Oklahoma's Gold (13 page)

"What industries, exactly? What do they produce?" Another question from Daniel.

He wasn't going to let up, Lucas suddenly realized. So much for the slow and easy approach, but still he tried. "Ah … it hasn't been definitely determined which companies get in. That would come after our deal was settled and N. Rep began plans for construction." He wiped the back of his neck and shirt collar, which by now managed to be soaked.

"I'm not so sure it makes good business sense to agree to a development for some unknown industry's use in our community. Why, they could be producing nuclear bombs for all we know!"

Now, one of the other ranchers, Zane Emerson, got in on the conversation with no less than alarming quality. Lucas felt dismayed. Nuclear bombs? Where do these people get such ideas? "Now, I'm sure we'd have nothing to worry about," he tried to assure him and the others. "Nothing more threatening than manufacturing toilet paper." He was trying to make a joke, to lighten things, but it must have been a feeble attempt, Lucas quickly realized, since no one laughed.        

"Seriously folks, we could include in our contract that no industry which is threatening to people's health or the environment be allowed in. I promise you that," Lucas persuaded, trying to dissolve their worry.

"Whose land are we specifically talking about and what's in it for us?" Another question from Zane.

One fish on the hook
. His confidence renewed, Lucas went on. "As I mentioned, toward the west end, the outskirts of town. Around one thousand acres is what they're after. That would include Lawson's and a few of the other smaller farms and ranches around there, I reckon." He paused to get their reaction. Only a slight murmur sounded as a few whispered.

Daniel, however, just stared at Lucas with arms crossed, an unreadable expression on his face. Emma frowned, a look of deep concentration covering her. Curiously, Fred's niece seemed to be unaware or perhaps unconcerned of the subject here tonight. One less adversary is all Lucas cared about.

"N. Rep would like to offer to the town a percentage of all business profits gained from this venture, and in return they would request mineral and land rights for all the property and surrounding area," he explained. Suddenly, there was a buzz of excited conversation. Looks like a big catch for the day. He wore a look of smug satisfaction.

Next, he very cautiously added, "And there's the matter of a small cash investment from each interested partner." The noise of conversation abruptly stopped.

"How small?" someone asked.

"About five-thousand dollars," Lucas stated. The conversation buzzed again, which didn't surprise him. Five thousand was nothing to most everyone here. Still, there was Daniel, armed with another question. "Of course, that's for those who can afford it."

"A good half of those small farms and ranches don’t belong to anyone here." Daniel glanced around the room. "In fact, most belong to the Choctaw, Cherokee, and Mexican population of Chickasha." Daniel leaned forward in his chair. "Now, Mr. Martin, why weren't those owners invited to this meeting?"

The whole room became silent again. Lucas observed an almost deathlike quiet. His hands began shaking a bit. So, he quickly dropped them to his sides and out of sight. He'd been anticipating this one, but after countless hours of thought, he still wasn't sure if his was a good enough answer. Nevertheless, he had to make an attempt.

"This was just the first step. I mean, they, N. Rep, that is, knows without your backing and support, there would be no business venture. Attempting to buy properties would be a moot point. And of course, right now the first step involves those with capital to invest. Not meanin' to be rude, Daniel, but we all know those Indian and Mexican landowners can't afford such a venture.

"We… that is, N. Rep … was … ah… I mean to say … is hoping that if you all agree to the deal, and after it's made public, that might persuade most of the owners, when we approach them that is, to sell." He finally finished.
Lord, that was awkward.
Lucas wiped his brow.

"And if it doesn't?" someone shouted from the back. "What then?"

"I can assure you, in my experience as a realtor, once you get a couple to sell, most all the rest will soon follow." That seemed to satisfy people, in his judgment, but just to make sure, he added, "And if there're one or two holdouts, N. Rep. can always redefine the boundaries of the project." There. He'd said it, and he prayed it did the trick.

"And if this land purchasing doesn't go through?" It was Mr. Lawson who stood up and spoke. "What happens to the original contract we sign?"

"It becomes null and void, Mr. Lawson. And the contract with you personally? Well, N. Rep. will automatically sell the land back to you at the same price."

Lawson looked both relieved and satisfied so that he then sat back down in his seat.

It seemed that was the end of the questions and Lucas now chose to wrap things up.

"N. Rep. will be contacting me in the next couple days to set up a meeting." He glanced over at reporter, Jim Penn. "I'd appreciate it, Jim, if you'd put a little announcement in the paper about this, only leave out the information about which properties. At least until I personally get a chance to approach those farmers and ranchers about selling?"

Jim nodded and then people began to get up and leave. 

Lucas now used a handkerchief to wipe his face and neck clear of the sweat. Relieved, he looked around at the folks leaving. The anxiety and racing heartbeat were quickly receding. He'd gotten over the first hurdle. Maybe now "bluesuit" would act a little more appreciative the next time they met. "At least this should wipe that shit-ass grin off his face," Lucas grumbled as he walked off the stage."Now, on to the next step."

Chapter 22

"Daniel!" Jess yelled, but he had already rushed out of the building. She sighed and turned back to find Emma whom she noticed was deep in conversation with Mr. Lawson. She was beginning to feel entirely out of the loop and elected to leave on her own. She would be of no use here. This really wasn't her fight as Daniel seemed to be making it his. She puzzled over the facts. They really didn't add up. Too much coincidence after what she learned tonight about Lucas, Northern Republic, and all those farmers and ranchers. With everything that had been going on? You'd have to be blind and an idiot not to get at least a little suspicious, she decided. Still, she knew human nature. And the greed of some people would convince them not to see the obvious, especially if it interfered with the dollar signs.

She sighed again. She realized just how tired she was and came to the conclusion that bed sounded really good. First though, she would visit a little with Missy and Deek. A twinge of guilt passed through her. She hadn’t really spent much time with them since they all arrived in Chickasha.

Of course, the kids had kept busy getting to know the horses. Deek, especially, was turning into a real cowboy. He'd traded in his khakis and Adidas for Levi jeans and boots. He even wore a Stetson, though it was a bit large and hung low over his forehead. Still, he looked the part, fitting in as a true Oklahoman. She felt relieved that his demeanor had changed from sulky to almost exuberant. Fortunately, the ranch hands, including Daniel, were patient, even enjoying their role as surrogate dad. Her eyes misted over at the thought. Yes. They were truly lucky to have come here.

Her thoughts no sooner switched to Missy, when Jess heard a rustling in the bushes to her left. Her heart jumped a beat as she noticed no one else had come outside the town hall, and it was pitch black, as the town obviously didn't feel the need for streetlights. She tried to shrug off the uneasy feeling she had.

Her head jerked around. There it was again. This time Jess picked up her pace, trying to shorten the distance between her and the Toyota. Her vehicle was still a block away. She thought how unfortunate it had been that by the time she'd gotten here for the meeting, all the closer parking had been filled. In retrospect, she scolded herself for insisting on driving her own vehicle.

Where is Daniel? Did he have to rush off like that?
She felt frustrated and out of sorts.

Snap
. The sound brought a small cry to Jess' throat. Now, practically running to her car, she hardly noticed the shadow of a man just ahead. What happened next was done so quickly she had no chance to defend herself. An arm closed tightly round her neck, and she fell back helpless as someone dragged her into the bushes.  

Jess could barely breathe with the rough hand covering her mouth. She tried to turn around to see her attacker, but the viselike grip prevented her attempt to do so. Her heart beat so rapidly she felt she would faint at any second. However, the abductor's words emitted in a low, hoarse growl frightened her enough to keep her alert and conscious.

"You tell that Indian friend of yours to quit meddlin' in what don't concern him."

His grip suddenly tightened around her neck, nearly choking her with its strength. She felt nauseous and thought she'd certainly throw up, here and now, but then his next words filled her ears with its ominous threat.

"And if he doesn't …" The grip tightened even harder causing her to see stars. "Someone might run into an accident of his own. Only the morgue and not the hospital is where folks will be visitin' him."

With that, the grip loosened and he shoved Jess to the ground. By the time she got up, her attacker had vanished. Realizing she was still alive and not really hurt, she began to shiver, then softly weep. After what seemed like an eternity, she moved from the shelter of the bushes. Her steps, at first, were unsteady and she stumbled forward. As she stood up she was startled once more to see someone standing in front of her. She began to scream, but it caught in her throat as she recognized Daniel. Then she began to cry once more, big, loud sobs as she fell into his arms.

Chapter 23

"Jess? Jessica?" Daniel whispered softly as he caressed her shoulders and rubbed her back lightly with his hands. His arms reached round her tightly to calm her shivering body. "Shhh, shhh. It's all right. I'm here," he assured her. After several minutes, her sobbing quieted and her body stilled to a comforting calm. He knew he should release her, but he struggled against the emotional turmoil his body was experiencing. His heart raced to compete with hers, only his wasn't from fear. How badly he wanted to kiss away her tears, to caress her with passion and not just to comfort her. He smelled the sweet fragrance of her hair, the soft touch as it brushed his chin. Suddenly, he felt like he'd go insane, if he didn't distance her body from his, so he took his arms away and stepped back.

"Do you want to tell me what happened?" he encouraged gently, his eyes softened along with his smile. After a long silence she finally spoke.

"I, I'm not sure," she began. Her voice quivered and she shrugged her shoulders. "It all went so quickly, such a blur." She shook her head as if to clear the fuzziness.

"Start from when you left the hall," he suggested.

"Okay. Let's see," she began and wiped away the tears to make a concentrated effort. She then relayed the series of events up to the point where she ran into Daniel.

"And you didn't get a look at him?" he inquired, his tone serious, but seemingly unaffected upon hearing about the threat to his life.

"He came almost from out of nowhere, Daniel," she answered with frustration. "He had me from behind before I even knew what was happening."