Hortons Bend

Darwin off their trip this evening so he wasn’t going to say anything about his earlier meeting with the director. “Probably another board meeting” was all he was willing to mention. “I guess you haven’t changed your mind about the trip?” she asked. He smiled and shook his head but walked over to her to make sure she understood that he was still positively interested. “It’s all set up. I’ve got the boat ready and a lantern. Flashlights are double checked” he said. Before she could counter he spoke again “Now Darwin I promise this will be a quick in and out. I agree with you. We probably won’t see a thing and maybe then it will be out of my system. I’ll just have to look further downstream or move on to another project.” She could tell he was earnest and truly believed he didn’t want to get himself or her into any trouble. “OK boss….when do we leave?” she asked. Once again he detailed how the trip would go and what time they should leave.
    Steve Price sat at his desk waiting on a phone call. Actually several calls were expected and he wanted to receive them as quick as possible. His spacious office in the Price-Render Insurance Company smelled of his cologne which he used liberally. Price, who no longer had to split profits with his deceased partner Charles Render, had done very well for himself in the insurance game. He never considered himself lucky but simp ly genetically gifted. Price was an athletic sort who had above average looks and would have been successful in any venture since he was able to sell most anything. He often felt sad for the dolts who stumbled through their miserable lives. Poor sobs didn’t everyone know that proper schooling and the right contacts made all the difference. He often thought of a quote by Adrian Rogers which “you cannot multiply wealth by dividing it” or something along those lines. His philosophy was simple: I earned my way to success and shame on anybody who can’t get do the same. He had planned his expected retirement when he was 28 years old and if this river focus group could capitalize on the project then it would put him even closer to his goal. His relationship with Herschel Banner had been lucrative to say the least which is why he was impatient to receive his phone calls. The other committee members had a lot at stake too but they had better be ready to drop any current commitments for this meeting. It was that important.
    Eventually his cell rang its melodious tone. It was Gary Marcus a local attorney who dealt with the personal injury crowd. Price didn’t have time for their usual chit chat and cut quickly to the chase. “Gary I need you to call a few committee members for me. We want to meet ASAP and don’t take any excuses. Herschel also needs for you and Harvey Gant to run over to the court house and check on any updates on the Horton land deed. I know its short notice but things have moved forward some and you know we have decided that neither Herschel nor I should be connected to any deed searches. What? Yeah tomorrows fine on the deed search but see if you can get everyone to commit to meeting tomorrow evening. I’ll make calls too.” Marcus knew where his bread was buttered and also knew that he needed to get ahold of Harvey quickly so they were not accountable for anything that might slow the project down. Price closed his cell and called his secretary in to prepare for the day’s claims.
    Price finished his phone call and was surprised to hear from Banner. Everything was on track so what else did he want. “Hello Herschel?” he answered. “Hi Steve….listen I’ve had a change of heart on a few things.” Price immediately wondered what the man was getting at but didn’t interrupt. “You know my boy Roger Curtis right? Well I’m going to have to bring him in a little closer.” Price questioned the commissioner’s move while he listened to the old man speak. “I know what you’re thinking Steve but we’re gonna need an errand boy and he’ll do just fine. I’ll include him on some things but still keep him on a leash. This project is going to start moving a little faster than I thought so we need the manpower. I’m just calling you to keep you in the know.” Price didn’t really like the idea but this had been Banner’s show and he wasn’t about to rock the boat. “Herschel if you think he’s needed then he must be needed. Just let me know next time we meet on how much Curtis knows so that I