Trepidation hit me hard as I climbed out, following Wade toward the building. “Is this all Dad’s doing?”
“Oh, hell, no. There are investors, banks involved. Sure, some palms were greased, Kenz. I can’t lie to you. However, this was Dad’s dream.”
After he unlocked the doors, we walked into darkness. That didn’t last for long.
With a flip of several switches, the bright lights forced me to wince. “The rodeo.” My father had always believed Missoula was a perfect location for the larger national and international rodeo championships. Sure, we had a smaller stadium that allowed for the second and third tier shows, but that had never been enough for him.
“Yep. But not just for state or local competitions, but with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys and the Professional Bull Riders Associations. We want to put Missoula on the map.”
“What you’re considering would take a huge investment. Of time. Money. Let me guess. Daddy’s influence over the city council for land approval and needed infrastructure.”
Wade nodded. “You’re right on all counts and the city council members were thrilled with the idea. We’re far enough away from the city limits and the influx of capital brought to the city will be incredible. We were hoping to be operational for the fall’s championships but ran into several obstacles.”
“Let me guess. Including legal ones.”
His grin confirmed why I was here. My dad believed I could make the difficulties go away.
“All this at the expense of the firefighters, which in turn hurts the smokejumpers.”
“I don’t play politics, sis.”
“Bullshit, Wade. You run the ranch. You’ve had to deal with city politics before.”
“Yeah, well, Dad had his hand in this. Just take a look around. Everything is state of the art.”
Exhaling, I couldn’t help but notice the time and effort that had gone into creating the environment. I headed to the center of the ring, glancing at the roofing system. With our winters, the area had to be enclosed. The size was perfect, incorporating dozens of first-class seats.
As I walked the perimeter, I had to admit I was thoroughly impressed with both the design and accommodations. The concession stands were in perfect locations, bathrooms strategically placed throughout. As I headed to the back, Inoticed the signage was incredible, the artistry used to decorate the walls amazing.
He trailed behind me, obviously worried I’d find fault with the design. What I knew about land development was how to protect workers. What was really needed was for the people of the city to be protected from my father’s influence. Not a position I wanted to be in.
“What do you think?” Wade asked.
“Impressive. What happens when it’s not rodeo season?”
“Then we have concerts. The roofing can open up as well.”
“Then why place all the cards on the table about the rodeos?”
“That’s the way the stadium was sold to investors.”
Another sigh left me. “Of course it was. A promise made. The investors are none too happy the season was missed for the year.”
“Nope. They had box seats already presold. Reimbursing the box holders was a nightmare.”
Why hadn’t I heard about this? “And the two rodeo associations?”
“Unfortunately, neither organization wants to have anything to do with us. That’s all political in nature and you know our father.”
“Yeah, a bull in a china shop. However, if you think I have the skills to strong-arm them, you’re wrong. Not my forte.” Nor was it anything I was interested in doing.
“No, but you do know rodeos. You know cowboys. You know how the system works. And you could talk an Eskimo into purchasing land for igloos.”
My misfortune couldn’t have presented my father and brother with a better opportunity. Plus, I had no doubt my father had made other promises.
“So what? This isn’t how I intend on spending my career.” I was serious. Although I had to admit that rodeos were in my blood.
“A one-time deal,” he insisted.
