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“Certainly, Your Honor. If you could kindly advise me of which guideline you feel I’ve breached, I’ll amend my statement.”
“No insults.”
Ah, Judge Donald had my back and was putting Ms. Always Wright back in her box. What a day to be alive.
“Ah, I see. Thank you for that. I wish to point out that a simple statement of fact should not be taken as an insult, but I do apologize to Mr. Rivers if he has taken my words that way.”
Judge Donald cast her a look over her glasses that would have flayed a lesser mortal. What did Scarlett do? She stared right back. Then, when the judge backed down with a humph, that wasn’t enough for Scarlett.
“I would like to respectfully draw your attention to a breach of the guidelines, as committed by Mr. Rivers.”
“Explain yourself.”
The judge was not impressed. Scarlett was not deterred. “Grandstanding.”
Jesus fuck, she was fired up.
Now Bob was squeaking. With fear, no doubt. I could hardly blame him. Me, on the other hand? I was shifting in my seat as my dick twitched. Talk about grandstanding.
“How about we all take a moment to cool our heads? This mediation is our last chance to procure an outcome everyone can all be happy with before the case proceeds to court.”
Wise words, Judge.
“Ms. Wright, if you and the Alliance would like to convene in another room for twenty minutes, we can arrange for light refreshments to be brought to you there.”
“Thank you, Your Honor.”
“Perhaps you can take the opportunity to discuss what concessions, if any, you are willing to give to have the case resolved.”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
Out they went, leaving me, Bob and what’s-his-name to ponder what concessions we might give. I had a few ideas on that, but when Bob asked me, I simply said, “Let’s just wait and see what she brings to the table.”
Scarlett and the Alliance returned twenty minutes later. She looked calmer, more composed, but there was a glint of determination in her eyes that put me on alert. This wasn’t going to be a case of her just rolling over.
“Ms. Wright, I hope you have been able to work through the matter to your satisfaction.”
“Indeed, we have, Your Honor. After discussing the matter, we do feel we have some suggestions that could lead to a fair compromise.”
I sat up straighter, giving her my full attention. The others may have thought I was playing it cool, but inside I was thrumming with anticipation to hear what she’d propose.
“Firstly, we acknowledge that economic development is important for the region. We are not opposed to all development, simply the destruction of critical habitat for an endangered species. In that regard, we ask that you designate a much larger area as a protected habitat for the Pine Barrens Treefrog. The area outlined in your current plans is simply inadequate to sustain a viable population long term.”
Not too bad. Quite reasonable, actually. Although, of course, I couldn’t let her see that. So, I crossed my arms and leaned back in my chair, trying to look bored. Oooh, the way her eyes narrowed at me. Fucking gorgeous.
“Secondly, we want to see a comprehensive plan for how you intend to carefully trap and relocate any frogs found in the construction area to this new protected habitat, with oversight from qualified environmental experts.”
That one stung a little more, adding delays and extra costs. But I supposed it was a small price to pay to get this thing moving.
“Added to that, we propose that a portion of the profits from the development be allocated to further conservation efforts for the treefrogs. This could include habitat restoration, research, and community education programs. We believe that involving the local community in the conservation effort is key to the long-term survival of the species.”
The way her acolytes nodded made me feel like this was some sort of cult. But she wasn’t done yet and there was something about the way they all tensed that let me know she was about to drop the bomb. That I had to prepare myself for total annihilation.
“Finally, and most importantly...” She paused, making sure she had everyone’s attention. Her eyes bored into me as she said, “We want a legally binding commitment that no future development will ever be undertaken on this protected land. Not by your company, not by any subsidiary, not by any other entity you may work with or sell to down the line. This land must be permanently preserved and maintained as a frog sanctuary in perpetuity.”
Fuck me. I’ll admit, I was a little stunned by the audacity of that one. To essentially take that prime real estate completely off the table forever? It was a huge ask. Even for her. I thought Bob was about to pass out.
“Mr. Rivers. Mr. Miller. Would you like some time to discuss your response?”