Page 17 of Clear Path

Proving the point, she appeared beside Aaron. “Come on, babe. We’re going to be late opening the shop.”

Sadie managed the local outdoor gear shop, where Aaron also worked. She jangled a set of keys at him for emphasis before turning to give Rory a tight smile. “Congrats on the news coverage.”

“Thanks. Although I haven’t read it yet,” Rory said, hoping the measured response would head off any ugliness.

No such luck.

“Well, don’t get too comfortable with the attention,” Sadie said with a lightness that didn’t quite mask the edge in her voice. “Small-town fame is fleeting. Last month it was Val Taylor’s blue-ribbon jam at the county fair. Next month, it’ll be that trainer in the valley who has a corgi competing at the dog show.”

Aaron shot Rory an apologetic look as he hustled his girlfriend out of the shop. “You’re right. We should get going. See you around, Rory.”

Before they were out the door, Diana was chuckling. “I see Sadie’s still threatened by you.”

“She just thrives on drama,” Rory murmured, glancing down at the newspaper.

There was her photograph of Edward Kovalic. Despite herself, she had to agree with Aaron: the composition and the contrast of light and dark was as powerful in newsprint as it had been in her viewfinder.

Before she could read the article, a conversation from the next table caught her attention.

“—going to be the biggest development yet. Mason says they’re bringing in an anchor tenant from Pittsburgh. Some tech company looking for a satellite office with ‘rural charm.’”

Rory peeked at the speaker from under her eyelashes. She didn’t recognize the middle-aged man in a polo shirt.

He leaned toward his companion. “It’s a prime location, right where the trail meets the river.”

His friend nodded. “Heard they’re calling it the Riverview Exchange. Mixed-use with luxury condos on the upper floors. Starting at what, half a million?”

“More, I think. Mason’s got a waiting list already. You should get on it if you have any interest at all.” This last bit was said in a hushed voice, barely above a whisper.

Rory’s pulse sped up. The patch of land where the trail met the river was currently a scrubby field where local kids playedpickup soccer, people walked their dogs, and a group of feisty Italian-American retirees played bocce and drank red table wine from coffee mugs. The Patch, as everyone called it, was one of the few undeveloped spaces left in town, a casual community gathering spot.

“Rory? Your dirty latte’s up.” The barista’s voice broke through her thoughts.

She collected her drink, mulling over what she’d just overheard. Another Julie Mason project, another piece of Union Hill transformed into something unrecognizable to its longtime residents.

Diana peered through her yellow-tinted glasses at Rory as she returned to the table. “You look like someone just peed in your coffee. You’re not letting Sadie get to you, are you?”

“Of course not,” Rory scoffed, sliding into the chair across from the former chief. “Have you heard about Julie’s plans for the Patch?”

Diana’s mouth tightened. “Ah, the infamous Riverview Exchange. Yes, it was the main topic at last month’s town council meeting. I argued for preserving at least part of the parcel as a proper park, but I was outvoted. Five to one.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’m used to being the lone voice of opposition.” Diana sipped her coffee. “Besides, this fight’s only getting started. Despite their unified public front there are some tensions between the other council members.”

“How do you know that?”

Diana chuckled. “Apparently people think having low vision means I can’t hear, either. Folks seem to forget I’m in the room and say the most revealing things in front of me.”

“How did you end up on the town council, anyway?” Rory asked. “I thought you’d stepped away from public service after ….”

“After I was forced into early retirement?” Diana completed the thought without bitterness. “I tried, believe me. Had every intention of raising orchids and reading mystery novels. That lasted about three months before the boredom nearly killed me. I told the council they could give me a seat or defend my unlawful termination in court.” She grinned. “Besides, someone needs to keep an eye on Ron.”

The town council had used Diana’s disability as an excuse to push her out and install her ex-husband, Ron, as chief. By all accounts, Diana had been a driven, fair, and incorruptible police chief. By all accounts, her ex-husband was none of these.

Rory glanced at her watch. “I should take this to go. I’ve got calls to make about the exhibition.”

Diana tilted her head. “Which one? You have two, after all.”

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