They listened as Declan asked several questions.
“He seems up on this kind of thing,” Noah whispered.
“Clearly he’s smart.”
“He is, and apparently has done his research.”
The questions kept coming from Declan and others in the room.
“If you can’t answer these questions, then who can?” Newman said. “We deserve, as the inhabitants of the town, to know what is going on down there and what you’ll leave behind.”
“It’s my land.” Lani got out of her seat slightly to find who was talking. A short man wearing a cap like her was standing.
“Stefan Leigh. He’s the owner of the land Dr. Trask is using. Only one thing motivates him, and that’s money. He’s let that land go to ruin for years, but now he’s found a way to make it work… and not a good way,” Noah said. “I tried to buy it off him a few years ago but he refused.”
“You’re a sellout!”
“Sit down, Jed,” Cubby said. “Insults are getting us nowhere.”
“Makes me feel better. I don’t want my children growing up with an extra breast, is all.”
“For the love of God, man, shut up.” Cubby looked frustrated.
“No one is growing extra body parts as a result of genetically modified food.” Dr. Trask attempted to regain the floor, although now he looked a bit tight around the mouth.
Noah was trying not to laugh, Lani noticed. His friends were the same.
“I’m guessing he’s not that bright. Jed, I mean.”
“Didn’t spend a great deal of time in school, and I think it shows,” Noah said.
“And then some,” Newman added.
“What about them aliens,” Ethan said in a different voice so no one realized it was him.
“There are no aliens,” Dr. Trask said, trying to remain composed.
“Aliens!” Jed said. “No one said anything about them. I don’t want to have to get about with foil wrapped around my head so they don’t suck out my thoughts.”
Noah snorted as he battled back the laughter.
“Okay, this meeting is over. We have a list of questions we want answered, Dr. Trask. I will have them emailed to you; see that you reply promptly,” Cubby said. “Jed, you’re an idiot.”
“I love this town,” Noah said as everyone started filing out. “Move it along there, Lani, this man needs a coffee.”
She got out of her seat and made for the door with the rest of the guests.
“What’s your take on that?”
“Dr. Trask and the potatoes?” She looked at Noah.
“Yes.”
“Hard to say, but I think it’s something you all should keep a watch over.” Lani thought about that large camouflage tent she’d found. Could that have something to do with Dr. Trask?
“My thoughts exactly.”
“Hey, Lani, what are you doing later?” Branna asked her.
