Turn Over

“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?”