I know this is going to catch fire.
What I don't know is how long I have before the match is lit.
Chapter 7
Kassi
Istare at the screen as the video call blinks to life, trying not to let my expression betray what I feel in my stomach. That familiar swirl of nerves and something colder, something tighter. My boss, Martin Delaney, appears in his usual crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled to the elbows like he's ready to dig in, but we both know he's never lifted a shovel a day in his life.
"Kassi," he says, with that smooth, practiced smile. "You're looking well. How's Walker Lake treating you?"
I keep my own smile polite. Measured. "Productive. The community engagement numbers are strong. Local businesses are showing interest in the revitalization package."
"That's good," he says, but his tone shifts. Just a little. Enough to make my spine straighten. "But we both know the crown jewel is that ranch. Without it, the whole layout of phase two falls apart."
Here it comes.
"We need that ranch."
I nod slowly. "They've refused the three offers you have approved so far."
"That's why I'm calling. I need you to find leverage."
The word hits harder than I expect. I blink once. "Leverage?"
"You've been talking to them. Get close. Figure out what their weak points are. Everyone's got one. Money. Secrets. Debt. Sentimentality. Whatever it is, find it and bring it to me. What can I use to sweeten the deal so they say yes? Do they need us to pay for their move? Or is there something we can use to force them to sell?"
His voice is calm. Not threatening. Which somehow makes it worse. As if this is just part of the job. Something he’s done a million times before.
He's not on the ground getting to know these people. While Asher has been my point of contact, and he hasn't been the nicest person I've dealt with in Walker Lake, I already have a knot in my stomach thinking about manipulating him.
I swallow. "That wasn't what I was brought in to do. My role is community redevelopment. Not—"
"Kassi."
He says my name. It’s a warning. Gentle, but firm. "You're a single mom. You've told me yourself how much this job means. I know you want the best for your daughter. Let's not pretend we do this work for fun."
It's easy for him to make demands from miles and states away. It's harder for me since I've taken the time to get to know people here. This is the community I live in, where my daughter lives, and the last thing I want to do is uproot her again if I lose my job because this whole development plan goes south.
He pauses for effect, then softens. "Look, you do this, and there's a project manager role opening up next quarter. Bigger salary. Better benefits. We're talking real security for you and Emma. But I need results now. No more waiting."
I flinch. Just a fraction. "I won't lie to them."
"No one's asking you to lie. Just find out what makes them tick. You're good at reading people. That's why I hired you."
He pauses again, then continues, his voice quieter and colder. "This project manager role I mentioned? That promotion is going to someone who delivers. Someone who gets results. And I want that to be you. But you have to give me a reason, Kassi. Don't make me wonder if you're still the right person for this job. Listen, I have another call, but do some digging, we will chat soon."
He ends the call before I can say anything else. Leaving me staring at my own reflection on the dark screen.
Suddenly, the apartment around me feels too still. The stack of project files, the community feedback forms, the framed photo of Emma from last Christmas, with her face all lit up from the glow of the tree, making the silence louder than before.
I lean forward, pressing my hands to my temples. What am I doing?
This job was supposed to be about building something. Helping towns like Walker Lake survive and grow. I thought I was making things better. But lately, it's felt more like I'm helping tear something down. And the worst part is, I didn't see it. Or maybe I just didn't want to.
The longer I live here and get to know the town, I can see they may not be thriving on big city standards, but they aren't hurting either. This town is nothing like what I was led to believe it was before I moved here. It's so much better. They have a strong community, with events, culture, and history. There’s some tourism, but the people living here are here because this is the life they want. Who am I to come in and turn that upside down?
I open my laptop, fingers hovering over the keys. Against my better judgment, I begin to pull up public zoning records and agricultural easements. The ranch is listed under three names, all brothers, with no recent liens or open permits. I click through tax history, water rights, then a spreadsheet from last year showing county assessments. I'm halfway through looking intoproperty transfer histories when my stomach flips. It’s making me feel as if I'm violating something sacred, poking around in a life I haven't earned the right to dissect.