Key Lime Season (January) Part 5

 "I was supposed to deliver key lime pies yesterday!"

 "Yes, I know. Addie stepped up for you there. She and Autumn took care of everything that needed to be done. Lisa, don't worry so much. I'm glad you finally got caught up on your sleep. You've been getting too many headaches, and I've suspected it's been because you were so tired. Another thing. If this is where you feel the most relaxed and comfortable, I want you to feel free to sleep here any time. I mean that. I can easily go someplace else -- I won't impose on Taryn every time."

 "I'm really, really sorry, Fabian."

 "Don't be, sweetheart. I'm not. I love you. Your job is not to entertain me. It's to take care of yourself. Oh -- Addie sent this down." He put a loaf of bread on the table and got some butter from the refrigerator.

 "Aren't you going to eat?" she asked.

 "I had something earlier," he said. "I picked up a sandwich when I stopped at Addie's for the bread. Definitely drink the water. You're probably a little dehydrated."

 He could see into the vardo from where he stood. He hadn't wanted to believe it when he'd heard Abe and Fabian talking in the diner. Not his sweet, innocent Lisa. But there she was, sitting at the table. Since she hadn't arrived at any time since he'd been watching, he knew she'd been in there all along. The slut. She was going to have to pay for this. He pulled out his cell phone and pressed a memory key.

 "It's me. That offer you told me about a while ago? I am so in. Yes, I do. The east mill truck wash. Hardly anyone goes there."

 "Jerry Epperson and the Mills Gazette have been absolutely brutal. I've tried writing opposing editorials to persuade people, and it's just not working. The hearing is next month, and I'd like to have a few allies there."

 "So what do you want me to do?"

 "I'm thinking the resistance to what I want to do is more about the removal of the trees than anyone losing their home. Lisa is a nice girl, but she can't possibly have that many friends. Buildings come and go, but people get all sentimental over trees for some reason. If something were to happen to the trees and they wouldn't bloom next spring ... Nobody would object to removing dead trees. Unfortunately I don't have the slightest idea how to kill trees."

 "I do. The orchard is irrigated. Stop the water and you kill the trees. It's simple. I'll let you know when it's done. Shall we discuss compensation? You indicated when we met that you were prepared to be generous."

 "And I am. This job will be in two parts. Take care of the trees for the first part. Let me know when it's finished. We'll arrange to meet and I'll have your compensation for you and the assignment for part two."