offer more insight into
this assignment. Luck seemed to be on her side.
“I’m really not sure what angle you’re
after,” Makenna admitted.
“Is it pretty up there?” Kenzie asked
unexpectedly.
“Gorgeous, and I haven’t even made it
out of town yet.”
“What do you think will happen if a
major electric company comes through the area?”
“At the very least, they’ll have to cut
right-of-ways and clear a path for the lines.”
“Now look around your room. How many
things do you see that require electricity?”
“A dozen or so?” Makenna guessed,
glancing around. “Four, no five lights in the kitchen, electric stove,
refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, blender, dishwasher… two lamps in the
living room, ceiling fan with three lights, television, DVD player, several
outlets... Wow. Guess it’s more like two dozen things, just in these two
rooms.”
“So how do we balance the need for
electricity with the need to preserve nature?” Kenzie challenged.
“I-I’m not sure.”
“Most people aren’t. We all want the
modern conveniences, but few of us consider the true price. That’s what this
assignment is about.”
“Hmm. That’s a lot to consider, but I
think I can work with that,” Makenna said thoughtfully. She paused for a moment
before changing gears. “Are you familiar with NorthWind Energy?”
“Aren’t they the ones in charge of the
project?”
“Yes, but I mean other than this
project. Have you heard anything about them being involved with organized
crime?”
“Organized crime?” Kenzie hooted. “I
think the altitude has done things to your brain, girlfriend!”
“Hmm. It’s something to think about,
though. A huge multi-million dollar project, government grants and subsidies,
edging out the little guy. Has good potential for the mob.”
“Has potential for a good movie, maybe,
but this is real-life. Stick to the plan, sister.” There was a new edge to
Kenzie’s voice, but Makenna attributed it to the frustration of not being able
to cover the story herself.
“Okay, so tell me the plan.”
The two friends bounced a few ideas off
one another and Makenna scribbled notes as they talked.
“You see,” Kenzie said after their
brainstorming session, “I knew you could do this. You might even do this better
than I would.”
“I don’t have your talent behind the
lens, but I’ll give it my best shot.”
“Ha-ha, you’re already talking like a
photographer! Best shot, get it?” Kenzie snickered on the other end.
“At least you’re able to laugh about all
this. Ah, Kenzie, I feel so awful for you. Surgery, recovery, a bruised
spleen... Not to mention, wrecking your car.”
“I think the cuts on my arms hurt almost
as bad as my leg! There’s hardly an inch that’s not bruised. But, meeting
Robert almost makes it worth the pain. He promised to come by when he gets
through with his rounds.”
After listening to her friend relay the
intern’s wonderful attributes, Makenna made a confession of her own. “You’ll
never believe this, but I’ve met someone, too.”
“Already? Spill!”
“His name is Harden Kaczmarek and he
actually only lives about forty-five minutes from us, around Gruene. He’s got
the most amazing blue eyes, and a body to die for.”
“Mmm, delish! How did you meet him?”
“We sat together on the plane, actually,
and exchanged phone numbers. And then, believe it or not, he’s staying at this
very same resort! We had dinner together last night and we’ve already texted
this morning, planning to have dinner again tonight.”
“Ooh, sounds promising! Is he a good
kisser?”
“Kenzie! We just met yesterday. Besides,
we said goodnight in the lobby. I didn’t want him following me to my room, in
case he’s a pervert or something.”
“I know these days it’s hard to tell
about people, but do me a favor, Kenna. Don’t over-analyze this. Just go with
your gut feeling. What’s it telling you?”
“That he’s a good guy. A