by Dave Daren
The Sheriff, meanwhile, honed in on a man issuing orders and crossed the road to have a conversation about what was happening in his town. The agent, a man in his mid-forties with a rapidly receding hairline and a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses, watched the Sheriff’s approach. Despite the wrinkled shirt and the bristly cheeks, the badge obviously carried some authority. The agent didn’t wave the Sheriff away or order one of his underlings to block the Sheriff’s path. It was a good thing I’d won the Sheriff over, even if it was on a temporary basis, I decided. Maybe I could use ol’ Shifty’s authority to find out what was going on.
I was about to follow when I spotted Dr. Xi among the crowd at the inn. The Asian man trotted after one of the agents, flashed his identification, then talked to the woman for several minutes. The agent strode away when someone called her name, and Xi returned to the parking lot with a puzzled expression on his face.
I trotted across the street and through the park where I had to dodge around various agents. I caught up with Xi as he was about to step back inside the inn, and managed to wedge myself between him and the door.
“Oh, hey, Dr. Xi,” I said. “Can you believe all this ruckus this morning?”
Xi looked back at the agents and shook his head.
“It’s all very odd,” the Asian man replied.
“Is it the FBI or something?” I wondered.
“Treasury,” Xi said.
I wanted to do a little victory dance then, but I kept my composure and shook my head instead.
“What on earth would Treasury agents be doing here?” I asked.
“I was going to call my supervisor,” Xi said with a frown. “She should probably know about this.”
“Oh, sure,” I agreed. “Um, did they tell you that the best place for cell service is over at the government offices?”
“Oh,” Xi said. “I was just going to use the phone in the room, but if there’s a place I can get cell service….”
“Most people gather behind the building,” I said. “In fact, I should probably call my client as well.”
I walked the EPA official to the back side of the building where the usual crowd had started to gather. It was larger than usual, and most people appeared to be talking in an excited manner as they kept an eye out for federal agents. Xi barely seemed to notice as he pulled out his phone and walked around to find the spot with the best connection. I trailed after him, absently checking text messages as I kept an eye on Xi. I wanted to keep him close until I knew if Duvernay had been able to put a halt to the EPA’s investigation since it seemed like Xi would be the first to find out.
Xi was checking messages as well, and I saw his scowl turn more alarmed as he scrolled through what looked like a long list of text messages. He shook his head, then called a number and waited for the person on the other end to pick up. Xi started to speak, then glanced around at the rest of the people. No one was paying attention to him, but he lowered his head and cupped his other hand around the phone. The EPA official nodded and shook his head periodically, but otherwise, the conversation seemed to be pretty one-sided.
By the time Xi finished his call, I’d sent several long texts of my own, promised to visit my parents as soon as possible, watched a TikTok video an old high school buddy had posted, and checked the headlines for the New York Times. The city was still there and going about its business and I felt a bit of homesickness as I looked over the box scores.
Xi shook his head again as he tucked his phone into his jacket pocket, and then he frowned at a pair of agents who were standing by one of the SUV’s. I trailed after him again as he started to walk back towards the inn, and caught up with him when he stopped to watch the scene from the sidewalk.
“Any luck?” I asked as I almost bumped into him. “I managed to clear out my text messages at least.”
Xi squinted at me, and for a moment, and I could tell he was trying to decide if I had played a part in the unfolding drama. I kept my innocent face on, and even managed a friendly smile, until he tsked and turned to watch some of the agents.
“I talked to my supervisor,” he sighed. “She sent a ton of messages late last night and early this morning telling me to call, but of course I didn’t get them until I walked over to that building.”
“Oh, that doesn’t sound good,” I said sympathetically.
“They’re closing the file,” Xi replied. “I’ve been told to head back to the office.”
“Really?” I said in feigned surprise. “But why?”
“She didn’t say,” he replied. “Just that I was to return.”
“So, does that mean we can go ahead with the sale?” I asked with obvious excitement. There didn’t seem to be any need to hide that from Xi.
“Oh, sure,” he agreed. “As soon as I fill out the paperwork and submit it.”
“Oh,” I sighed. “How long will that take?”
“I’ll work on it this afternoon, once I’m back at the office,” he replied. “Probably file it tomorrow morning.”
“That’s not good,” I said. “We have to sign the deal today.”
“I don’t know what I can do,” he replied. “It will take several hours to drive back, and several hours to complete the paperwork. I’ll be there late just completing it, and even if I submit it after I’m done, there won’t be anyone to receive and sign off on it until tomorrow morning.”
“Do you have to be in your office to complete it?” I asked.
“Well,” he hemmed.
“If you had a place with a stable internet connection, could you do it before you left here?” I pressed.
“I could,” he agreed dubiously.
“And could you get approval or whatever it is you need to close the case quickly if you did that?” I barreled on.
Xi looked at the agents again and tapped his chin with his index finger.
“I’m really not supposed to show favoritism,” he pointed out.
“How is this favoritism?” I asked. “If you stay here a few hours, you can get the work done and then drive straight home. Your supervisor will be able to close the case quickly, just like she wants, and the Treasury won’t complain about having the EPA underfoot for whatever it is they’re doing.”
Xi finally smiled, for just a moment, and glanced towards me.
“You’re a clever man, Mr. Morgan,” Xi replied. “I don’t know how you orchestrated all this, but it was well done. And if you can find me a spot with a secure connection, I will complete the paperwork and obtain the proper signatures so you may proceed with your land deal.”
“Thank you,” I said with heartfelt gratitude as I shook his hand.
“I’m curious,” he said, “what are you going to do with the mine?”
“Make balsamic vinegar,” I replied.
He blinked, but unlike the citizens of Folsom, he gave the idea serious thought.
“It would maintain a steady temperature,” he mused. “You’ll need to work out venting issues, especially since it’s an old coal mine….”
“Stay here,” I urged. “Let me make a couple of quick phone calls, and then we’ll set you up.”
Xi nodded, though he still seemed to be considering the possibilities of vinegar production. I spotted Belle, still locked in a discussion with the Sheriff and one of the agents at the far end of the park, and ran towards the trio as fast as I could. Belle saw me coming and her eyebrows went up in surprise, which caught the attention of the Sheriff and the agent. Both men turned to see me closing in, and I saw the agent start to reach for his gun. I slowed down to a brisk walk, then waved happily to Belle.
“We can still finish the deal today,” I said as I jogged closer.
“What about the EPA?” Belle asked.
I finally came to a stop and smiled at the agent. His hand hadn’t left his gun though he hadn’t drawn it, probably because the Sheriff had simply crossed his arms across his chest and watched my approach with a bored expression.
“Hi,” I said. “I’m Hunter Morgan. Is Agent Duve
rnay with you?”
“He’s at one of the other sites,” the agent admitted.
“I’ll talk to him later, then,” I said as I turned to Belle and Harris. “But, I just talked to Dr. Xi. He has to complete some paperwork and turn it in to his supervisor for approval. Once she signs off on it, the EPA file is officially closed and we can complete the deal. Xi says he can finish the paperwork here, today, if he has a good internet connection.”
“Damn, the deal is still on,” Harris whistled.
“Belle?” I asked.
“My office, absolutely,” Belle agreed. “I can line up the notary and witnesses as well.”
“I’ll call Bam,” I replied. “The deadline is noon. Shall we make it eleven in your office?”
“Yes, yes,” Belle replied as she pulled out her cell phone. “Just grab Dr. Xi and whatever he needs and meet me at the office.”
I started back towards Dr. Xi, then detoured towards the government building. I found a decent spot near the side of the building where I could keep an eye on the EPA man and called Bam.
“Yo, Mr. Morgan,” Bam said when he picked up. “I guess this is it, huh? Can’t believe the EPA showed up.”
“It’s back on,” I replied. “Eleven o’clock at Belle’s office. Dr. Xi has some paperwork to finish, and his supervisor needs to sign off, but then we’re good to go ahead with the sale.”
“Yes, yes, yes, yes,” Bam chanted. “Count me in!”
He hung up before I could say anything else, and I ran back to Dr. Xi. He had a thoughtful look on his face as he stared at the nearby hills and he barely registered my return.
“I’ll take you over to Belle’s office,” I said. “There’s a good connection there.”
“Let me get my laptop and my notes,” Xi replied. “And since I’m doing this favor for you, perhaps you will do one for me?”
“Um, sure,” I replied.
“On the way to the office, if we were to drive by the diner, would you be willing to pick up a piece of that cherry pie for me?” he asked.
“Absolutely,” I assured him. “Heck, I’ll pick up a whole pie, and if there’s any left over when you’re done, you can take it with you.”
Xi lit up at that idea, and he retreated inside the inn at a fast walk. I stayed on the sidewalk and bounced on my feet as I watched the agents start to carry boxes from the building while two more accompanied the Sheriff back to his own office. The Suzuki appeared from behind the building and raced towards the Belle’s office. I spotted Lila near the edge of the crowd and waved her over.
“Any news?” she asked.
“We’re heading over to Belle’s office with Dr. Xi, the EPA official,” I replied. “If he can get his paperwork turned in and signed in time, we can still finish this deal.”
Lila squealed and started to bounce as well and more than a few heads turned in our direction. Xi emerged from the inn with his briefcase and opened the trunk on the Impala. I pulled Lila along as I moved towards the car, and Xi actually smiled when he saw the two of us.
“I’ll drive,” he offered. “So you can pick up the pie.”
We climbed inside, and then Xi eased out of the parking lot and drove slowly past the SUV’s. At Jenkins Road, he turned towards the diner, where many of the patrons stood outside and watched the events at the park. I leapt from the passenger seat and squeezed between the locals with a minimum of elbow jabs. Once inside, I flagged down Joelle and asked for a cherry pie. She vanished into the kitchen, and then returned a few minutes later with the boxed pie and a cup carrier with four cups of coffee.
“Take it, go,” the waitress said with a smile. “It’s on the house.”
I thanked her, then pushed my way back outside. I slipped into the passenger seat and fastened my seatbelt while Xi slowly turned the car around. The pie was still warm and the tart cherry tang quickly smothered the mango scent. I saw Xi smile as he caught a whiff, and then we were heading up the hill at the fastest rate I’d ever seen from Xi.
We pulled into Belle’s parking lot and parked next to the Suzuki. The door was open again and Belle appeared as we stepped out of the Impala. She smiled like a grandmother welcoming her grandkids for a visit, and even pulled Xi into a grandmotherly hug when he stepped onto the porch. While Belle helped Xi sign onto her network, Lila and I headed for the kitchen to slice the pie. We found small plates, and Lila started a pot of tea for Belle.
It was all quite homey, and Xi looked content as he ate two pieces of pie and sipped his coffee all while he typed away at his laptop. For the rest of us, giddy excitement soon gave way to impatient clock watching. Belle, Lila and I tried to act calm, but Belle kept cleaning up invisible bits of dirt and dust, Lila started to pick at a loose thread that hung from the waistline of her t-shirt, and I found myself staring alternately between my cell phone and the English countryside painting.
A few minutes before eleven, the notary arrived, followed shortly by the two witnesses. Bam arrived, with a bottle of nice champagne and a huge grin, which vanished when he learned that we were still waiting on the EPA.
At ten after eleven, Xi made a few more keystrokes, grunted in approval at something he had read, and then looked up from his computer.
“Almost there,” he said. “Once my supervisor approves the report, the case will be closed and you can proceed.”
“How long’s that going to take?” Bam asked as he looked at his watch.
“Oh, she’s usually pretty quick,” Xi replied as he turned back to the laptop.
There was more pacing and staring, except for Xi, who sipped on a fresh cup of tea and watched his screen. Fifteen minutes later, we heard the ping that signalled an email had arrived, and as one, we all turned to look at Xi. He set his cup down, and then poked at his keyboard. He read the email, sent a reply, then stood up slowly from the chair. He closed the laptop, turned to look at us, and smiled.
“It’s official,” Xi announced. “The file is closed and the Superfund status revoked. Feel free to do what you want with the land.”
A cheer broke out as Belle quickly organized the interested parties. I was told to go sit at Gina’s desk until it was my turn, and so I ended up stepping from the office with Dr. Xi.
“Let me get that pie for you,” I said. “There’s a couple of slices left.”
“Thank you,” he replied. “And, listen, I don’t know if you’re looking for investors, but I have a little money saved up. I think this plan of yours could work.”
“I’ll let my client know,” I replied. “Do you have a card?”
Xi set his briefcase on the receptionist’s desk while I went to retrieve the remainder of the pie. I handed him the box while he passed me a card, and after a round of pleasant good-bye’s, he stepped outside with a grin on his face. I found I was too impatient to sit down, so I paced around the waiting room and the employee only area, poked at the package of tea leaves on the counter, flipped idly through the date book on Gina’s desk, and finally flopped into one of the armchairs where I watched the clock behind Gina’s desk.
I was starting to get worried that we wouldn’t make it when Belle’s office door opened and the gray haired attorney stepped through with the contract in her hands, followed by the notary and the witnesses. In a blitzkrieg of orders, I signed and signed, as did the witnesses. The notary stamped away, and with two minutes to spare, the last seal was inked onto the contract and Belle let out a whoop that they could probably hear all the way at the park.
Bam appeared with the bottle of champagne, which he pried open with his penknife while Lila found plastic juice glasses that she passed around to everyone in the room. Bam danced with all the women to a tune he hummed as he circled the office, and the room was filled with laughter and clinking glasses.
As the impromptu party started to break up, I sidled up to Belle while she was checking the stacks of documents and preparing the final packages for me and Bam.
“So, what’s next for Belle Lucent?” I asked. “Another
environmental cause? Or maybe representing workers in their fight for fair pay?”
Belle smiled at those suggestions as she watched Bam for a moment.
“I was thinking it was time for a new property appraiser in Folsom,” she replied. “One that doesn’t use the office for her own benefit and would be willing to work with new employers in the area to help create a future for the town.”
I smiled at the gray-haired lady and raised my glass to her.
“On behalf of one of those new employers, let me be the first to say that we would love to work with just such a person,” I replied.
Belle laughed, and we clinked glasses while Bam spun around the room again. It felt good, not only to have helped my client, but the town of Folsom as well. This was why I had become an attorney, and this was the way I could fight the injustice in the world. And all of it was only possible thanks to the Mafia and the protection they offered. I chuckled at the irony of it all and made a silent toast to my client and the feared Febbo name.
End of Book 2
Author’s Notes
Thank you for reading my novel! If you enjoyed it, and you’d like to read another story about Hunter, please leave a quick review by clicking on this link.
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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Copyright © 2020 by Dave Daren
