Page 28 of The Northern Lights in His Eyes

“We aren’t responsible for that.” The miner took the mug and began looking around at the others like he was trying to garner support. “We just work for the company.”

“And they sent you up here to try to strong-arm us into handing over evidence,” William said, folding his arms over his chest.

“That’s not why we’re here,” he said, but his voice sounded hollow, like the implications of what he had been told and what he’d tried to do just hit him.

“Really? Four guys all come in here, throw their weight around, and now you say you weren’t trying to intimidate everyone,” Enrique continued. “Don’t feed me a line of bullshit and try to tell me it’s candy. That isn’t going to go over. We saw something suspicious when we helped rescue your fellow miners.” He stepped forward. “They’re your compatriots, so you should be grateful to us for what we did, not trying to make trouble. If you had been stuck up there, it would have been the people in this room who would have tried to save you.” Damn, Enrique sure knew how to get at these guys. “I assume some or all of you will eventually try to work mines in this area….” He let the rest of his thought hang in the air.

All of the miners seemed to calm down after that. Devon offered them a table in the side room where they could wait for the police.

“Is everything going to be okay now?” William asked quietly. “They seem calmer.”

Garvin slipped an arm around William’s waist. “It’s going to be fine. I suspect that none of these men really knows what happened firsthand. None of them were actually there. They were sent up here by their bosses to do a job.” He kept his voice low. “However, we might be able to find out from them what’s going on behind the scenes.”

William sat down, and Sasha settled at his feet, leaning on his leg, watching the other men. It was clear that none of them were going to be able to get near Garvin or him without Sasha springing into action. William liked that Sasha seemed protective of him.

“It’s okay,” he said gently, stroking Sasha’s head to try to calm him. “They are just angry and talking loudly. You don’t get to eat them.” William leaned closer. “They’d probably be tough and taste bad anyway.” He smiled, and Sasha licked his face. “You’re a good dog.” Damn, a week ago he never would have thought he would be saying that.

“Would you like something from the kitchen?” Angie asked when she came to the table.

William shook his head. He wasn’t hungry at the moment. “Maybe some coffee.”

“Bring him a hamburger and fries,” Garvin told her. “I’ll have the same.” He leaned closer. “Remember what I told you about eating out here. You need to keep your strength up.”

William rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. Maybe he’d be hungry once the food arrived.

As Angie served them their lunch, Trooper Nelson and another officer came through the door. Enrique met them, and they spoke for a few minutes. Then the troopers joined the miners in the side room. William ate the perfectly juicy hamburger, watching the expressions of the miners as they grew darker and more sullen by the second. They must have figured they’d come up here, demand what they wanted, and easily take it.

“We had nothing to do with that,” one of the miners said loudly.

“Sounds like these guys have realized that there isn’t going to be any work at the mine this year… possibly ever. This sort of recklessness is likely to get them shut down.” Garvin ate quickly, finishing his food by the time William was halfway done.

“And that’s a good thing? Aren’t the mines a source of jobs and people who pass through? They’d bring more business to the trading post.”

“Yes, they are. But if these people are careless enough to keep explosives or to try to blast in the winter, then who knows what they’re doing the rest of the year. Putting their people in danger isn’t helping anyone.” Garvin sat back with his coffee. “Responsible mining is one thing, but cutting corners hurts the people who work there as well as the environment.” His eyes blazed with passion, and William took his hand under the table.

“It seems to me that these guys are getting much more than they bargained for.” They were now writing out statements and speaking individually to the troopers.

One by one they returned to the dining area as the troopers finished up. Then the officers spoke with Enrique and Devon before sitting down at their table. “What do you have to do with this?” Trooper Nelson asked.

“Nothing other than we helped retrieve the wood that we turned over to you. Enrique sent some guys over to get us when the miners showed up. Basically we’re here for moral support and backup.” Garvin finished his coffee and sat back.

“Have you been able to figure anything out?” William asked.

“The investigation is ongoing,” Trooper Nelson answered as William’s phone vibrated in his pocket. He excused himself and took Arnie’s call.

“What’s up?” William asked as cheerfully as he could. He was enjoying himself, and the last thing he wanted right now was his real life intruding. But it was inevitable.

“Everything is falling into place. Procter & Gamble wants to talk to you tomorrow, and they’d like to meet with you next week.” He sounded like he’d won the lottery. “This is for a national spokesman spot with multiple commercials. You’ll be as big as the Whirlpool guy.”

William couldn’t help smiling. “Will I have to wear a costume?”

“For the kind of money they’re offering, they could want you naked and you’ll do it. These people have a huge budget, and they’re willing to pay for you. I also have you set up for Paris and am working on other bookings for that week. So when will you be back?” He finally stopped to breathe.

“I haven’t booked anything yet,” William answered. “Text me the schedule of when you need me where, and make the meeting with P&G late in the week.”

Arnie scoffed. “Haven’t you had enough freezing your nuts off up there? Come home where it’s warm and sunny.”

“I like it here. Last week I helped rescue people from an avalanche, and I’m riding on snowmobiles. It’s quiet and so beautiful. I’m sending you pictures.” The truth was, he was afraid that if he left, what was happening between him and Garvin would come to a screeching halt. He had wished to have Garvin in his life, and damn it all, he was head over heels for him. Garvin was strong, yet caring and gentle, and just thinking about the man in bed, when it was just the two of them…. Hell, Garvin paid attention to him, and even when they sat quietly in the cabin, just the two of them and the dog, it seemed special. William messaged Arnie some of the pictures he’d taken.

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