by Pat Dale
“Im sorry to interrupt Ms. Ingersoll, I mean Rose, but what exactly do you want me to do about this?”
“I want you to put this story on the front page of your paper, of course! The local population needs to know how the development of that parcel of land will impact the conservation area adjacent to it and that even though the property in question lies outside the bounds of the conservation area that there are many rare plants and other species there that are in dire need of protection.”
“What would you like to see happen, then?” Sam rubbed the centre of her forehead with two fingers to ease the headache building there.
“Well, of course, the best thing would be for the area to be left pristine, just as it is. But, I have it on good authority that a local realtor has made an offer and the owner is very close to accepting it. It’s imperative that this information is made available to the public as soon as possible. Would you consider putting out a special edition?”
“Whoa, hold on a minute. I don’t think a special addition is going to happen. Have you spoken to the owner of the land? Do you have the name of the realtor or the firm he works for?”
Maybe this has something to do with that top secret deal Troy’s working on. Sam chewed her lower lip and tuned out the woman’s voice as she droned on about the endangered whatevers. If Troy was involved it might be fun to throw some heat his way. Most of the people she knew would welcome the development so close to Flanders. It would provide jobs for tradespeople and an influx of new people in the area would increase the bottom line of the local businesses.
“What did you say? What was the name of the real estate company?” Her attention snapped back to the red haired woman. Why does she remind me of someone?
“The company is Happy Estates Real Estate and since they’re based in Flanders I thought I’d give the local rag first crack at the story. But if you’re not interested I can always take it to Springfield.” Rose Ingersoll planted her fists on her curvy hips and glared at Sam.
“Oh, no. I’m definitely interested. Happy Estates you say. Hmmm. Have you talked to the realtor behind the deal?” Sam scribbled down a few points in her notebook.
“I’ve tried to contact the owner of the land, but he’s not interested in endangered species, he’s just interested in lining his pockets. As for the real estate agent…well…it’s a little awkward. But, I guess you know that.” The woman raised her delicate copper eyebrows and pursed her lips, regarding Sam with brilliant green eyes.
“How would I know that?” A frown furrowed her brow. “I don’t know you from Adam, lady.” To her astonishment the slender woman doubled over with mirth.
“Oh my, Sam. I’m so sorry. I thought you knew who I was and were just being prickly.” She paused to wipe tears from her eyes.
“Well, I thought you looked familiar, but…”
“Sam, it’s me. Rosemary Silcox.”
“What the hell!” Sam exploded. “What in the name of all that’s holy are you doing here? Wait a minute, Rosemary Silcox had blue eyes and blonde hair and…” she trailed off.
“And she was fat, isn’t that what you were going to say? I know you all called me tub of lard and Two Ton Tessy in school.”
“Well, umm, yeah…”
“It’s okay, Sam. That was a long time ago. When I left Flanders after high school, I went to Nashville, met a great guy and got married. I’ve always wanted red hair and green eyes and so voila! Some coloured contacts and a bit of hair dye and I reinvented myself. Losing weight was easy, I didn’t have much money and it took a while to find a job. But I did. A good one at one of the recording studios. It took a while and a lot of hard work, but I’m a sound technician now”
“Wow! So what are you doing here in the middle of nowhere bleating about endangered species?” Or is she just looking for an excuse to hook up with Troy again? But she said she got married, so there must be a husband somewhere.”
“George, my husband, was an environmental activist and a scientist. He was passionate about saving the remaining wild places and I’ve taken up the cause in his honour.”
“Is he here with you?” Sam glanced around the small room.
“He’s dead, Sam. He died a few months ago, but he knew about this deal and I promised him on his death bed I would do my best to carry out his mission to protect it.”
“Humpff. And it just happens that Troy Roberts is the realtor and your husband is dead? You’re sure this isn’t just a ploy to get close to him again? Like the stunt you pulled at the prom?”
“What are you talking about? I would have thought you and Troy would be married with a passel of kids by now. He helped me out of an embarrassing situation that night, there was nothing more to it.”
“Why’d you leave town right after grad then? The whole town knew you made out with someone else’s date in the parking lot.”
“You’re insane, Samantha Turner. If you believe that tripe you really don’t deserve a man like Troy Roberts. Now are you going to write this story or not. I’m done hashing over nonsense that happened ages ago.”
“Fine, so you have documentation? Any numbers for these so called endangered species?”
“Damn straight, I do.” Ro pulled out a file filled with folders and then turned the laptop on the small table toward Sam so she could see the data displayed there.
By the time she had sufficient information to write a draft of the story, it was nearly six. She took her leave of Rose Ingersoll nee Rosemary Silcox and started for home. She’d forgotten about meeting Missy so she pulled out her cell phone and dialed.
“Missy, I’m sorry. Dad sent me to Reeds Spring for a story and I totally forgot to call.”
“It’s okay, Sam. Did they have a murder over there?”
“No. But you’ll never guess who I met with.”
“Some rich and handsome country singer?”
“Not hardly. Remember Rosemary Silcox? Well, she’s Rose Ingersoll now, and man has she changed. Red hair, green eyes and she looks like a freaking model.”
“You’re kidding me, right? Two Ton Tessy looks like a model? Did you kill her? Is that the big story?”
“No, I didn’t kill her. Although the thought did cross my mind when she mentioned Troy.”
“Ohhh, fireworks!” Missy teased.
“Not really. I am a professional you know. She was married to some environmentalist from Nashville. George Ingersoll, name means nothing to me, but I’ll have to do some research. Anyway, seems he got wind of some deal Troy is working on to develop two thousand acres adjacent to the Drury-Mincy Conservation area and wants to stop it from going through. Rose claims he died a few months ago and she promised she’d carry the torch for him. So there you go. Although it does seem like she’s got her ducks in a row. I’ve got a ton of material to verify before I write the story.”
“Holy cats. How did the guy die?”
“You know, I never thought to ask,” Sam confessed. Now she thought about it guilt twisted her gut. If it was true Rosemary recently lost her husband the least she could have done was been a bit sympathetic.
“Samantha! That was pretty cold,” Missy chastised her.
“Well, so was making out with my date at prom,” she shot back before she could stop herself. “I know, I know, not the same thing. You’re right, Missy. I should have been more compassionate and professional. But you know, I was still reeling from discovering this gorgeous red head was Rosemary Silcox. I mean, wow, wait til you see her.”
“I imagine I will if she’s back in the area. She’s staying in Reed Springs? We should ask her to have lunch or dinner with us, for old time’s sake.”
“I’ll think about it. I have to meet with her again at some point to finalize the article anyway. Can we get together tomorrow?”
“Nope. Mom and I are going to Branson to shop.”
“Shopping in Branson, huh? Sounds like fun.”
“Want to come along?”
“No. I’ve got to get the weekend edit
ion ready. I’ll talk to you later.”
* * *
Before leaving Reed Springs Sam decided to grab a bit at the local café. As she went through the door, Troy almost bumped into her on his way out.
“Hi, Samantha. Fancy meeting you over here. On a story?”
“Yeah.” She eyed him speculatively. Did he know Rosemary was in town? “How’s the food?”
“Try the special. Near as I can tell, it’s the only thing you get the same day you order. Salisbury steak. Not bad.”
“Thanks for the tip. Well, I’ll see you around.”
“Hey, mind if I keep you company? I could use another coffee and I just closed a major business deal. I’d like to tell you all about it, could be some really good advertising for the Herald.”
“Sure. I don’t mind company.” Even yours.
She nearly balked when she saw the inside of the café. Knotty pine walls covered with dusty mounted fish of every description and ceiling tiles weathered yellow with age, but the place seemed clean enough otherwise.
The waitress was taking her order when Rose came into the café. When she turned back to Troy her heart sank at the look of appreciation on his face. There was no sign of recognition though. Judging by his reputation as a lady’s man may he just never got tired of lusting after women?
Rose hadn’t spotted them and took a table across the room. Troy smiled in a way that told her he’d detected her jealous thoughts. “I bought two thousand acres today.”
“Impressive. So what are you going to do with them, Troy?” Like I don’t know. Hah! This is going to be very interesting.
“Luxury tracts. Five acres a pop.”
“Luxury? In little old Flanders? How quaint.”
“It’s not in Flanders. Near Reeds Spring, actually.”
“Sounds like your chance to make a killing, Troy.”
“Yep. I already have half a dozen stars interested, including Jason Tawdry.”
“Country singers, huh? I wish I could sing.”
“Maybe you could if you tried it
“Very funny, Troy. How long will it take to get this gold mine off the ground?”
“Depends. There’s one problem. Some environmentalist group has filed an injunction against the development permits. They claim it’s going to have a huge impact on the conservation area. Hell, they haven’t even contacted me to find out what precautions I’ve in the plans to negate that. If I can’t get this one squelched fast, I’ll have to spend all my profits in court battles.”
Samantha shot a meaningful glance at Rose, then turned back and smiled at Troy. “How interesting.” Rose returned her wave from across the room.
“Who’s that?” he asked.
“Rose Ingersoll. You don’t know her?”
“No. She’s not from these parts, is she?”
“I don’t think so. If you’d like, I’ll introduce you and you can see for yourself.”
“Sure. I’d love to meet her.” From the look in his eyes, Samantha thought he was going to race her across the room. Just wait til he figured out just who and what the woman was. Sam allowed herself a mental chuckle.
She went over to speak to the woman and returned with her in tow. “Troy Roberts, this is Rose Ingersoll. Rose, I do believe you and Troy have met before.”
Troy jumped to his feet and helped her into her chair. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure, regardless of what Samantha seems to think.”
Rose’s laughter tinkled musically and Sam’s stomach clenched. Damn, the woman even laughed sexy now.
“Troy, don’t you recognize me? It’s me, Rosemary Silcox, Ingersoll is my married name and I go by Rose now.” She reached out shook a bewildered Troy’s hand. “I’ve been meaning to contact you, actually. I’m the representative from the environmental group that filed the injunction against your development.
“Wow, that’s— interesting…”
Sam chortled with glee at his discomfiture. For once Troy Roberts was speechless. Perfect!
Chapter Two
“I think so, too,” Samantha volunteered, giving Troy a malicious smile. “I hadn’t had a chance to share all the data you’ve collected, Rose. Why don’t you tell him?”
She looked up from the menu. “If he’d like.”
“Like?” he croaked. “I’m dying to know.”
“I’m not sure you appreciate how many endangered species there are in the tract of land. Plant, amphibian, retile, fish, animal…the list is quite extensive. Building roads, uprooting the forest substructure, cutting down trees, it’s all very harmful to that fragile ecosystem. I’m sure you’re more interested in dollars and your bottom line than insignificant species that don’t translate into profit margins. I have a lot of research and data to back me up if you’re interested.
Samantha watched him turn on the charm. He said, “I’m always interested in the environmental issues, Rose. You wouldn’t be boring me.”
The woman’s eyes twinkled as she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. “I probably would, but let me assure you, I do plan to block this development of yours. Even if I have to chain myself to a tree.
His expression was positively poisonous as he glared at Sam. “I see. How are you going to do that, Rose?”
“We’ve already file injunctions, as you are no doubt aware. Also, I’ve contacted the local papers and spoken with reporters like Sam. I’m hoping to get some national coverage. Steve’s working on that at the moment actually. He’s got better connections nationally than I do. He’s also contacting some Hollywood stars who lend their support to environmental issues.”
Troy raised an eyebrow. “Steve?”
“Dr. Steven Carlson, he’s head of the federation. Got his Masters in environmental studies at Washington U.”
“St. Louis,” Samantha broke in. “We know about Wash U.
“Yes, I suppose you would. Sorry.”
The waitress brought their food, giving Troy a chance to escape. He hesitated, his expression telling Samantha he was worried about what she might say. It was something he’d have to chance, she grinned at him. He excused himself and left the café.
“I see Troy hasn’t changed much. Still as handsome as ever.”
“Yes, and nobody knows that better than him.”
“Stuck on himself? He never was in high school. At least not that I noticed.”
“He’s always been full of himself and now he thinks he’s some real estate tycoon or something. Watch yourself with him, Rose. He’s developed quite a reputation with the ladies.”
“Oh! Well, you don’t have to worry about competition from me, Sam. Anyway, that man’s always been stuck on you.”
“Oh, that’s over long ago. Actually, I barely see him anymore. I hope you didn’t think I was trying to protect my territory. I wasn’t. We’re like oil and water, if you know what I mean.”
“Right. That’s why his eyes were trying to melt you.”
“I don’t know about that.” Embarrassed, she sputtered, “Let me get for your meal tonight, Rose. It’s been fun getting re-acquainted. Let me know when Steve gets here.”
Samantha took her leave and drove home with more than environmental issues on her mind.
* * *
Her parents, Ozzie and Sally, were sitting in the living room when Samantha came in. “You missed dinner, honey. Can I get you something to eat?” Sally greeted her.
“No thanks, Mom. Dad sent me to Reeds Spring on an assignment. I ate at the café over there when I was done.”
Ozzie said, “How did it go? Did you talk to the woman?”
“Yes. There just may be a good story in this after all.”
“Really? Environmental forces at work and all that?”
“At the very least. Maybe a lot more.”
“Oh?” His eyes lit up. “Well, tell me about it.”
“Not yet, Dad. I have to do some research. And Rose has a man coming I’ll want to interview before firming it up.”
�
��Do you think our readers will be interested in it?”
“I’m sure they will. Especially if what I think is going to happen, does.”
“What’s the main issue?”
“The impact any development will have on the conservation area that is adjacent to the proposed development.”
“Oh, for the love of Pete! That conservation area is almost six thousand acres for crying out loud. I don’t see how a little development can harm anything. I hate it when people come in and start messing in what only concerns the locals.
“She may be a flake, but she’s an educated one. And she actually grew up in Flanders so she’s not exactly an outsider. She’s pretty canny.”
Ozzie snorted. “Who is she? You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“I wouldn’t exactly call it enjoying, but I am fascinated with the possibilities.”
“Hmm. Do tell.”
“Turns out Rose Ingersoll used to be Rosemary Silcox. She married a big shot environmentalist in Nashville when she left Flanders. It looks like they have a good shot at shutting down Troy Robert’s new development he’s planning over in Reed Springs.”
Osmond smiled. “Now, that’s more like it. A story you can get your teeth into.”
She gleamed triumphantly. “I couldn’t have said it better.”
* * *
“Hello?” Sam answered the phone as she slipped into bed
“Well, what did you say about me?”
“Nothing, Troy. Other than warning her about your less than desirable Lothario habits.”