Everything Is Blue

Chapter 38

On the outskirts of St. Canard, the Juniper Wind Farm was currently being built in a large field of rolling hills (the city often referred to it as Echo Hills). EcoTech had named it the Wellings Project, after the family who sold them the land for it.

It was a place that mankind had not touched.

Yet.

Kimbra didn't really want the farm built on the land. She wanted to preserve it. Leave it as is. But she had approved the Wellings Project, and the turbines had to go somewhere.

She tried to convince herself that the wind turbine farm would do a lot of good. That she made the right decision in approving the project.

Because after all, 'your choice matters'.

Well... that's what their business cards said, anyway.

A glimpse of Dr. Ainsley passing through the hallway caught Kimbra's eye. She grabbed her clipboard and rushed out the door. Something the two of them have done dozens of times by now. She'd have to seek him out for details on their current projects. The man never stayed in one place or let anyone know where he was. Kimbra found it relatable to some degree, but wished her boss was more accessible at times.

When she caught up to the older scientist, she spoke. "Have you picked a sponsor for the Wellings Project?"

"I have, he'll be here later today to meet with you."

"Who is it?"

"Mr. Reiff, the fashion designer." Dr. Ainsley glanced back at Kimbra, who was scribbling rapidly on her clipboard. "I think he was here for the C.O.R.E presentation."

"I don't remember him."

"You probably wouldn't," a smile formed onto his face. "I think you only remember Mr. Flud, am I right?" It wasn't really a question.

Kimbra wished she could say she was surprised by the comment. The older man liked to tease those around him, especially her.

She frowned, not looking up from her clipboard. "Sir."

"I'm only teasing." He chuckled. "Mr. Reiff will be here at one, so make a good impression."

"Sir, don't I always?"

The reptile merely raised his eyebrows at her, as if to say, 'do you really want to go there?'

She prefered never having to answer that.

By the middle of the afternoon, Kimbra had forgotten all about the meeting with Mr. Reiff. Almost missed it entirely had Dr. Ainsley not stopped by her office. Time had passed at a leisurely pace.

A soft knock on her door made the Samoyed glance up from her papers.

In the doorway stood Dr. Ainsley, leaning against the frame casually.

Was she in trouble? How could she be in trouble? She'd been signing off and filling out paperwork all morning.

"Mr. Reiff is in the conference room," He paused for a moment and then said, "Make a good impression."

Her eyes widened warily at the clock on the wall and flicked over to her boss. "Wait, he's already here?"

"Yes...? I said he'd be here at one. And it's one o'clock." He held up his wrist to his face, tapped on the face of a watch. "Unless this thing is broken."

"Oh, no. I just lost track of time, I suppose."

A corner of his mouth curved upward involuntarily.

"Don't we all?"