-l ducks and geese. And the creek through Westerly"s has a nice
natural pond over in the north corner, another attraction for
waterfowl and who knows what other kind of possibly
endangered species. You know, the humpbacked three-toed
frog or something like that."
"That"s right." Clyde nodded with interest. "We used to
hunt ducks back there as kids."
"Yes," said Scott, rubbing his hands together. "I happen
to think we might have some hot wetland issues going here."
Clyde cleared his throat. "As you all know, I cannot abide
to see government bureaucrats interfering with anybody"s
private property rights. But in this case, I just might have to
Lmake an exception."
78Melody Carlson
Abigail nodded. "I know just how you feel, Clyde. My
husband, G.o.d rest his soul, used to go on and on about gov-
ernment sticking its big old nose into every area of our per-
sonal lives. But when I think about what those development
boys are up to, all I can say is: sic "em, Uncle Sam!"
Maggie laughed, then sobered a little and said, "I just
hope we"re not becoming a bunch of mean-spirited vigilantes
because of all this. It"s not like I want to seek revenge or any-
thing like that..." -
"Not revenge," said Clyde. "Justice."
"Yeah," agreed Scott, his tone becoming serious. "And
don"t forget we"re doing this in honor of the memory of Mr.
Westerly."
"That"s right," said Abigail. "For Mr. Westerly."
"So, it looks as if we"re all in consensus then," said
Maggie with a slow smile. "And I didn"t even realize we were
having an official meeting today."
Scott started to duck back into his office, then popped his
head back out again. "Oh, yeah. There"s something else I
almost forgot."
They all looked at him again, but this time he said
nothing, only grinned foolishly. "Well, what is it?" asked
Maggie finally.
"Chloe and I got engaged over Thanksgiving."
-Everyone laughed and congratulated him. Clyde even
pulled out one of his cigars and stuck it in Scott"s pocket.
"When"s the big date?" asked Abigail.
~UmNew~ I know it sounds really crazy, but we"re thinking
about Year"s Eve."
"This New Year"s Eve?" asked Maggie incredulously.
Scott nodded. "Yeah, seems kind of sudden, doesn"t it?"
"Are you kidding? I would think Chloe"s family would
need lots of time to plan for a big wedding. Don"t they know
just about everyone who"s anyone up in Portland?"
Scott"s smile faded. "Actually, they"re not too excited
-about the whole thing. I guess her dad thought this little stint