“No one needs to do anything they feel uncomfortable with,” Shane said. “If you don’t want to ski that weekend, think about joining us in the village square for another peaceful protest on Sunday afternoon. We’ve got some local musicians who have agreed to play, and it will be a chance to talk to people and explain to them our point of view about the proposed expansion. All nice and friendly.” He smiled. “That’s all I have to say tonight. We’ll have another meeting before MLK weekend. In the meantime, think about what I’ve said and tell your friends to join us. We can save Blaine Mountain for everyone to enjoy.”
Voices rose in agreement, then the group began to break up, people making their way back to their cars.
“I want to talk to Shane some more,” Stacy said and moved toward the organizer.
Shane looked up at her approach. “You’re just the people I wanted to speak with,” he said.
Shane’s words indicatedhe wanted to talk to all three of them, but he looked right at Connor when he spoke.
Connor met his gaze with a steady look of his own. Odd, he wasn’t as nervous about this charade as he had expected to be. Maybe because a lot of what he had said reflected his truefeelings. He still didn’t advocate violence, but he didn’t think the resort expansion was a great idea.
“You seemed pretty serious about your dislike of SkyCrest,” Shane said.
Maybe he had laid on the criticism of the resort too thickly. He’d only been trying play the part of the keen revolutionary. Time to dial back a little. “I love the ski area,” he said. “But I don’t necessarily like the way the corporation handles things.” All true.
“I’m with you there,” Shane said. “We don’t want to harm SkyCrest. It’s an asset to the area. It brings in lots of jobs. But the resort honchos have gotten too arrogant. They think they make or break the town, and that’s not right. The people want to take back what’s theirs and remind SkyCrest that it’s locals who made them what they are today.”
“How are you going to do that?” Stacy asked. “Are protests and rallies enough to sway corporate opinion?”
“We have something special in mind for MLK weekend,” Shane said.
“Do you mean the disruptions on the ski runs?” George asked. “That is certainly going to snarl things up for skiers.”
“Something in addition to that,” Shane said. “Something to drive home our point about the expansion plans not being safe for visitors.” He returned his attention to Connor. “How long have you been with ski patrol?”
“Six years.”
“So you’ve done a lot of avalanche mitigation?”
The fine hairs on the back of Connor’s neck rose. “Yes.”
Shane stared at him, expression intent. “Then you can help us out.”
“Help you how?” Connor asked.
Shane looked around. “I’ll fill you in more later. Now isn’t the right time.” He clapped Connor on the shoulder. “I’ll be in touch.”
He started to move away, but Connor caught hold of his arm. “Does this have anything to do with the explosives that were taken from ski patrol?” he asked.
Shane went rigid. “What do you know about that?”
“I’m the one who found out they were missing,” Connor said.
Shane shook his head. “I can’t say I know anything about that.”
“Then what is this special thing you want help with?” Connor asked. “And why does it matter that I’ve done avalanche mitigation?”
“You wouldn’t have to do anything yourself,” Shane said. “We just need an expert consultant.”
“I can’t commit until I know what, exactly, you want from me,” Connor said.
“Sure. Sure.” Shane pulled out his phone. “Give me your number, and I’ll get in touch to explain.”
Connor hesitated. Did he really want this man knowing his phone number?
“Silly. He can never remember his own phone number.” Stacy slipped her hand in the crook of his arm and rattled off Connor’s number.
Shane typed in the digits, then pocketed the phone. “Great. I’ll talk to you later.” He lifted a hand in a gesture of farewell, then hurried away.
