Background
Previous chapter: Leaves Kansas City, friend Ginger, and family for second trip to Alaska University for meeting on dam construction, Danielle hears birth of baby, suspects Stewart as its father.
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Danielle entered her colorfully designed room, dropped her bags, then immediately dialed a number the clerk gave her.
A friendly hospital receptionist answered. "Yes, Starla Frost is here. Doing so well she may leave first thing tomorrow."
Envisioning a young and beautiful Alaska native girl holding her new-born baby, Danielle longed to see the color of its eyes. A soft, blue grey stare from Stewart Bryant swept over her. Annoyed at such thoughts, she shook her head and hurried from the room.
From the hotel lobby she entered a nice gift shop that featured native Athabaskan artwork. Immediately she selected a pair of booties handmade from rabbit skin, trimmed in fur, and artfully embroidered. While paying for the gift, her cellphone rang.
Her boss, Harwood Wright, greeted her. "Wanted to let you know I gave your phone number to State Senator Vern Hughes. He and his wife, Alice, are from Juneau and are staying at the same hotel as you. Be good to meet him before your meetings."
Danielle agreed to discuss issues with the Senator. After her goodbye, another ring came.
"Oh yes, Senator Hughes, Mr. Wright told me I might hear from you."
"Alice and I are right here in the dining room. Please join us."
"Yes, I'll be right there." Danielle sighed, took in a deep breath and walked down the hall. The restaurant host escorted her to the Senator's table.
"Pleased to meet you, Miss Leroy." He introduced his attractive wife, who was of Alaska native decent, then he plunged into the issues about the Dam. "I want you to know we are highly opposed to building that seven-hundred-foot dam. It poses harmful impacts on five species of salmon, caribou migration routes, tourism and fish-based businesses."
"Yes, I'm sure a forty-two-mile reservoir could degrade sensitive salmon spawning." Danielle's comment propelled the senator's wife to respond.
Alice's dark brown eyes gleamed. "Such a dam would make changes to the deep forests, open tundra, and villages that live off the river."
Danielle immediately encouraged them both to give her specific statements on how people living near the area feel about the dam construction. Their discussion and meal lasted over two hours.
Alice noticed the tiredness in Danielle's eyes. "You were on a long flight. Right? I'm sure you need to rest Miss LeRoy."
"Kansas City time was shortly after midnight when I left. I'm glad you encouraged me to have dinner with you and put an end to the day." They arose from the table and walked smiling to the elevator.
"See you tomorrow afternoon at one-o'clock for that meeting," the Senator said as they stepped from the elevator.
In the hallway, Danielle looked at the gift bag she carried. Her mind filled with doubt making her wonder why she so anxiously bought a gift for the baby of someone she barely knew. Every feeling washing over her seemed unnatural and possibly foolish. Wanting to see Starla was startling and it was scary to feel confidence in her job fading away. Her mind waivered about tomorrow meetings with Alaska legislators, and perhaps the governor, on issues involving the dam project.
Wearily she heaved a sigh and looked about in her room. This was a fine hotel but different than the one where she stayed in June. At her bedroom window she saw the Chena River with street bridges decorated with overhanging flags. A park held plush flowers and an amazing statue of pioneers was in view. An early evening cloud shaded the sky. All was a comforting scene for a tired and bewildered woman who found her way to bed.
Sunlight poured through the window at an early hour. Danielle hurriedly showered, dressed in jeans, a light shirt, and twisted her long hair into a band. A sidewalk trail along the river made the day come to life. The impressive park appeared to be made from the energy of people living in town. Springing before her was care-given art, flowers, statues. Her walk was energetic. It renewed strength that she needed.
Minutes before the one o'clock-meeting, Danielle appeared at the University in a dark burgundy-colored pantsuit and a lighter red high-heels. She had her blond hair twisted and pinned up in a loose chignon professional way. Approaching the building, she smiled remembering how Stewart Bryant had laughed at her first attempt to open the door. That was where she first met him. Then only a few days later she was at his elaborate ranch where together they toured the grounds, rode horses and flew in his plane. He was alive in her thoughts when she entered the building.
"Miss Danelle LeRoy, what a pleasure it is to see you." Dr. Burns waved from his desk beside an open office door.
"You can't be very surprised, Dr. Burns, since you were the one who contacted my company and suggested I come." Entering his office, Danielle sat comfortably beside his desk.
"I did, and as your one-time professor here, I'm confident you will make significant points about construction and the aftermath of a dam on the Susitna River."
"My company wants me to point out both sides of the project. I'm having trouble with that."
"Well, I know you have done extensive research. You are especially excellent at exposing all details on projects."
"Thank you, Dr. Burns. But I doubt I can give a truly significant presentation this time."
A deep, masculine voice swept into the room. "Here's my tip. Keep quiet until you hear what the governor's staff has to say."
Dr. Burns stood up and reached out for a handshake. "Stewart, you're here early. I'm sure you remember Miss LeRoy."
"I very well remember this impressive lady, named Dani." He grabbed her hand and gave it a light kiss.
"My mother wrote you my nickname?" Danielle's brightly wide eyes stared at a handsome face washed in amusement.
"You know her mother?" Dr. Burns looked startled.
Danielle chimed in with irritation filling her voice. "My mother sent him some of her special fudge. She wanted to thank Stewart Bryant for rescuing me from an incident with a bear."
Dr. Burns smiled. "Oh, I see, Stewart, there was more than one reason you suggested I contact her company."
Sharp high heels banged on the floor as she jumped up facing Stewart with a startled stare. "You thought I should come here and get embedded with support to construct that dam?"
"No, not exactly." Stewart hesitated. His unconscious gaze swept over her reddish suit and golden hair. "But I do suggest you just listen today. Hold off speaking until the next meeting."
Danielle frowned.
An excited Dr. Burns spoke up. "That way, your opposition knowledge may be more effective."
Stunned, her stare swept over both a conservation professor and an industrial coal miner.
Author Notes
Character List:
Danielle LeRoy, main character
Stewart Bryant, new man in her life
Dr. Burns, college professor
Curtiss Hicks, friend at work
Social Friends: Ron,Gabe,Ivar,Rhonda,Dixie
Mr. H.T. Wright, company owner
Kevin Harbeson, boyfriend in Kansas
Ginger Kellar, housemate in Kansas
Starla Frost, young pregnant woman
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