Page 92 of Head Room

“Like I said, we can’t know what the future holds.That’s why it’s vital that we leave our options open.”

Without looking at either of us, Mrs.P said, “The young believe they can manipulate the world to anticipate every contingency.They cannot.”

Before Clara could try to regain the floor, she continued, “Both parties, acting in good faith, are cautious, for good and understandable reasons.Their goal is a secure and ongoing arrangement that also allows them individual freedom We want to ensure the best for both our organization and their welfare.”

Her emphasis on the last two words made them a speech in themselves.

I slid in with, “How are the negotiations going?”

“We are progressing,” Clara said quickly.

The way Mrs.P didn’t look at her, told me Clara was a major speed bump.As if I didn’t know already.

“How is it negotiating with Frank Jardos?”I asked.

“It’s not with him, exactly.He helps out the vets.It’s James Longbaugh handling the negotiations, though he’s not representing either side, exactly.”

A very inexact negotiation.

Though that kind of approach wasn’t all that unusual in the small circle of business deals in Cottonwood County.

“Have you met someone named Nance?”

“No.”Uncurious, Clara turned to what interested her.“We still have elements to sort out and— Wait.I’ve heard something about Frank Jardos lately.What was it...?”

“His cabin burned down.A body was found at the site.It has not yet been identified,” I told her.

“Right, right.But, surely, it’s him.That’s going to throw a monkey wrench into things...”

Mrs.P gave her a reprimanding look that bounced off.

“Maybe we should start from scratch,” Clara mused.

Before Mrs.P exploded over that — or, more likely, imploded — I rushed out words to distract Clara.Basically, pulling her back from the ledge she didn’t know she was about to step off.

“What are the issues holding up finalizing the deal?”

“The right of way, like I said.”

“But that sounded recent.”

“It’s complicated with multiple parties on the vets’ side,” she said vaguely.

“Has there been dissension among them?”

She wanted to say yes, but flicked a look toward Mrs.P.“Not that I’m aware of.”

Victor’s comment about Nance coming and going popped into my head.

“What happens if one of them moves away, wants to sell—?”

“See?”Clara pounced, her exultation directed at Mrs.P.“We have to look at contingencies like that, too.I’ll call James.Say we have to rethink from the start—”

I muttered a farewell and slid out of the room, feeling the steel of Mrs.P’s gaze boring into my back.

****

I called JamesLongbaugh’s office — with no intention of mentioning what I was interested in.