His voice was gruffer than I remembered and from where I was standing in the doorway, I could tell he’d aged.
“It was harrowing, but it wouldn’t have occurred if the dams on Clark Fork River had been repaired properly.” There went my mouth again.
“And I suppose you blame me for that as you have everything in your life?” He finally lifted his head, studying me the same way I was doing with him.
He had a point. I had blamed him for everything in my life. “Well, you are a powerful influencer with the city council. From what I heard, the full repairs have taken a back burner.”
“Let me guess where you heard that. Your new boyfriend.”
As usual, my father was trying to inflame me. “Nice try, Dad. Axe Beckett saved my life. Maybe I wouldn’t have been in the dangerous situation had the repairs been made.”
“For your information, McKenzie, the monies were appropriated at the last meeting. There were months of discussion about which firm to hire. Infighting. I finally brought a recommendation to the table both sides could actually agree on.” Whether or not he was telling the truth was impossible to tell.
“Then perhaps I’ll take my concerns that they move expeditiously directly to the council at their next meeting. Two people lost their lives because of playing politics.” To my surprise, he was trying to convince me he’d changed his ways. It would take more than just words.
His laugh sounded as bitter as my words. “You might be surprised these days. Didn’t you hear about the special election? Two new members. One died. One resigned under direct scrutiny.”
“No, I didn’t hear. I’ve been busy with my career, Dad. What is it you want to talk to me about?”
“I’ll guess Wade already mentioned what I have in mind.”
Leaning against the doorway, I didn’t physically react. “He mentioned the stadium.”
“Something Missoula has needed for a long time.” His excitement was almost catching.
I was surprised my father was honest with me, at least to a point. As he explained the new stadium, he did so with pride. However, I had no doubt he was hiding certain truths from me. I could always tell when he was hiding something.
“Rodeos,” I muttered, already sizing up pros and cons. “So you’re asking me to help by talking with the rodeo associations and convincing them that Missoula should be on their roster for next year and every year moving forward.”
“That’s exactly what I’m asking. You’re an attorney. You can speak their language.”
When I laughed, I wasn’t doing so to make fun, but I sensed he took it that way. “They already have their lineup in motion.”
“Then maybe you didn’t hear that the Dallas stadium burned a few weeks ago.”
“Wow. No, I hadn’t.” That at least opened up a spot. “They would want proof of concept.”
“Understood. If we have a benefit rodeo that’s sold out, then they might see that the city can handle the crowds and the requirements.”
“A rodeo. What are you talking about?”
“We’ll highlight past stars on the rodeo circuit. A one-day event.”
With proceeds going to fund the investors. In truth, it was not a bad idea, but there was no way we could pull it off for months if not longer.
“And what about your issues with the city council?” I asked, even though I wasn’t certain why.
“They are considering pulling approval for the stadium itself. There are some issues with zoning requirements.”
“Let me guess. They were ignored.”
“Not ignored. Just altered.”
As with everything regarding my father, if he didn’t like the rules, he bent them.
Sighing, I folded my arms. “You’re not telling me everything.”
“I’m telling you what I know. The current council members aren’t sharing their reasons with me. I heard this through a buddy of mine.” He was already becoming agitated.
