The strange theft doesn’t squash my gut feeling that says this land holds more wealth within it than above. I wouldn’t even have found this lake if the stupid GPS system worked properly. Next time I’m using a good old-fashioned paper map because while the lake is beautiful I still haven’t found the resort and knowing my grandfather he’ll want a progress update before I’ve checked in.
I use my phone to take pictures of the lake for reference and make a note to get a mineral survey done of the area.
Readjusting my pants for the freaking tenth time because my suit isn’t waterproof, I put the rented SUV in drive and head up the rough road praying I’m going in the right direction. I’ve only got a quarter tank left of gas and I’ve been travelling on these back roads for close to three hours. The excitement of the drive, discovery of new scenery and my first real job for my grandfather has long since faded. All I want is a nice cold beer and to strip out of this monkey suit and get into my jeans. I hate wearing suits, but they’re par for the course and my meeting with the new real estate broker my grandfather hired means dressing for the part.
Twenty minutes later I spy the resort and crack a smile. The place looks exactly how grandfather said it would—homey with a rugged quality about it, but you can tell they’re working slowly to update the place. However, if I seal this deal, the makeover we’re planning will mean bye-bye resort and hello million dollar pay cheques once we get the mine up and working.
That twinge of excitement courses through me. I’ve worked my ass off the last five years for this chance and I’m not going to ruin it. Unlike my deadbeat, alcoholic father, I want more out of life. Growing up poor tends to make you a fighter. I’m just thrilled that while my grandfather disowned his own son, he took an interest in me. I might have had to work some rough jobs to get through university, but he came through on his promise.
“Finish your business degree and I will guarantee you a job and train you to be just like me.”
And that just like me is a man worth over ten million thanks to his business smarts. While he certainly won’t win any contests for being nice, he doesn’t need to care. He’s got enough financial capital that people put up with his abrupt, abrupt attitude.
Swinging the SUV into the customer parking area, I walk up to the small office. Within minutes I’ve got the key. The young woman behind the counter with the name tag, Amy, tells me I have a message and she hands me a note. Guess the guy I was supposed to meet couldn’t reach me thanks to the mountains which block cell phones so he left a note at the resort. That could also be why the GPS wasn’t working. All this I learn from the bubbly young woman behind the counter, who also informs me the resort is undergoing a make-over. I’m really not in the mood to chit-chat, but I play my charming self.
She politely starts to inform me about something to do with my cabin, but at this point in the day, I honestly didn’t care. All I want is privacy, a bed and a cool drink. Thankfully the conversation gets cut short once the manager walks in and all her chatter ceases. I excuse myself, thanking her for the information and make my way back to my vehicle. I’m itching in more ways than one to get into my cabin. As refreshing as the lake water was, the high wool content in my suit is a royal pain.
A few minutes later I pull in next to the last cabin on the left. There’s a faded wooden sign above the door—Sunset Delight.
How…touching? The screen door squeaks loudly and I have to give an extra yank on the inner, wooden door before it finally lets me in. I cringe when I spot the faded, yellow flowered curtains and brown-beige sofa. There’s even a real 1960’s looking black phone still plugged into the wall which makes me laugh. Who the heck uses those anymore and why keep it?
I can’t help myself. I pick up the phone and am floored when I hear a dial tone.
“Stone Cliff Resort. How can I help you?”
Shit. What to say? “Sorry, I just picked it up to see if it worked.”
“Oh yes, Mr. Samson, all the phones work in the cabins. It’s a safety measure. The mountains can make cell phones iffy. You left before I could explain that we’re currently all booked for the weekend and we had to put you in the last cabin to be made over, but our plan is to move you on Monday. We do apologize for this. Is there anything I can get for you?”
“No. I’m good. Thanks.”
“Don’t forget it’s Sunday night so our bar closes at nine tonight in case you want to grab a drink. Have a good night. Bye.”
“Bye.”
A drink is exactly what I need. First I’ve got to get my gear from the SUV and I’m praying there’s a three-prong plug for my lap top. I’ve got less than one hour before my meeting. Just enough time to fire off a quick email update to my grandfather, shower and get settled.