Damned!

The Phone Call

President Hoveting held a meeting for the second time that week. The memo from the justice department was passed around alerting the group that an investigation into the Watershed Jungle Project was on its way, which meant an inevitable delay in the project.

The faces sitting beside him were grim. Archbishop Dominez' scowl seemed to have been imprinted permanently on his face since last week, Mayor Mignon stroked his short goatee in mute contemplation, Chandler Simmons-Department Head of Homeland Security, shifted uncomfortably in his seat. The news headlines had shouted a victory to the protestors who had decried the rushed removal and ecological destruction of the Gandan jungle.

Only Laura's face remained passively expressionless. She was secretly relieved but cautious as she knew that this was not a complete victory. This was the goal for the moment, delays with weeks of litigation. As for the outcome, that would depend on what the courts determined as well as how much pressure the people could put on Hoveting.

Laura was brought back to the present by the voice of Archbishop Dominez.

"We have a few loose ends to wrap up before we turn this over to the courts. While I was in Medium Cruces, the people had already been gathered to surmount a blockade. I will let you know that I saw a former employee in their midst, that I believe had been instrumental in this whole mayhem. Ein Suarez was there. I am sorry to report, it took me too long to find out his connection. I have since done my homework. Apparently, Ein grew up in Medium Cruces, and was tutored by the priest himself. I say we have cause to believe that not only is he Federico's son as we all knew, but the priest's illegitimate grandson. I will look into defrocking the old priest immediately and look into pressing charges for the rumored indiscretions."

Laura hated to hear his harsh tones, and now she was hearing lies. She had already heard from Ein how Dominez had bullied his grandmother. Now might not be the best time to find her courage but then again, she took her chance.

"You might want to consider the larger picture at the moment, Dominez. This court blockage means my department will not be able to start for many months. I fail to see how your issue of punishing the priest will do anything but further anger the inhabitants of Gandan. I hear they are quite fond of him. They may react violently in Medium Cruces, and in the capital province, this will just be another story that will rouse up the protestors."

"Nevertheless, I am angered at being taken for a fool."

"Angered? Then find out who leaked the plans to the local Village Voice. Or better yet, conduct your projects with all voices at the table. Do not bully the lives of those who have no voice. I didn't enjoy being the recipient of so many decisions made without my input, imagine living in an area for decades and facing relocation at the mere whim of political fancy!"

There was an uncomfortable silence as all the suits in the room looked around to see who this new member of their committee really was. Gone was the timid employee who took careful notes and did what she was told. They looked around in amazement. Then Archbishop Dominez returned to his scowling state and muttered something under his breath that was probably meant for his own ears only.

The ringing of the phone interrupted the moment. President Hoveting told his secretary to put them on hold, but she stated this was important. Sighing, President Hoveting walked back to his desk and held up the phone to his ear.

"Yes? Who? On the site? How did this happen?" He signaled for the Department of Homeland Defense to come close to the receiver and mouthed "a death on the site."

When he hung up the phone, all eyes bore into him expectantly.

"Last night at 12pm, there was an attack with explosives that took out two of our excavators. Our guards on duty fired shots to scare off the perpetrator. In the confusion a man took a fatal shot to the chest." His eyes towards Archbishop Dominez, "It looks like you no longer have to worry about defrocking the priest. That man was Father McNalster and now the press corps wants a statement about this immediately.

Laura cried out in alarm. Covering her hands with her face, she abruptly excused herself and practically raced out of the room, intent on finding Ein first, before the news was publicized.