Chance still wasn’t sure where this conversation was headed. “Go on.”
“The guard is fitted and permanently attached to the entrance with locks at the bottom. As the owner, you’d have the key, of course. The guard can be unlocked and rolled up during the months the bats aren’t hibernating, but when they start settling in, it has to stay down. It’s designed of small squares so they can move through either way, but it keeps predators, and people, out.”
The possibility of securing the cave brought Chance a surge of hope. “Could it stay down all the time? I’ve had a lot of trouble with vandalism.”
“Yeah. Kyndal told me.”
Chance flinched inwardly at Rick’s mention of her name. Damn, he wanted to see her.
Rick seemed not to notice, caught up in the excitement of what he was saying. “Keeping it down except for when you want to go in wouldn’t be a problem. As far as the vandalism, the department will deal with that. Causing harm to an endangered species carries a hefty fine and sometimes imprisonment. There’ll be signs posted and cameras installed. And vandalizing one of the cameras would be a big mistake for anybody, too.”
Chance’s gut twisted with guilt. So Kyndal’s photos—the ones he’d blamed her for publishing—were actually going to be what saved the cave. He was losing count of the number of apologies he owed her. What an ass I’ve been. He turned another page of the magazine to a photo of the crystal vug in all its splendor. And what a woman she is. He sighed and shook his head at the twist in fate this Christmas Eve morning had brought him. “You’ve given me some fabulous news, Rick.”
“Well, I’m glad I could do something to make up a little bit for the horrible position I put y’all in last night.” Rick shook his head, his chin buckling. “I still can’t believe it was Senator Donovan who kept Kyndal from getting that job.”
“What?” Chance leaned over his desk, feeling alert for the first time since Alice shook him awake.
“Yeah. I talked to Jaci this morning. Kyndal told her the whole story last night after…well, you know.” Rick sipped his coffee before continuing. “Kyndal was the first choice for the magazine job, but somebody called in a favor with Donovan, and he had the job handed to somebody else.”
Oh, hell…surely not. His dad and the senator had been together a lot lately securing Rick’s new position. Chance laid the cookie in his hand back on his plate as his stomach gave a sickening lurch.
“I feel awful about making a big deal to his daughter about my gratitude. Hell-pee-roo. Can you imagine how that made Kyndal feel? The irony must have stung something terrible, poor kid. But she kept her poise, didn’t she? Didn’t say anything. Just excused herself. She’s got a lot of class, that one.”
His revelation pounded at Chance’s brain. He grabbed the tennis ball from his desk and started to squeeze. “Yes, she does,” he agreed. “More class and spunk and grit than any woman I’ve ever known.”
“You’ve got it.” Rick took a long drink of his coffee, and then set the cup and saucer to the side and folded his napkin. “Well, I’ve got Christmas shopping to finish, so I’d better get out of here.”
The proper action as a host would have been to protest and act like he wanted some more friendly chat, but Chance was chomping at the bit to confront his dad. He stood, relieved to see Rick pick up his magazine and make a move toward the door. “Don’t buy anything for me, Rick.” He forced a jovial laugh. “You’ve given me a great present already.”
They exchanged a heartfelt handshake. “Merry Christmas, Chance.”
“Merry Christmas, Rick.” Chance clapped him on the back in parting. “Give Denise a hug for me.”
As soon as his friend was out the door, Chance headed straight for his dad’s office, charging in without bothering to knock. “Tell me you didn’t sabotage Kyndal on the magazine job.” He slammed the door behind him.
Bill Brennan looked up, startled. He dropped his eyes back to the legal pad he was writing on. “I didn’t sabotage Kyndal on the magazine job.”
Chance placed his hands flat on the desk and leaned over so their heads were on the same level. “Look me in the eye and tell me you didn’t sabotage Kyndal on the magazine job.”
His dad threw down his pen, raising his eyes to meet Chance’s. “Now maybe she’ll leave