Page 14 of Masquerade

Kate held her breath, expecting exposure, expecting payback for her role in innocently co-opting him into this position. George entered the room, unnoticed by the others while he waited at the back of the room. Liam-baiting had become the game.

“Magical. Frustrating.” He could be speaking to Kate alone. And still, he didn’t expose her.

“Sorry, I was delayed.” George slid into a chair. “First, I’d like to thank you for your proposals. Even with the short timeframe, the quality’s outstanding.” He tapped the folder in front of him. “Before I give you my decision, I’d like you to hear Kate’s assessment.”

Five pairs of eyes zeroed in on her. George’s held amusement. Liam’s were unyielding in their wintry chill, while the other three flashed irritation, surprise or both.

“Kate hasn’t seen the proposals,” George inserted smoothly. “I told her two projects were nominated and asked for her views.”

She’d assumed her earlier evaluation was for his ears alone. She didn’t know how many or which people had chosen each project, if most of them or just one had opted for her preferred project.

“No pressure then?” she muttered.

“An objective view, as we agreed.” George encouraged her. He’d be picking the winner.

“The new Zanta coal mine is opposed by multiple groups,” she began. “Farmers on the basis of the loss of prime agricultural land, and environmentalists because of the loss of diversity and the impact on the planet of more fossil fuel development. It’s also aroused the ire of Australian workers at existing coal mines who see their jobs being displaced. Your older daughter is a key campaigner against it.”

George inclined his head.

“However, it’s huge and has garnered enough opposition for national and international banks to refuse to lend to it.”

“The latest move by the government suggests using public funds to underwrite it,” Atticus interrupted.

“Last-ditch efforts of the pro-fossil fuel lobby.” Kate sympathised as Atticus aligned himself with the project she’d recommended placing second. “Some major insurers are also distancing themselves.”

“It could give us a guaranteed win.” Atticus was persistent. “A good way to start a new venture.”

“If a win’s all you want. The second project is smaller, has attracted less publicity and concerns a few landowners and the surrounding community in northern New South Wales. The potential impact on rivers, farming and biodiversity spreads well beyond the area of the project, yet for some reason, the protesters haven’t been able to get much traction.” Kate was convinced George’s commitment was deeper than backing the current media headline. She ran her tongue over her lips before continuing. Liam’s eyes settled on her mouth.

“Perhaps because it’s not as significant as you think.” Amira’s catty comment showed she’d opted for Zanta as well.

“Or the state politician and his influential friends in the media, who have actively tried to shut it down, are winning.” Follow the money; Kate’s mantra in any research project.

“Can you substantiate your accusation?” Amira demanded.

“Not to the level required for a prosecution. However, my research includes registers of business ownership, directorships and recent property divestments and transfers, some of which are suspect. To be blunt, property adjacent to state-significant agricultural land has changed hands, and attempts have been made to hide the new ownership.” Kate knew her job.

“Discovering those details would have required tracing some family history,” the woman objected. “We weren’t given enough time for a deep dive.”

Kate had started with a simple internet search of the major players.

“Thanks, Kate.” George drew their attention back to him. “Three of the four proposals nominated the same project. Different strategies, but the same project. I’m guessing the logic behind the choice is your belief I’ve gone soft. You assumed sentiment would influence my decision.”

“Not sentiment, sir, support.” Helen Browning identified herself as the final member of the trio. “Supporting your daughter’s campaign is a logical move if you want to move into this area.”

“Not from where I’m sitting,” George disagreed. “I want success, and I want it to signal we’re serious. The second project fits those criteria.”

Another hit to Kate’s earlier judgement of Liam. He’d done his own research, rejected the glamorous, big-name project and opted for the one topping her personal list.

Liam frowned. “I’m not sure if you overheard our earlier conversation, George. We were discussing my brother’s moonlighting as a billboard model.”

“I heard.”

“Genosearch is extending its campaign. It’s likely my face will be recognised,” he paused. “If I talk to people, I’ll be linked to Genosearch or outed as myself. Either way, it will harm the confidential nature of the project.”

Liam’s jaw jutted forward.

Determined, bloody idiot. Yet his brutal honesty showed a certain nobility, like his challenge to her in Anna’s office. He’d sacrifice what he wanted for the good of George’s project. A smile played around George’s mouth as if he’d anticipated Liam’s response. She guessed he and Liam had had this conversation already.

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