The Right One Read Free Page B

an ear. “Not sure why you thought you needed to come out here to do that, but I appreciate the apology. I’m afraid there’s not much to see just yet.”
    He nodded and glanced out towards the bones of the sanctuary. “What you’re proposing is really impressive. Will it be okay if I come by when it is up and going? I’d love to see what it looks like when it all comes together.”
    Cami leaned into the door, fingers wrapped around the wood. “Why? One minute you’re campaigning to shut me down, when I’m not even up and running, and next you’re wanting to see what it’s all about. That’s quite a change of heart.”
    “When I’m wrong, I’m wrong. I’m not afraid to admit it.”
    “Takes a big man to admit something like that. Or a crooked one.”
    “Ouch. You don’t mince words, do you? Listen, I was only trying to protect our neighbors. You can’t fault me for that. Can I take you out for dinner sometime, have you explain it all to me personally?”
    She shook her head. “I don’t know about that.”
    “I’ll put it this way. If everything you say is factual, I’ll make a donation to your cause.”
    Cami chuckled. “Money’s not an issue.”
    “Maybe not,” he shrugged, jiggling the keys in his hand. “But I’m sure everything you are intending to do will be expensive. What you have won’t last forever.”
    Fingers pushed through the strands of hair. “I don’t know, Mr. Schotter. You’re not interested in what I’m doing here. You don’t understand how important it is. So I don’t know what kind of angle you’re playing, but I don’t have time –"
    Paul placed a hand flat against the door. “I’m curious. That’s all. You’ve peaked my curiosity and I’d like to learn more. Isn’t that one of your goals – to educate?”
    She shook her head. “We’re not opening to the public for any reason, so our goal of education is a distant one.”
    “Maybe. But I’m thinking you want to make a more permanent change than running a shelter for orphaned tigers. I can help.”
    Cami smirked, glancing over a shoulder into the living room, refuge. “And how can you do that?”
    “You really don’t know who I am, do you?”
    “You say that like I should.”
    He shrugged, a strand of blond hair falling across his forehead. “Maybe not. But it’s fair to say I have important connections. You impress me, I can impress others, and maybe you’re little sanctuary can make large ripples in the ocean.”
    “You talk too smooth. And you’re not impressing me. I’ll pass on that dinner.”
    Paul Schotter shrugged. “If you change your mind, please give me a call.” He handed her a business card. “I understand you’re hesitancy, but honestly, I’m not trying to play you. I just want to understand. What you’re doing,” he waved a hand in gesture at her property. “It’s unique, a little strange, and I’m finding, a little captivating.”
    He turned and headed back to his pickup.
    Cami tossed the card on a side table. “Don’t hold your breath.”
    “Who was that?”
    She turned to see Liz, her closest girlfriend, coming up the walk, watching Paul’s pickup disappearing into the distance.
    “One of the stuffed suits from the city hall meeting. Playing at something, came here to ‘apologize’, if you can believe that.”
    “I wouldn’t mind seeing what’s under that stuffing with him.” Liz giggled as Cami moaned theatrically. “Sounds like you don’t believe it.”
    “Not when he’s the ringleader of the ‘Shut Down Lockhart Sanctuary’ circus. Sudden changes of heart don’t impress me.” She turned into the living room, Liz following behind her.
    “Neither do hearts proven tried and true.”
    “What is that supposed to mean?” Cami’s head dropped to a shoulder.
    “You really can be dense, you know that?” Liz leaned into the entertainment center and plucked a wrapped butterscotch from the candy dish.
    “Come again?”
    She unwrapped the candy and