Page 81 of Mr. B

“But we might need to reassess sending that many kids again. That is a decision you’ll need to justify.”

“Other than last night, things have been running smoothly. I think everyone is having fun and…”

“We’ll talk when you get back.”

“Okay.” He turned away from the window.

“No more hikes away from camp.”

“Of course.”

“Call me in the morning with an update.”

“Will do.” Stu ended the call, and Wes returned the handset to the cradle, then sat back in the chair. The sound of a car arriving brought him to his feet again, and he looked out the window. “Here we go.”

Chapter twenty

“Just like two puzzle pieces.”

Wes tried not to zone out as Pete West droned on about his lack of responsibility and his intent to sue the district, the owners of Camp Blueberry, and Wes personally for negligence and unsafe conditions. The man had been at it for fifteen minutes.

Wes held up a hand. “Um…excuse me.” Pete stopped and scowled. “I think it would be best to continue this conversation on Monday, when I’m back at the office, and Superintendent Morrow has had a chance to thoroughly investigate the incident.”

Pete started to object, but stopped when his wife put a hand on his arm. “We should get Aaron home, Pete.”

Pete glanced at his son in the car. “Fine.” He jabbed a finger at Wes. “This isn’t over.”

“We’ll talk on Monday.”

Pete returned to his car, then sped off as Dean Sommers approached Wes. “He’s always been a blowhard.”

“I understand why he’s upset.”

“Well, I, for one, am more upset with Trevor.”

“I hope he feels better soon.”

“We appreciate you, Mr. Buchanan.”

“Thank you.”

The two men shook hands, then Dean departed much more calmly than Pete, taking the last sick child away from camp.

Wes rubbed his face, then squeezed the back of his neck. The hint of a headache that had begun after he’d talked to Stu was now full blown, and he walked slowly back to his cabin. Once there, he took a couple of pain relievers, then lay down on the bed, leaving one foot on the ground to convince himself it was temporary.

When the door opened, he opened his eyes, then smiled at Cassandra when her face appeared above him. He held up his hand, and she took it and sat next to him.

“How did that go?”

“Three understanding parents, one on the fence, and one asshole.”

“Not bad odds.”

He laughed. “I’m pretty sure in this case he can’t sue me. But that won’t stop him from trying.”

“You need some sleep.”

Wes looked at his watch. “Now it’s so late in the day, it will affect my sleep tonight.”