Page 68 of Canyon Killer
Next was a young woman who said she had heard a lot of talk against the via ferrata around town. “But what nobody ever talks about is that property was for sale,” she said. “Anyone could have purchased it and put up apartment buildings or a waste dump or anything else. The canyon is outside city limits, and it isn’t zoned. As much as we might all like to keep everything pristine and untouched, the truth is someone was going to buy that property and develop it in some way. I’m just glad it’s something like this, which leaves most of the canyon intact. So I think you should vote to approve the via ferrata.”
Half a dozen other people followed, speaking for or against the project. Animal lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, skeptics and all-around grouches had their turn at the podium. The commissioners listened and sometimes took notes. Then it was Ian’s turn to speak.
Calm settled over him as he approached the podium. He had been here before, at the start of a difficult pitch, harnessed and ready. He had all the tools to make this moment a success—all he needed was grit and a little luck.
“For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Ian Seabrook,” he began. “I’ve been a professional mountain climber for ten years. I’ve met some of you at climbing venues and on expeditions over the years. I love the mountains and I love climbing. I want to share that love with other people—people who might not have the time or money or experience to climb on their own. They can come to the via ferrata and have an expert take them through the course. They’ll finish with a new perspective on the landscape they’ve been traversing and a new understanding of what they’re capable of. And some of them will go on to pursue the sport, as a hobby or even professionally.”
Ian studied the faces of the men and women behind the table in front of him. Only Walt Spies betrayed impatience, his lips thinning as he pressed them together, the lines around his eyes deepening. The others were impossible to read, blank and pleasant—skilled poker players revealing nothing.
He glanced at his notes once more. “I’ve heard from a lot of you since I arrived in Eagle Mountain and announced my plans for Humboldt Canyon. Some of what I’ve heard isn’t repeatable in public.” Nervous laughter. “A lot of you have offered constructive criticism and valuable input. I’ve met with search and rescue volunteers, and they’ve given me good ideas for how to make the course safer. The climbers in the community have pointed out ways I could make the course fun for more advanced climbers while still making it doable for beginners,” he continued. “Others have taught me about the history of the area, a history I’m trying to showcase both through design elements such as mimicking the old tramways and shaft houses used in historic mines in these mountains and in plaques that give visitors an insight into the history of the area. For those of you who have expressed concerns about the environmental impact of this project, I can assure you we’re following green principles and doing everything we can to lessen our impact on wildlife.
“I want to close by acknowledging that change can be hard. But change can also be a positive thing. I’m not here to sweep into town, make a big fuss and leave. I came to these mountains because they’re a special place. I want to stay and help make them even more special. Thank you.”
Applause. A few whistles. He turned to see Bethany standing, smiling broadly. Eldon and Ryan and some of the search and rescue volunteers stood also—along with, he was surprised to see, all three of the Ames brothers. He nodded to them in appreciation, then sat as Walt banged the gavel once more.
“I make a motion that we take a vote on whether or not to approve a preliminary operating permit for the Eagle Mountain Via Ferrata,” the blond-bobbed woman at the end of the table said.
“I motion that we table a vote until we can obtain more information,” said the man next to her.
Groans rose from the crowd. Walt tapped his gavel. “Do I have a second for the motion to take a vote now?” he asked.
“I second,” the other woman at the table said.
“All those in favor of granting the operating permit, signify by sayingaye.”
“Aye!” Ian couldn’t be sure who had spoken.
“Opposed?” Walt asked.
“Nay.”
Walt studied his fellow commissioners. “I show three in favor and two opposed.”
A cheer rose from Ian’s supporters—a larger crowd than he had expected. Walt’s expression didn’t change. “Mr. Seabrook, we are granting the operating permit for the Eagle Mountain Via Ferrata, but if any safety or traffic concern arise, you will be asked to address them or risk revocation of the permit.”
Ian stood. “Yes, sir. And thank you.”
“Do I have a motion to adjourn?” Walt asked.
There was a motion, then a second, and the meeting came to a close.
A crowd swarmed around Ian, some asking questions, some wanting to compliment his presentation. He fended off handshakes with a show of his bandaged hands and looked past them all in search of Bethany.
At last he spotted her at the back of the room with her brothers. He made his way to them. “Good job,” Dalton said.
“You were wonderful!” Bethany threw her arms around him. Ian patted her back, aware of her brothers watching him with, if not outright hostility, a certain amount of wariness.
“Ian, before you leave, just a few questions for the paper.” A curly-haired woman with wire-rimmed glasses approached, notebook in hand. “Tammy Patterson,Eagle Mountain Examiner,” she introduced herself. “Now that the via ferrata has been approved by the county, do you think the vandalism you’ve experienced will end?”
“I hope so,” he said. “I’ve also added twenty-four-hour security to the site. Anyone who sneaks onto the property to make trouble will be arrested and prosecuted.”
“I’ll make sure people know,” Tammy said. “When will you open to the public?”
“I’m aiming for the middle of next month,” he said. “I’ll make an official announcement when I have a firm date. There are going to be lots of exciting things happening, for locals and visitors alike.”
“Thanks,” she said. “I’ll look forward to hearing more about that.”
Arm around Bethany, he turned away.
