Because of Sydney

by T. A. Foster

  I waited for him to answer my question. I might have underestimated our timeline for construction if we had red tape to wade through.

  “The only real resistance is going to be at the park. I doubt the rest of the island is going to be in the middle of it, but all it takes is one attention grabbing story to get everyone riled up.” He looked over my shoulder.

  I turned to follow his stare. Sydney was typing something into her phone. “And you think someone like her could be the problem?”

  “It only takes one. From what I know about her she’s a go-getter. Had plenty of rezoning questions for me.” He looked outside at the shoreline. “You know I’m up for re-election in the fall.”

  I was prepared for the conversation to take this turn. “How many terms have you served now? Is it five?”

  “Sure is.”

  I smiled. “Well, I know the good citizens of South Padre would be happy to see you serve a sixth. How is your campaign going?”

  “I try not to get weighed down with the campaign numbers, but it never hurts to add to your list of supporters.”

  “No, it sure doesn’t.”

  There were lines I wouldn’t cross. I wasn’t about to do anything illegal that would risk my company or this deal, but there were blurry lines I ran into every once in a while. This was one of those times. Carlos and I would navigate the unspoken terms of our arrangement.

  “The more time I spend in South Padre, the more interested I am in the politics here.”

  “How are things going over at the condo deal?” Carlos asked. “I was happy when construction started. Grey hired all local work.”

  “The condos are selling. I think there are only five left. I leave the details to my business partners.”

  “You know your dad was a friend of mine. He never wanted to sell that place.”

  I gripped the knife in my right hand when the server placed our plates on the table. The mention of my father irritated me.

  “I didn’t sell it.” I forced a smile. I hated unexpected stories about my father.

  The commissioner chuckled. “Splitting hairs don’t you think?”

  “The land is still in the family. I made a smart business decision, which is exactly what I plan to do with the trailer park.” I lowered my voice. “I need to know what kind of opposition I’m facing if I build the resort.”

  Carlos took a bite of his sandwich. “There’s only one commissioner who is anti-development. She always causes problems, but she never wins. It would make things a lot smoother if you could get her to go along with the idea.”

  “Which commissioner?”

  “Janet Rodriguez. She’s new, about as green as your reporter friend.” He laughed.

  “What’s her story? Why is she anti-development?”

  “She’s an environmentalist.”

  I groaned. They were my worst nightmare. A political environmentalist who was anti-development would create a firestorm of problems.

  “Anyone else I should be concerned about?”

  “Nah. If you land this deal you’ll have enough support from the voters. I can’t let Mitchell Lachlan’s son down.” He meant it as a compliment, but my skin crawled and my stomach knotted. I didn’t want any damn favors because of my last name.

  “I appreciate that, Carlos.” I had to work from clenching my jaw.

  The waitress appeared with the check. I snatched it before the commissioner could grab it.

  “Lunch is on me,” I offered.

  He wiped his face, taking extra time with his mustache. “Well, thank you.”

  “Thanks for the info, Carlos. I’m glad we could meet for lunch.”

  “Sure thing. I’m looking forward to your project getting started. Jobs for Padre are always a good thing in my opinion.” He slapped me on the back as we stood from the table. “I’ll do whatever I can to help you get this pushed through the council. You have my word.”

  I smiled. It was exactly what I was counting on. “I’ll be in touch.” I watched as he walked out of the restaurant. I sat to wait for the waitress to pick up the bill with my credit card.

  “You’re Mason Lachlan.” Sydney dropped into the commissioner’s empty chair, looking pleased. The tips of her cheekbones were flushed pink. Her eyes almost had a glimmer.

  “And how did you figure that out over lunch?”

  “It wasn’t that hard.” She waved her smart phone in front of me. “Lunching with the longest sitting South Padre commissioner? What did you talk about?”

  “Our golf game.” I lied.

  “Come on. You can’t seriously think I would believe that.” She laid the phone on the table. I noticed her long nails.

  “I don’t know what you believe, but I have another meeting I need to attend.” I thanked the server for the check and signed the receipt.

  “I read about you,” she spouted.

  “Find something interesting?”

  “Mostly just basic info.”

  “Sounds boring.” I didn’t know what she had unearthed over the course of lunch. I tried to keep my eyes off her lips when she talked.

  “No, not at all. You’ve accomplished so much for someone who’s twenty-eight.”

  “As opposed to someone’s who’s twenty-two? Did I get that right?” I didn’t know why I kept baiting her—only I liked the way she looked when I got under her skin. It was fucking sexy as hell.

  “My age is not a part of this conversation, but it’s twenty-three. You are the topic.”

  “Twenty-three.” I waggled my eyebrows at her. “Hate to disappoint you, but I’ve got to run.”

  “Here’s my card.” Sydney shoved a square business card into my hand as I tried to leave the table. “At least consider giving me an interview. You could get ahead of the pushback the locals are going to give you.”

  “I don’t get pushback.”

  “This isn’t like other places, Mr. Lachlan.” I liked how she said my name. This girl was a spitfire. She didn’t seem the least bit intimidated by who I was.

  I tucked the card into my wallet. I had no intention of calling her. “It was a pleasure seeing you again, Miss Paige.”

  I brushed past her.

  “You’ll change your mind,” she called behind me.

  If only she knew how rarely that happened.

  I watched Mason Lachlan walk away for the second time today. Everything about him was cool and certain. While I was turning into a puddle in the Texas heat, he looked unfazed in his crisp white shirt. I tried to ignore how he smelled when he passed by. Even his cologne was like confidence in a bottle.

  My quick online search had brought up several business profile articles on the young developer. I skimmed them quickly over lunch while keeping an eye on his meeting with Commissioner Hernandez.

  He was named one of the top young entrepreneurs. Economists predicted his net worth would exceed a billion dollars by the time he hit his thirtieth birthday if he continued to acquire deals at his current rate.

  His company, The Lachlan Corporation, was the fastest-growing land investment company in Texas. I kicked myself for not knowing who he was. It was only another piece of evidence that I was reporting in the wrong field.

  He bought and sold properties all over the country. He didn’t seem particular whether he acquired an abandoned school or an urban sky scraper. He was in the business of making money.

  His headshot was the same in each article. He wore a tailored suit, a smile most models would pay for, and a look in his eyes that said he was on his way to conquering the world.

  I didn’t have much to go on, but I knew he was involved in the development deal. I could sense it. The problem was I only had four hours until my deadline and had nothing to add to my story.

  I walked into the parking lot not sure where I was going to find more for this story. Ever since I took the News & Record job I felt as if I were constantly trying to play keep up.

  It had been three months since I moved here, but I still didn’t know an
yone and I wasn’t the savvy business reporter I had presented myself as. Alice knew it, but she hadn’t publicly called me out on it. She was giving me a chance to prove myself. At least I had convinced myself that was the case.

  Today could be my last day. I needed to produce an article.

  I leaned my makeshift bun against the headrest. The wind had whipped apart every hairstyle I tried today. Mason probably thought I was a disheveled mess. I doubted it would make a difference. He wasn’t going to answer my questions.

  The thoughts had been there since I met Shawna and Lindy this morning. The ones that crept into the back of my eyes, burning images like a movie playing on a screen I couldn’t stop watching. I wished I could pick up the phone and call Hailey. She would tell me something that would make me laugh. Instead I was sitting in a hot as hell car with no clue where my sister and niece were.

  I turned up the radio to block out the memories. The country music in Texas was starting to grow on me. It had a different sound. Sometimes I felt as if the guys singing were sitting next to me.

  The air conditioner was blowing at the highest fan speed. God, what was I doing here?

  I noticed Commissioner Hernandez was on his phone. His face red from the heat. City Hall would have to be my next stop. All of the development applications would pass through there first. I hoped whichever company won the land bid at the private auction would be anxious to start the development paperwork.

  I pointed my car toward City Hall, and parked near the entrance.

  I raced up the front steps after looking at my watch. Most of the City Hall staff would still be at lunch.

  I retrieved my press pass. “Hi, I’m Sydney Paige with the News & Record. I was wondering if any applications are in for the Beach Combers Cove development.”

  The woman behind the reception desk pulled the glasses from her nose. “That’s in the development office. Down the hall on the right.”

  “Thank you.” I hurried to the office a few doors down.

  I was met by a guy who looked as if he were my age, maybe younger. They apparently staffed City Hall with college interns for the summer. He was typing on his phone.

  “Excuse me?”

  I startled him. “Oh, hey. Yeah.”

  “I’m Sydney Paige with the News & Record.” I showed him my press badge. “Have any applications been submitted for the Beach Combers Cove project?”

  He stared at me blankly.

  “Don’t the applications come through this office?” I asked impatiently.

  “I guess so. I don’t know. They hand me stuff and then I file it.”

  I realized I had stumbled upon an unusual opportunity. The development office was empty except for this inexperienced intern.

  “Oh, that’s cool. I guess they give you a lot of responsibility.”

  He straightened his back slightly. I noticed his polo shirt was wrinkled from his chest to his waist. This kid didn’t take much seriously.

  “Yeah, it’s an important gig.”

  I peeked over the front of his desk. “Would you mind checking for me then on the applications? It would be really great if you could help me out.”

  His desk was littered with stacks of folders and paper. I didn’t know if he could find anything there.

  He lifted a manila packet on top. “This one just came in.” He handed it to me.

  I peeled back the seal. It was all here. The Lachlan Corporation had a completed application to develop Beach Combers Cove. I read through the description of the proposed project. They wanted to build a resort. Impressive.

  I pulled my phone out to take a few pictures of the pages so I could read through the details later.

  “What’s this for?” the intern asked.

  I tucked the papers inside the envelope and placed it back on his desk. “A business article I’m writing.”

  “Cool.” He bobbed his head. “I’m Matt.”

  “Thanks for your help, Matt.” Finally, I had a story to break for Alice.

  The intern reached on the floor and revealed five more packets just like the one I had read. “These came in first, though.”

  Shit. So much for the scoop on who had won the auction. Apparently, they all had their proposals submitted in case they won. Or at least they were all as confident as Mason Lachlan that they would outbid the other.

  I shuffled through each package, jotting down the relevant information on my pad. I knew most of the names, and there were two I assumed were shell companies. No surprises or breaking news here.

  I meekly handed back the last envelop. “Any more?”

  “Nah. That’s all I have.”

  “Well, thanks again.” I turned to leave, but stopped at the door. “If anything else comes in will you give me a call or text me?” I flipped one of my business cards on his desk.

  “Like what?” He turned it over between his fingers.

  “I don’t know. If you see something interesting. Another application for the Beach Combers Cove land. Just anything. Ok?”

  He smiled. “Sure. And now I’ve got your number.”

  I sighed. “That’s not what I meant.”

  He rocked back in his chair, and for a second I thought he might bounce onto the floor.

  “Gotcha covered, girl.”

  “Awesome. Thanks.” I darted out of the office before he misinterpreted everything else I said. He may not be a reliable source, but if another application came in today there was a good chance he would let me know, assuming he could identify what he was reading.

  I had another stop I wanted to make before I started writing my article. I checked the directory in the lobby and found Commissioner Rodriguez’s office.

  I tapped on the door. She was hunched over a map in the corner of her office.

  “Come on in.” She didn’t look up.

  “Commissioner, we met at the last council meeting. I’m Sydney Paige.”

  She stood upright and turned to smile. “Nice to see you again. What can I do for you?”

  “I’m here reporting on the Beach Combers Cove development. I was wondering what the council’s position is on developing that end of the island. Would you like to make a statement?”

  There was a pen lodged above her ear. “I wasn’t aware there were any applications.”

  “The Lachlan Corporation submitted one for a resort and—”

  “A resort?”

  I nodded. “Yes. What is your stance on a resort at that end of the island?” I would go through the list of proposals. There was a golf course and an amusement park in the stack too.

  “I’m afraid I need to pull together some information before I make any kind of statement on that tract of land.”

  “But, how would you vote for the resort?”

  “Excuse me.” She hustled past me in the small space and opened the top drawer on her desk. “I need to work.” It sounded as if she was whispering to herself.

  “Would you like to comment on the zoning issues?” I asked. I needed a quote. Something. Anything. I couldn’t write a story on six applications that hadn’t even crossed over the intern’s desk yet.

  “I will release a statement after I have had a chance to review the information. I work within the confines of facts. I need facts.”

  Did she realize she was speaking to a journalist? I placed my card on the corner of her desk. “Here is my contact information.”

  “You will receive a copy along with the rest of the press. I don’t play favorites, Miss Paige.”

  “I wasn’t suggesting that, Commissioner.” Great, I had offended her. I debated slipping the card off the desk and into my bag. “Thank you for your time.”

  I ducked out of her office while she frantically worked on the tip I had given her.

  I was spinning my wheels. Nothing panned out. I made a few calls from my car to the companies who had submitted applications. No one would comment on whether they had won the auction.

  It was three o’clock. With only two hours until deadli
ne I was screwed.

  I walked into Pete’s after six. Eden said she and Grey would be on the terrace. The bar where the locals gathered after work had grown on me, kind of like the rest of the island.

  Mark had called on my way over. The Lachlan Corporation bid had been accepted. Barbara must have been a shark at the table. My instincts were right to send her in. We outbid the competition without going over our budget. Our application was in with development services. I couldn’t think of a better time to have a few beers to celebrate.

  “Look what the cat drug in,” Mac taunted me. Like the rest of the locals here they had started to accept I was a part of the Padre landscape. The Palm was reason enough for me to travel to town.

  “Funny stuff.” I tapped the bar. “Eden and Grey here?” I asked the bartender.

  “Yep. They’re out there.” He pointed to the sound side of the bar as he tossed a towel over his shoulder.

  “Thanks, man.”

  I strolled toward the sundeck.

  “You made it.” Eden jumped from her seat and hugged me.

  “I’m always up for a beer.” I smiled at her.

  Grey was sitting at the table. “How’s it going?” he asked.

  I sat across from him. “Good. How about you?”

  “Good.”

  Eden started to laugh. “Wow. You two really know how to have a conversation.”

  “Darlin’ we’re both here. That should be good enough.” Grey squeezed her hand, and she smiled.

  “It is.” She hadn’t taken her eyes off him.

  I cleared my throat. “So tell me what’s going on at the Palm. Are you ready for me to move my stuff out? Do you have a buyer for that end unit? I hope you’re asking top dollar with that view. Best damn view on the beach.”

  Eden shook her head. “No. We are not talking about work. No talk about the Palm. I don’t even want to hear about your latest conquest. This is drinks and dinner only.” She looked at both of us sternly.

  I expected Grey to mutter something under his breath like he usually did, but he didn’t argue. Maybe he had learned when to accept defeat.

  “All right. Tell me about the wedding. How’s it going?”

  Grey looked at me. “You realize you have opened Pandora’s box?”