I decide on a whim to show up at Thornton’s office in the historical building unannounced. My intention is to inform Thornton of the change in my employment status, and clarify our standing together.
Fortunately, I find him in his office.
Something about the situation kicks me into business mode, as my approach is uncharacteristically abrupt as I sit.
“I want you to hear it from me. Wanda offered me a position on her team as her Director of Parks and Recreation. I can’t pass it up.”
I pause, waiting for a reaction, but there is none, so I continue.
“To me, it’s a chance to really establish myself, you know? To be someone important, part of Middle Valley government and management.”
Thornton nods, still listening. “Yes,” he says.
“Our undercover investigative work at Hilltop has to come to an end. That’s not to say that it cannot resume at some point, but I can’t handle it now.”
Thornton reminds me of how well we worked together on the time capsule. He obviously feels a loss. My mind is racing, trying to counter. ‘Business mode,’ it seems, has lifted.
“I know, I know,” I tell him. “But we have to keep this on the up and up.”
Thornton stands. “Bentley. When were we ever not on the, as you say, ‘up and up’?”
“Well,” I stutter, then cough. “It always seemed like you didn’t really want anyone to know about … well, about your interest in Hilltop.”
“That cat is out of the bag, Son,” Thornton says. He smiles suddenly. “Loss of our undercover investigative work at Hilltop is not the end of the world … I’m actually more concerned about any negative impact the new emphasis on tourism here might have on our historical landmarks. I’m sure you’ll have some input for me along the way, yes?”
I nod. “I imagine. I’ll certainly keep you in the loop.”
He assumes a more serious pose.
“Bentley, I’d like to have a seat at the table, a voice when Wanda and her team meet to discuss development, tourism, city growth, and city history.”
“Okay. I guess that might be … “
“I mean, a real say,” he interrupts.
“I … well, I like the idea.”
“I’m most concerned with preserving and recording Native American history, particularly where Trader’s Bend is concerned, and recognizing and preserving the history of Hilltop.”
“I get it,” I tell him. Even though I don’t.
“You know, that building was involved in the smuggling of slaves North via the Underground Railroad and then alcohol and other products to the South.”
I didn’t know that, but as I stand and shake his hand, I assure him I’ll bring those issues to the table.
I dash out into the late-summer sun, a breeze beginning to whip up off the surface of the Chickotee.
Somehow I got outta that one in one piece …