When she handed out her report on the water pollution, everyone read through the reports in silence. But before long, one voice after another was shouting questions at her. Donovan silenced them all, then asked her to explain again. After she finished this time, there was total silence in the room as the news sunk in.
“So, we have polluted wells in town, a number of sick people, and someone in the company who is the cause of it all?” Garrett always the first to get right to the point, summarized.
“Yes, and before you ask. Donovan and I sent in a new set of samples yesterday, we should have the results in a few hours. We used a different lab and mailed them from another town.”
“What do you need from us? Do you need to go up there and remove it?” Sebastian wanted to know.
“At this point, I think we should wait for more information about where the money for the solar panels is being diverted.” Donovan jumped in, knowing Elizabeth needed some help at this point. If Garrett got it in his head to go up there, nothing would stop him.
“The best way to catch these people, is to either catch them in action or tie them to it with evidence. We’re just not there yet, Charles is following the money, that’s our best hope at this point. When we need you, we’ll let you know.” Donovan said, joining Elizabeth at the maps.
“You must have someone in mind though.” Daphne said, her anger clear in her voice. “There aren’t that many people who would know about the mine and the road up there. I bet it’s the mayor, he’s been a pain in our butts since he was elected.”
“He’s at the top of our list for several reasons.” Elizabeth said.
“It wouldn’t surprise me to find that he’s behind it. Remember how mad he was a couple of years ago when we wouldn’t let him build that superstore east of town?” Mary, one of Daphne’s sisters said.
“I thought he was going to have a stroke when the board voted him down. He was so sure of himself that he’d already started clearing the land, land that didn’t even belong to him. Ever since then, he’s been trying one thing after another to make his fortune, most of them not very legal.” Daphne added.
“Don’t even get me started on that wife of his either. She sits down at city hall behind that desk like she owns the town, she even refused to let me see the mayor once. I was so mad, I about smacked her.” Mary said.
“There’s no doubt that those two would just as soon we kept our noses out of town business. It’s almost like they’ve forgotten that we actually own that town. Besides, it’s not like they haven’t done well for themselves. That fancy house is bigger than this one.” Garrett said, obvious disdain in his voice.
They continued to throw names around, Elizabeth taking notes as each name was mentioned. She’d have some time on her hands, it wouldn’t hurt to get to know some of these people. Besides the mayor, Donovan wanted to look closely at the members of the team that were in charge of the mine cleanup, any or all of them would know the area putting them into the suspect pool.
“What about the research and development team? We haven’t talked about any of them.” Sebastian said. “Wasn’t Bruce pretty upset when you made our new solar technology available to everyone instead of patenting it and charging?”
“Yeah, that’s true he was, but I can’t imagine anyone who had worked so hard to find new clean energy solution would pollute the land. It just doesn’t make sense, but I’ll have Charles dig a little deeper. If it’s not him, I suppose it could be someone else from the team, they’ve all been up to the mines testing solar panels.” Donovan said, hoping that it wasn’t true, but knowing that it made sense.
It was late afternoon before everyone was satisfied that everything that could be done was begin done. Elizabeth and Donovan said their goodbyes, but as they were leaving Daphne pulled her aside. “I know this wasn’t easy for you, I’m sure you had some concerns about the family, I would have.”
“Donovan was right, I do feel much better now that I’ve met you all.” Elizabeth said, meaning every word. “I really can’t see any of you being involved, it’s not like you need the money.”
Daphne laughed, “That true, we certainly don’t need money. Speaking of money, there are going to be a lot of people in town winning sweepstakes and various other contests in the next few weeks. I’m sure you have plenty to keep you busy, but if you want to get in on the fun call me.”
“I just might do that. By the way, I understand that my parents are your neighbors.”
“Bob and Evelyn are your parents? That’s great, we have them over for dinner at least once a month and we’re watching the animals while their gone. How is your aunt?”
“She’s much better, thanks for asking. They’ve told me how wonderful you all have been to them. It was a difficult transition for them last winter, they would have been lost without you.”
“Well, it was our pleasure, especially once your mother made her apple pie for us.”
“Oh yes, my mother’s apple pie, much loved by everyone who knows her.” Elizabeth said, wishing her mother was there now. As much as she liked the Terrell’s, she missed her parents and would have loved to talk her romance with Donovan through with her.
“Well, I better let you two get on your way, it’s a long drive home for Donovan tonight.” Daphne said, walking her the rest of the way to the car where Donovan was waiting for her.
Chapter 9
As they drove away from the ranch, Elizabeth couldn’t help but notice the smug look on Donovan’s face. “I told you they weren’t involved. We Terrell’s take our responsibility to the land serious, it’s the way we were all raised.”
“Okay, I admit that you were right. I feel comfortable erasing all the Terrell’s off my suspect list. It was a good meeting though, lots of avenue’s to explore. I’ve never met the mayor or his wife, it might just be time for that to happen. I just have to figure out how I want to accomplish it.”
“That shouldn’t be too hard, once ski season starts he can always be found in the coffee shop, holding court trying to look like a big shot. I always avoid him when I come to town, which obviously hasn’t been often enough over the last few years.”
“He doesn’t sound like a very nice person, so I can understand that. But, I think it’s time we crossed paths. Are you leaving tonight?”
“Yeah, it may not look like it, but snow is on the way. It’s predicted to start some time during the night and not let up for a few days. Travel will be difficult so I’d like to get down the mountain before it starts.”
Elizabeth had known that he was going to leave, but hearing it out loud made it real and strangely enough she was upset to see him go. Maybe it was because for the last few days, it had only been them facing the pollution, but now that his family was involved their time together would be over. When he came back it would only make sense for him to stay at the ranch, he could hardly tell his family that he’d be staying with her.
When they got back to her house, they unloaded the maps and papers, stashing them back in the bedroom closet. It only took Donovan a few minutes to get his things together, but he was as reluctant to leave as she was to see him go. They ended up in the kitchen making coffee for Donovan to take with him.
“I wish I didn’t have to leave, but Terrell Industries doesn’t run itself.” He said, filling up his travel mug. “I’ll let you know the minute we find out anything. Don’t do anything on your own, remember whoever did this is going to want to cover it up at all costs.”
“I’ll be careful.” She promised, going into his arms when he held them open for her.
“If you need anything call one of my brothers or Daphne. You’re about to experience you’re first real snow storm, it can be a little scary if it comes in hard.” He said, pulling her closer.
“I really am prepared, but I’ll call if I need anything.”
“I better go, it’s getting late and it looks like the clouds are moving in.”
She walked him to the door, sorry to see him go, but res
igned to his need to get back to the city. She kissed him goodbye, then watched as he got into the old truck, hoping that it would make it back to the city.
She was just about to shut the door when he called her name, she stepped out onto the porch, feeling how much colder it had become in just the last few minutes. The air felt heavy, as if it was thicker than before. Donovan was standing on the running board of the truck, looking sexy in the little light that the moon was still providing.
“When this is all over, we have to talk about us. This isn’t finished by a long shot.”
He didn’t give her a chance to reply, simply got into the truck, started the engine and drove off. She stood on the porch and watched his tail lights disappear into the night. Reluctant to go back into the house, she stood on the porch watching the moon disappear behind the clouds that were moving in at an alarming rate.
As the first flakes of snow began to fall, she went around the side of the house and got a load of wood to add to her pile in the house. Dumping the wood on the pile, she lit the fire and snuggled down on the couch. She thought about getting her book, but decided that she wouldn’t be able to concentrate anyway, there were too many thoughts of Donovan crowding her mind.
She eventually fell asleep on the couch, only waking hours later when the fire burned down and the room began to get chilly. Looking out her big bay window she saw that the world was blanketed in a covering of white, so bright it illuminated the night as if there was a full moon.
She added some more wood to the fire and crawled into bed noticing Donovan’s absence there. The pillow next to her still smelled like him, so she gathered it up and wrapped her arms around it, relishing the smell of Donovan on the pillow. She slept very little that night, alternately missing Donovan and feeling stupid for missing someone she’d know less than two weeks.
When she woke up the next morning, the world was dramatically altered, everything covered in a deep blanket of snow. She got out of bed, noticing the chill, put on a thick robe and slippers and went out to the living room. Looking out the window she realized just how isolated she was out here, especially when the road had disappeared under a blanket of snow.
Adding more wood to the fire, she turned up the thermostat and headed to the kitchen for coffee and some breakfast. Today she would take the day off and enjoy the snow, she had no place to go and nothing pulling on her time. She had a book to finish as well as many other house hold chores that she’d been ignoring lately.
Hopefully she could keep herself busy enough not to think about Donovan all day. Taking her coffee and a thick afghan to the window seat she drank her coffee and watched it snow. On the distant mountain, she could see the ski lift dotted with people who had been brave enough to venture out in the dangerous weather to ski the fresh snow.
If the snow let up later, she might venture into town, she’d been told that snow tires would be her friend in the winter and she could understand why looking out her window. As she finished her coffee, she debated whether or not to even get dressed, but decided that hanging out in her pajamas all day was probably not a good idea.
She’d just put her hair up in its usual bun when there was a knock at the door, there had been a truck out front, but she’d assumed it was the man she’d hired to clear her road. But as she emerged from the hall, she could see that it wasn’t the snow plow, but instead a truck she didn’t recognize.
As she watched, Daphne climbed out of the truck, followed by Garrett and Sebastian. Taking a deep breath she went to the door and out on the porch to greet her visitors not sure if their visit was a good thing or a bad thing.
She shouted a greeting from the porch as Daphne made her way up the walk which was covered by at least a foot and a half of snow. Garrett and Sebastian didn’t follow, instead they grabbed a couple of snow shovels and began to clear her walk. She’d planned to do it herself later, but certainly didn’t mind the help.
“Come in and I’ll make some coffee or I have soda if you’d rather. What brings you down the mountain in this weather? Not bad news I hope.” Elizabeth said, leading Daphne into the house and back to the kitchen.
Glad she’d gotten dressed and cleaned up, she waited for Daphne to reply. “Coffee would be wonderful, it’s not that cold out yet, but I’m always colder during the first snow. We had to make a delivery to the resort, they ran out of hamburger, so I thought we’d come over and see how you’re doing.”
“So far so good. But I hear the snow’s not supposed to stop until tomorrow.” Elizabeth said, shrugging her shoulders. The coffee was finished so she made up a tray with cups enough for everyone and they took it to the living room and the fire.
Once they were seated, Daphne pulled some paperwork out of her bag. “Would you take a look at this and make sure I haven’t missed anyone or underestimated their need? I only have one shot at this, I want to get it right.”
Elizabeth looked at the list, pleased to see that Daphne had everyone on the list that should be. Each person had a notation next to their name detailing their need. She added the numbers up in her heard and discovered it was a staggering sum of money. It would definitely make a difference to so many of the people she had been trying to help.
She felt tears coming to her eyes, Daphne had gone above and beyond what she’d needed to. Taking a deep breath she managed to say. “This is wonderful, it’s going to make such a difference to these people.”
“It’s our job to make sure that they’re cared for, it’s not their fault this happened.”
Elizabeth fanned her face, trying to dry her tears. “Sorry, I’m not usually this emotional.”
“I’m sure it a big relief knowing that there’s some help on the way.” Daphne said, getting up and sitting down next to Elizabeth on the couch. “Do you want to help me make this happen?”
“I’d love to, other than meeting the mayor, I don’t have much to keep me occupied right now. I’m all yours. Where do we start?”
By the time she and Daphne had spread everything out on the coffee table, Garrett and Sebastian were done shoveling snow and came stomping in the back door, each carrying a big load of fire wood. Seeing their red noses and cheeks, Elizabeth jumped up and got them both a cup of hot coffee and added a few more logs to the fire.
“Thank you, I was putting that off. I’ve never shoveled snow before, got any tips.”
“Take it slow, it’s a lot harder than it looks.” Sebastian said, warming his hands by the fire.
“And don’t let it pile up. If you go out every few hours and shovel it will be much easier. You might want to think about getting a snow blower, as long as your driveway and sidewalk are, it would save you a lot of time. I’m sure Donovan would be happy to help you find one that you can handle.” Garrett said.
Elizabeth blushed thinking that Garrett had figured out their secret, but he looked innocent enough when he said it. Deciding to just ignore the remark, she asked instead if they were hungry, knowing that the answer would be yes after all that hard work. Promising food shortly she headed to the kitchen with Daphne following her.
She and Daphne were throwing together a quick lunch of soup and sandwiches, they could hear Garrett and Sebastian in the living room talking about the snow and the potential problems that always came with the first big snow of the season. Elizabeth listened thinking it was strange to have the very people she thought she would be enemies with sitting in her house, getting ready to eat her food.
She’d always known that life could sent you twists and turns you’d never expect, but this she certainly hadn’t expected. Just thinking of everything that had happened over the last week made tears come to her eyes, then she realized how silly she was being. It wasn’t like her to get emotional of something as small as some people coming by to make sure she was fine.
But, she reasoned, maybe it was because it was who the people were. Donovan’s family showing up on her doorstep could mean a lot of things. Either they were checking her out for a weakness or they were show
ing her a sign of acceptance. Her house was certainly out of the way, they’d had to make a special trip up here.
Daphne who had been silent for most of the time they’d been in the kitchen, saw Elizabeth’s tears and asked. “Are you okay?”
Elizabeth fanned her hot face, embarrassed to have been caught begin emotional. “Sorry, I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I’m not usually so emotional.”
“Don’t worry about it, I understand. You’ve been going through a lot lately, it can’t have been easy to take the side of the very people you thought were guilt of polluting the water.” Daphne said, handing her a tissue.
“I’m sure that’s probably it. I guess I wasn’t prepared for the turn this whole thing was going to take.” Elizabeth said, knowing that her romance with Donovan was a big part of her emotional issues.
Now that he was gone, she’d been questioning her decision once again. It was almost as if he’d cast a spell on her and now that he was gone it was slowly lifting. But when she and Daphne took the food into the living room, seeing his brothers sitting there brought Donovan right back into her mind. They all looked so much alike, it was almost as if he was there.
Without realizing it she’d stopped in her tracks causing Daphne to bump into her. Daphne always a good observer guessed what had made her stop. “They do look a lot alike don’t they? Sometimes when I see them from a distance I can’t tell which one it is. I’m so glad my sisters and I don’t look that much like each other.”
Elizabeth just gave her a shaky smile, and continued into the living room, hoping that Daphne didn’t understand why the sight of Garrett and Sebastian had shocked her so much. Donovan had only been gone for half a day, but she missed him more than she’d ever imagined she would.
Daphne had a pretty good idea what was bothering Elizabeth, she’d seen it often enough. She’d been fairly sure that something was going on between Donovan and Elizabeth, but hadn’t been sure, but Elizabeth’s reaction when they’d walked into the living room had confirmed that suspicion. Always happy to be the match maker, she got Garrett and Sebastian talking about Donovan as a kid, watching Elizabeth as they talked.
Make Me Whole (Brothers From Money #3) Page 10