saw row upon row of grapevines. To the right was a large expanse of land surrounded by a tall, white picket fence reinforced with some type of wire.

  “I’ve never seen fencing like that before.”

  “It’s a type of smart wire that’s connected to Warren’s elaborate surveillance system. We had an incident involving his wife that led him to installing it. Anyone gets within a half mile of their place and his security team knows about it.”

  “Security team? Wow. You guys live like celebrities.”

  “We have our reasons. Does that make you uncomfortable?”

  “Quite frankly, yes.”

  They enjoyed another lively, yet different kind of evening than the one last night with Niko and Monique. The bone china and Waterford crystal on display at Niko’s house were replaced by stoneware bought on clearance at a discount chain and glasses that didn’t all match. A hearty roast with vegetables prepared by Charlie’s uncle, an older man named Griff, kicked five-star salmon filets back into the ocean. Atka acquiesced to a shot of brandy, but at Warren’s warning passed on Griff’s homemade hooch.

  “I’m serious,” Warren warned him. “That stuff will put hair on your chest.”

  “No hair,” Teresa interjected. “I like a bare, toned chest.”

  Atka raised his hands in mock surrender. “Sorry, Griff. You heard the lady.”

  Griff shook his head. “Time was when a woman listened to her man, not the other way around.”

  “Humph. I wonder what time that was.” Miss Alice, a longtime friend of the family who’d gone from being Charlie’s play auntie to Griff’s significant other, had walked up just as this comment was made.

  Griff shifted his ever-present toothpick from one side of his mouth to the other. “Don’t shame me, woman. You know I rule the roost.”

  Alice sidled up to Atka. “That’s right. He rules the rooster, the cows, the horses, I can’t lie. That man does have a way with animals.”

  “Yeah,” he drawled. “My favorite prize is a sweet-smelling heifer that can’t keep her hoofs off me.”

  Teresa’s eyes widened in astonishment, but Charlie quickly rescued the man who’d practically raised her. “I know how it sounded, Tee. But a female cow is one of a farm’s most valued and treasured animals. That was Griff’s idea of a compliment.”

  Griff grunted and dodged Alice’s swipe as he casually reached for a bottle and his glass of clear liquid and sauntered out of the room. Warren motioned to Atka to join him as he followed Griff out to the front porch. There, Atka changed his mind about the brandy and finally accepted Griff’s repeated offer to down a shot of hooch. That in itself was noteworthy, but he didn’t truly gain the old codger’s respect until he accepted the second shot.

  By the end of the evening, Warren and Atka behaved like true brothers, and Charlie’s uncle Griff was ready to move out of the lower 48 and join Atka in the last frontier. Teresa was pleased at how Atka was being accepted by her family. At the same time, their embracing him increased her angst. She’d purposely waited until after the visit, when they were once again on their way to the condo where Atka stayed, to broach what it was that bothered her, a part of the conversation at her workplace that she’d not shared with her beloved. What Benny Campbell had proposed was something she’d planned not to discuss with Atka. But her business and personal worlds were colliding with a vengeance. It didn’t feel right to keep quiet about it. How Teresa handled the fallout could possibly affect her whole life.

  They reached the complex. Teresa parked but did not turn off the car.

  Atka, who’d already opened the door, looked at her. “Are you coming in?”

  “No, not tonight. Close the door, babe. I need to share something.” He did. She shut off the engine. “I had an interesting conversation at the paper this morning.”

  “About me?”

  “Yes, and others.”

  He frowned. “I don’t like the sound of this.”

  “Me neither, quite frankly. And I didn’t initiate the conversation.”

  “Who did?”

  “Ben Campbell.”

  “Paul’s dad.”

  She nodded. “And the primary owner of the Paradise Cove Chronicle.”

  He crossed his arms. “Okay. Out with it.”

  She relayed the conversation. “I’m sure he assumes I’ll do what he says because he owns the paper. I didn’t give him a direct answer.” She looked him squarely in the eye. “But I don’t intend on writing campaign speeches or PR pieces for Paul. And I surely don’t intend on passing on any information about you or the business you’re conducting with Niko, or advancing my career by lowering my integrity.”

  Atka visibly relaxed. “It feels good to hear you say that.”

  “But that’s not all.”

  “Why am I not surprised?”

  “He hopes I’ll be able to focus your attentions more on your business in Paradise Cove and less on the goings-on that may affect Bristol Bay.”

  Atka snorted. “That will never happen. Not only is that area a large part of my business, but its history is entwined with that of my people. With the Campbells, it’s all about the dollar. But I’d close up my business in a nanosecond if I thought the environment was being damaged or endangered wildlife was being destroyed.”

  “There’s one last thing.” Atka took a deep breath, stared straight ahead. “I think he might know about us.”

  He looked at her. “How?”

  “This is a small town. You know how it is to live in one. Rarely anything happens without at least one person who shouldn’t find out something. I can’t confirm it, but I believe someone who knows my boss lives in this complex and knows I spent the night.”

  “Other than the fact that it’s none of their business, why is that a problem?”

  “You don’t see how this would be viewed as a clear conflict of interest? They could imply that I’m painting Sinclair Salmon in a positive light, even unfairly, because of our relationship.”

  “They might try to say that, but it wouldn’t be true. Sinclair Salmon is the state’s largest fishery operation. Since you didn’t get them from me, they could hardly accuse you of facts or statistics that were inflated. And in the spirit of full disclosure, I have a confession, as well. I read the article.”

  She swatted him. “And you didn’t say anything?”

  “Hey, I was going to. Just hadn’t had the chance. You were correct in your reporting. Sinclair Salmon has the highest quality control standards in the country and leads the industry in its dedication to meat that is as healthy and unprocessed as possible. Your inclusion of other companies made it an article that was a fair and balanced piece. As a reader, I say it was well written. You’re good at what you do.”

  “Thank you. I try. Accurate, nonbiased reporting is part of what I do. It’s why I’m having such a problem with how they’re wanting me to handle Paul Campbell. That, and what I’m learning through continued research, the position that you encouraged me to check out.”

  “Are you going to include what you’re discovering in the series? The downside of what extensive mining will do to the fishing businesses in and around Bristol Bay?”

  “I’m planning to show how lifestyles revolving around the land and its resources have sustained generations. Included in this will be some traditions that natives hold dear. Just as I don’t want to appear biased toward mining for commerce, I don’t want to oppose their position by underscoring yours.”

  “I can see your quandary. I’m sorry, papoota.”

  “Why? It’s not your fault.”

  “Not directly, but knowing me has put you in an awkward position professionally. I never want to make life harder for you.”

  He r
eached for an errant tendril and gently placed it behind her ear. She grasped his hand and brought it down to her lap. “It’s okay. But all the same, best not to fan the gossiping flames. It’s all good. We leave tomorrow afternoon for San Diego and your meeting with the group there interested in salmon farming. More important, you’ll get to meet more Drakes.”

  Atka’s hand went to his chest. “Ah, yes. There are more of you.”

  “I’m afraid so.”

  “I can’t take it.” Teresa gave him a look. “Just kidding, babe. I look forward to meeting them. The love you all have for each other is apparent. Our family is close, but we have a couple issues that so far I haven’t seen among you.”

  “Like what?”

  “More stuff than I want to get into tonight. Will you be by for me tomorrow or, considering the building has eyes, should I drive the rental to the airport?”

  “Do you mind?”

  “Not at all. I’ll see you then.”

  “Okay. I’ll miss you.”

  “Me, too.”

  Teresa drove off, trying to wrap her mind around how she’d arrived at this moment. A month ago she wanted nothing to do with Alaska. Now she was knee-deep in its politics and in love with one of the state’s native sons. Had anyone suggested this would be her life right now, she would have found the thought hilarious. Instead, when it came to Alaska, her thoughts were much more serious. Like how much she loved spending time with Atka, and if that love was enough for a move way up north.

  Chapter 15

  Atka parked his rental car and walked the short distance to the mayor’s office and his meeting with Niko. He took in the chic boutiques, wide clean sidewalks, upscale eateries and sparkling fountains. He’d envisioned Teresa in the hustle and bustle of San Francisco or the neon lights of LA or New York. Yet the town square had a quiet sophistication about it. One that didn’t scream cash money but rather whispered great wealth.

  He reached the stately-looking office building, went inside and was directed to the boardroom. After a light knock, he opened the door and walked in. “Good morning, guys.”

  Niko stood. “Good morning, Atka.”

  The city planner Bryce Clinton—who Atka had met on Monday—and two other men greeted him.

  “Atka, on Monday, you met the businessmen who represent a spectrum of opportunities in Paradise Cove. Yesterday, the focus was on the consultants and planners outlining the goals for our town and surrounding communities for the next ten years. Today, per your request, my team has assembled a group of men with backgrounds that complement the type of business you’re proposing to bring to the city. I wanted them to hear more from you about these plans and how they both economically and ecologically can potentially benefit Paradise Cove.”

  “Sure.” Atka sat back, relaxed and confident. He’d been either eating, feeding or fishing for salmon since before he had teeth. No matter who the audience, or how much money or prestige they represented, this was a subject that he knew better than he knew himself and, within it, could not be intimidated.

  “The Sinclair Salmon Company produces some of the finest seafood available worldwide. Over the past ten years, my team and I have been perfecting a method of aquaculture production for salmon farming that can provide communities with fresh, healthy, organic salmon without the harmful chemicals, machinery and other issues that plague almost all farm-based fish eaten by today’s consumer. The patent for our machines and other legal hurdles have all been cleared. We’re ready to partner with those communities who can see and share our vision. Perhaps it’s some of you.”

  The meeting went well. Atka was intelligent, informative and easygoing and, as had happened the other days, he made a lasting impression on the men he met. By the end of the meeting, he had verbal commitments from two of the men to fly to Alaska for a more hands-on view of Atka’s operations. So far, in reconnecting with Teresa, the trip had gone better than he’d dared to dream. That his business might indeed benefit from the trip was icing on the cake.

  Atka and Niko walked out of the conference room and headed down the hall.

  “Atka, you got a minute?”

  “Sure.”

  “Let’s go into my office.”

  They did. Niko shut the door and walked over to a sitting area across from his desk. “Have a seat, man.” Once they both got settled, Niko continued, “This is your last day in PC, right?”

  Atka nodded. “Teresa and I leave for San Diego in a few hours.”

  “How do you feel about the visit?”

  “I feel good. This was my first foray into the next phase of Sinclair Salmon. The reactions from the fishermen you gathered today have me optimistic. They get it, clearly understand that we’re at the beginning of a trend and want in.”

  Niko shifted in his seat. “I wanted to talk privately about this the other night, but time got away from us. It’s about my sister.”

  Atka maintained a blank expression, an easy demeanor. “What about her?”

  “Y’all look pretty tight.”

  “Teresa’s an amazing woman.”

  “Yes, she is. She’s also sensitive and caring, with a love that runs deep. Not too long ago, she was in a relationship that really hurt her. I don’t want to see that happen again.”

  “I have no intention of hurting her.”

  “I know it’s early, being the two of you just met, but what are your intentions?”

  “You’re right, it’s early, and we just met. But I can tell you this. I’m not a player. I’m not a womanizer. And I’m not someone who plays games with another’s emotions. I care a lot about your sister and believe the feeling is mutual. As for what happens in the future, we’ll all have to wait and see.”

  “Fair enough. But just so you know, my brothers and I love our sister to pieces. And we will be watching.”

  Chapter 16

  Atka had planned to fly himself and Teresa to Southern California, but after a conversation about wind conditions with the company where the helicopter had been rented, as well as with the Federal Aviation Authority, the two opted to board a commercial flight for the hour-long trip to San Diego. There, they rented a car and drove a forty-five-minute drive to Drake Wines Resort and Spa, owned by Teresa’s aunt, uncle and cousins.

  “How did your cousins get into the wine business?”

  “I can tell you, but it would be a better story from our Papa Dee.”

  “Tell me about him.”

  “He is, in one word, amazing. He’s a hundred and five years old, and while his health is failing and we’re trying to come to terms with the fact that he won’t be with us forever, he continues to live full-on every single day.”

  “My great-grandmother is ninety-two and I thought that was incredible. But a hundred and five? I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody that old.”

  “Not only that, but it’s another incredible way in which our histories are similar. Around the time your people were making their way to Alaska from Siberia, my people were coming with those who owned them from Louisiana to California. Two different families headed in two different directions, both looking for gold.”

  “Your forefathers were slaves?”

  “Yes. Papa Dee’s father, my great-great-grandfather, Nicodemus, accompanied his master, named Pierre, to California. Nicodemus’s mother was a root doctor. We’re told that no matter the illness, she could go outside, get a rock, a leaf and a handful of dirt, boil it in water and cure anything.”

  “Ah, a real woman.”

  “I beg your pardon!”

  “You can beg all you want to, but women like her, like my great-grandmother and Emaaq, are as rare these days as alexandrite.”

  “What’s that?”

  He chuckled. “That’s my grandfather’s talking spilling out of me. Alexandrite is a gemsto
ne from Russia, a very valuable stone. I’m not saying anything against today’s modern woman. I’m just pointing out that most people today have no concept of real hard work, of not only how to handle the challenge of keeping one’s family healthy, but also dealing with the difficulty of handling everyday chores. We’re so used to convenience now, and everything happening quickly. Spending so much time with my grandparents in their sparse environment gave me an appreciation for a way of life that—well, that my papoota princess would most likely not find suitable.”

  “If it’s anything like my grandparents’ old farmhouse, you’re probably right. As a little girl, I wanted nothing to do with spotted brown eggs, freshly churned butter or fried chicken that had strutted in quiet confidence mere hours before ending up on my plate.” Her face twisted into a scowl at the mere memory.

  “I’ve got news for you, woman. All meat was alive at one time or another.”

  “I know. I just don’t want to be reminded.”

  “Ha!” Atka paused to look out the window and take in the scenery. “With your forefathers being slaves, how did they come to own the land?”

  “On their journey from Louisiana to California, Pierre became quite ill. Nicodemus used the herbal remedies he’d learned from his mother to save his master’s life. The two became like brothers. Pierre eventually became a huge California landowner and promised Nicodemus that when he died, part of the land would be deeded over to him. He kept his promise and even though the state and other wealthy, surrounding landowners tried to take it, with the help of his master’s descendants, the property remained in our name, and our hands.”

  “Wow. That’s an amazing story. True Americana.”

  “Indeed. Our families, the White Drakes and the Black Drakes, get together every two years for a special family reunion. At the last one, there were over five hundred people in attendance.”