Chapter Fourteen
Jack stopped into several businesses in town and chatted with the proprietors. He was on a fishing expedition and casual questions sometimes led to some interesting facts.
Mr. Singh mentioned that the fishermen had stopped fishing, because there were less fish than usual in the river and several dead fish had washed up on the bank. Mr. Lee told Jack that he and his family noticed a strange smell coming from the river a few nights ago, while out for their evening walk. Jack was compiling a huge file on the water system.
“Jack, you’re back!” As he stepped from the store, he turned back to see Sarah approaching. She was wearing a knee length, pink skirt, a white ruffled blouse under a short jacket, and a pair of silver sandals. Jack held his breath, looking at her. She looked fabulous.
“Sarah, it is nice to see you. Are you going my way?” He fell into step with her and they made idle chit chat for a few minutes. “Would you like to go for a coffee? I have something to say to you and I would like to sit down.”
“Sure, let’s go to the cafe.” Sarah turned right onto Main Street and they walked to the small diner. She was curious about what he wanted to say. As they walked she tried to analyze her true feelings.
Once seated, Jack wasted no time. “Sarah, I thought about us a lot in Alberta. I want to know if there is any chance of our reconciling.” She eyed him suspiciously. He was very blunt and to the point. She had not expected this.
“Jack, you and I had three great years together and to be honest, I did miss you.”
“I think I hear a ‘But’ in that comment.” Jack watched her carefully. She was a lovely young woman and impeccably dressed. He was intentionally keeping this on a personal level and not letting her contract with the chemical company influence his decision. She looked at him kindly. She didn’t want to hurt him.
“But, I honestly think we have grown apart. We are not the same people that we were in university, Jack. We want different things in life and I have come to believe that our relationship would never give us what we both want.” She looked into his brown eyes. Once she had loved him, very much, but now she knew it was over. Jack stared back. He too could see that she no longer looked at him with love in her eyes.
“Thank you for being honest, Sarah. I still have feelings for you, but you are right. I have kept trying to resurrect something that is no longer viable.” He tried to hide his disappointment, “Friends?” He put out his hand and she took it. They shook hands and smiled at each other.
“Friends, Jack. I am glad we understand one another.”
“There is one other thing, Sarah.” She looked at him curiously.
“What’s that Jack?”
“Watch your back with Martin and Schultz Chemical. There is trouble coming and I don’t want you in the middle of it.” She glowered at him in astonishment.
“Jack Giovanni! You will never change. I should have known you would twist this around. My contract runs another couple of months and it is none of your business. And, now, I am done with you. Don’t talk to me about it again Jack. I mean it!” She stood up, threw her napkin on the table and stomped out. He watched her go. Just be careful Sarah, you might get caught up in something you have no control over.
Jack thought about Sarah and Susan. He realized that he was holding on to Sarah out of habit, rather than real affection. She had changed a great deal and the new Sarah didn’t appeal to him anymore, but there was someone that did.
That night Jack called Susan. “Hey Tonto, how are things in Arizona?”
“Not bad, Jack. How is your problem in Bridgetown?” He told her about the meeting and what he was planning next.
“How about your personal problem, Jack?” She didn’t want to hear that he was back with his old girlfriend, but she had to ask. She held her breath.
“Personal problem? Oh, you mean my relationship with Sarah.” He snickered.
“Sarah, is that her name?” Now she was getting nervous, obviously he had reconciled with her.
“Sarah is her name and we are done. Completely, absolutely and forever, we are done.” Jack realized how light and easy saying it out loud made him feel. “How does that make you feel, Susan?”
“Done? For good or just for now?” Susan wanted the facts. Her future might depend on it.
“Done forever. To use her words, ‘We are not the same people that we were and our relationship would not give either of us what we want.’ So we are history.”
“So it was Sarah that ended it.” Susan did not like this. Jack might still love her.
Hearing the doubt in her voice, Jack pushed forward. “I realize that I was just going back out of habit. I don’t love Sarah anymore. She has changed and so have I.” He took a deep breath, would she want to hear what he was going to say? “I actually have my eye on someone else.”
“You do? Who’s that?”
“This beautiful, exotic Blackfoot woman with sexy black eyes and a hot temper, sound familiar?” She laughed out loud. He was really free and he wanted her. Susan was ecstatic.
“Little old me? Well, I don’t know if I am interested in some Italian, hot head zoologist.” She wished he were with her so she could put her arms around him and hold him tight.
“Susan, I’m sorry I was such an ass. I just didn’t want to move forward with you until I knew what my true feelings were for Sarah. Now I know. I love you, Susan. Once I get this problem with the water taken care of, we are going to be together. If that is what you want.” Jack wanted to hold her so badly.
“Yes, that’s what I want, you and I saving the planet together. Call me tomorrow night, Jack. I love you.”
“I miss you already, talk to you soon.” They hung up, each one thinking of the other and their bright future together. Jack realized that this felt right.
In her apartment on the other side of town, Christine was compiling a great story, but would have to wait until its conclusion before turning it in. This entire water issue was starting to worry her, more and more. She was relieved to see Matt’s rash receding and he was much more relaxed now. Both of them were worried about the soil pollution and what was leaching into the town’s water. They discussed it at length, but knew that Jack would do whatever had to be done and let them know when he needed them. She got up from the table and joined him on the couch. Matt kissed her cheek, stood up and went into the kitchen.
“What did Jack say we were supposed to do with this Oil of Oregano?” Matt examined the small bottle Jack had given them.
“Put three drops in a glass of water and drink it,” Christine shouted from the couch.
“Okay, here goes.” She waited for the reaction, knowing full well that it tasted horrible.
“Yuck, what the hell is this? It tastes awful. I’m not drinking this.” Matt looked at her as if she was asking him to drink poison.
“Yes you are, now finish it. Jack said it would help us keep the toxins out of our bodies and who knows what the tap water has in it.”
“I only drink bottled water, I even brush my teeth in bottled water now and I boil the water for cooking, so why do I have to suffer this?” She got up and put her arms around him.
“Stop being such a baby and drink your medicine. Let me look at the rash.” She lifted his hand and examined his arm. “It looks much better. It is almost gone. Now, bottoms-up.” Matt drank the rest of the water, but he made a horrible face. The phone rang. “Hello?
“Christine? This is Missy from Bridgetown hospital.”
“Hi Missy, what can I do for you?”
“Do you know where Jack is? I tried to call him at home, but there is no answer.”
“Sorry Missy, I don’t. Can I do anything?” Christine’s curiosity was peaked.
“It’s just that we have ten cases of vomiting and diarrhea, it is getting worse, Christine. Jack needs to do something quickly. Oh, I have to go. Talk to you later, please pass on my message.” She quickly hung up the phone leaving Christine staring at the phone in her hand.
“Who was that?”
“Missy, apparently there are ten new cases of the mysterious flu and she wants Jack to know. I am going to call Bernie at the veterinary clinic and see if he knows where Jack is.” Christine dialed the clinic, but Bernie hadn’t seen Jack since morning.
Jack was at the water treatment plant talking to Dan. “Sorry about your baby, Dan.”
“Thanks Jack, it is a very sad time. We tried for so long and now this. Edna is devastated. What brings you here Jack?” Dan had been surprised to see Jack wandering around the inside of the plant.
“I have a couple of questions, Dan.” Jack proceeded to ask Dan about the water treatment system, the type of tests that were done on a regular basis, and if there had been any suspicious results lately. Dan told him everything was normal. But Jack noticed the new reverse osmosis filter system and gave Dan a questioning look.
“No problems with Bridgetown’s water.” Dan said.
Jack made idle chit chat to avoid suspicion and then headed back home. The next day, Jack called an acquaintance at Environment Canada.
“Larry, can we get together. I think I have some information for you that you should know before something serious goes down.”
“Okay Jack. How about next Monday? I can’t see you this week because we are in meetings most of the week.”
“Fine Larry, see you Monday. I will come to your office and pick you up. I think we should talk somewhere private.”
“Sounds very mysterious Jack, see you then.” Jack hung up the phone and called the group. He wanted to have one more meeting before he presented his evidence against Martin and Schultz Chemical to Larry. Everyone agreed to get together on Thursday night. Jack was determined to bring the chemical plant to its knees. Damn corporate bastards, they don’t give a damn what harm they are doing as long as they are making money. I should warn Sarah, but will she listen?
He dialed her number, but got her answering machine. “Sarah, this is Jack. Don’t delete this message until you listen. I have proof that Martin and Schultz Chemical is polluting the town’s water and they are responsible for several cases of illness and maybe even death. Distance yourself from them as soon as possible Sarah.“ I hope you listen. What Jack didn’t know was that Sarah was in Toronto on an interview with William’s father, Mr. Dubois. She would not be back for three days.
When Jack hung up, he put on his coat and was going to meet Bernie at the diner. The phone rang. “Hello, Jack here.”
“Jack, it’s Missy. I can’t talk long. You need to meet me outside the hospital in fifteen minutes.” Her voice was shaking.
“Missy, what’s wrong?”
“Just meet me, Jack.” She hung up. He continued to gaze at the phone before hanging up. Jack was out the door in minutes and driving towards the hospital. His mind was racing. What now? She sounded so distressed?
He parked the car in the crowded lot and ran to the side door where he was to meet Missy. She was waiting. “Missy, what is wrong?”
“Jack, it’s terrible! We had another ten cases of flu and now two of the older patients have died.” She wrung her hands together. He patted her shoulder. “What are we going to do?”
“I am going to stop those bastards, once and for all! I need to see Doctor Hardy.” Jack opened the door for her and they both walked into the hospital. “You go back to work, thanks Missy.” Jack was furious and Martin and Schultz Chemical was the focus of his fury.
“Jack, don’t tell anyone who told you. I could lose my job.” He assured her that he would keep her confidence. He left her and headed for Doctor Hardy’s office. The office was empty. He stopped one of the nurses and inquired the whereabouts of the doctor.
“We are very busy in emergency right now. This mystery flu is getting serious.” She rushed off. Jack went to emergency, but none of the doctors would talk to him. They were busy with patients. He did find out that two senior citizens had died of the flu. Jack left the hospital and went to the diner. Bernie was waiting.
“Where have you been, Jack?” Bernie had an empty soda glass in front of him.
“The hospital Bernie. We’ve got big trouble.” He told Bernie what had happened.
“What do we do now, Jack?” Bernie watched him. He was very distressed. Jack put his head in his hands in frustration. He ran his hands through his black hair.
“I can’t see Larry at Environment Canada until Monday. How many more people are going to die before we get to the bottom of this? Maybe I should just go to Dan and Mr. Carver at the water treatment plant. They can adjust the chemicals for the time being.” Bernie looked at him skeptically.
“You really think Carver will do anything without proof?”
“I don’t know, but I have to do something. I can’t think of anything else. Let’s order and then I am going to go home and think.” The two ordered dinner and ate in silence. Both of them were trying to come up with a solution.
The following day Jack arrived at the water treatment plant. Both Mr. Carver and Dan assured him that there was nothing wrong with the water. Jack insisted they run a test. Both men knew just how persistent Jack Giovanni could be. Mr. Carver conducted three tests, more to placate him than to get results, as Jack watched. Mr. Carver held the test tube in one hand and poured the liquid into the test machine. The digital screen displayed several readings finally stopping. Mr. Carver was surprised at the results. Jack could tell by his face that something was wrong. “What is it, Mr. Carver?” The older man took his clipboard and machine and walked away in silence leaving Jack and Dan staring after him.
“What the hell is going on? I want to know what those results said, Dan.” Dan put his hand on Jack’s shoulder, intimating that he wait where he was and Dan followed his boss.
“We have a problem, Dan.” The older man looked from Dan to the test results.
“What kind of a problem?” Dan was getting worried. He and Mr. Carver were responsible for the town’s water. He knew that the routine water test was not done last week because they were busy fixing one of the pumps.
Mr. Carver handed him the clipboard. Dan looked over the figures and turned pale. “Holy Mother of God, what happened?”
“I don’t know, but get rid of Jack Giovanni! We have to figure this out and I don’t need some tree hugger making life worse. Tell him we found a small E-coli problem and the chlorine levels are being increased, but get rid of him.” Mr. Carver’s forehead was covered in perspiration. He pulled at his tie, loosening it from his neck. Dan rushed off to find Jack. Dan was very aware of Jack’s persistence after three years in his company. Sarah and Jack visited them often and Dan had heard many of Jack’s tirades on government and religion. He had to handle this right. Jack would not be put off easily.
“Jack, it appears you were right. We do have an increase in E coli and we are going to get busy and increase the chlorine. We will let the mayor know that we are calling for a “Boil Water Notice. Thanks Jack, I have lots to do now so you will have to leave.” Jack wasn’t buying it. He knew there was more than E coli in the water, but what could he do until he had proof?
“Okay Dan, but please let me know if anything else shows up in the tests.” Dan assured him that he would and walked Jack to the door. Once outside, Jack turned back to the door as he heard the lock slam shut. Something is going on and I am going to get to the bottom of it.
The ‘Boil Water Notice’ was posted the following morning.
Sarah, filled with enthusiasm, returned from Toronto that afternoon. Her interview had gone well and she took time to shop. She had visited the Giovanni’s restaurant while she was in Toronto. Mr. Giovanni was very pleased to hear about her marketing firm and the possibility of her working in Toronto. She remembered the conversation. “It is good to see young people moving forward in business. Not like my son, who only cares for trees and gorillas in Africa.” Mr. Giovanni was not impressed with Jack’s decision to become a zoologist instead of studying business. Sarah felt as if she were betraying Jack as she listened to his father berate him, but now she did agree with him. It made her realize how far she had come. She enjoyed her lunch and she promised to see them again soon. The trip was a great success as far as Sarah was concerned. Mr. Dubois and his associates were impressed with her demographic study and her suggestions. A parcel was waiting on the doorstep, when she arrived home. Curious, she picked it up and carried it inside. She set it on the small table in the foyer and went to her bedroom with her luggage. She had purchased two new blouses in Toronto and a new, red Coach handbag. She unpacked her new clothes and hung them in the closet. Holding the bag up to the light, she admired the silver buckles on the side of the red leather. A Coach handbag, things are looking up for you, Sarah. She remembered the parcel and went back to the foyer to get it. She carried it to the kitchen table and as she passed the phone, she saw the message light flashing. She ignored it and began to unwrap the parcel.
When she opened the box, she reached in and lifted out a carefully wrapped package of silver paper with a huge pink ribbon. Excited, she unwrapped it. A pair of red Jimmy Choo sandals lay in the paper. She was more than surprised; she stared open-mouthed at the shoes. Her handbag had cost her $400, but it was cheap compared to these shoes. The shoes were worth a fortune. Quickly, she took the accompanying card from the box and read it. My dearest Sarah, I saw these and could not help but picture your dainty feet in them. I hope they fit. I am sure the interview went well. I’ll call you soon. Love Will. With great excitement, she tried on the sandals and was pleased they fit perfectly. The crisscross red leather was embellished with silver rhinestones and the raised heel gave her legs an elongated look. Sarah walked around the house pausing in front of the full length mirror to admire her new shoes. She walked to her bedroom and lifted the Coach bag from the dresser. Returning to the mirror she admired the new look. Bag and shoes matched perfectly, she was very pleased. Will, how did you know my size and that I would love these? The shoes match my new bag perfectly and I am in heaven. She realized that the card was still in her hand, she read it again. The words ‘Love Will’ made her smile. She held the card to her chest and inhaled deeply. Love Will, how romantic, when will you be home so I can show you how much I appreciate you?
She rushed to the phone, but when she lifted the receiver, she realized that there was a five hour time difference between Canada and Europe. She would call him in the morning. In her excitement, she accidently pushed the delete message button on the phone. When she remembered that it had been flashing, she tried to retrieve the message but it was deleted permanently. Oh well, whoever it was will call again.
Sarah made herself a small salad. She looked for a bottle of water but there was none. She was still wearing her sandals when she settled into her favorite chair to watch the news.
“A Boil Water Notice’ has been issued by the Ontario Health Advisory and the Bridgetown Water Treatment plant. All residents are advised to boil their water before drinking. Also bottled water is recommended for consumption as a precaution. Mr. Burton, mayor of Bridgetown, will give a full report next week. There is no need for alarm.” Sarah looked at her salad. She had just washed the vegetables in the tap water and was almost finished eating them and she just finished a large glass of water. Hopefully I won’t get sick, she thought to herself as she pushed the remaining food aside. The news report went on to announce that the hospital was still concerned over a mysterious flu like virus and were warning people to take precautions, like washing their hands. Sarah switched the television off. She didn’t want anything to put a damper on her great mood. She turned in early, tired from the excitement of Toronto and the past few days. During the night she awoke with terrible stomach pains. Without thinking, she drank a glass of water from the bathroom tap and went back to bed. She was up all night with stomach cramps.
The next morning, Sarah was dehydrated from vomiting and a bout of diarrhea. Feeling dizzy, she went to the refrigerator for a bottle of water. Realizing there was none; she poured a tall glass of water from the tap, and drank it. Nauseous, her head spinning, she went back to bed.
Jack called Larry and tried to move the meeting up to Friday morning, but Larry was in meetings all day. A sense of urgency drove him to the mayor’s office. Waiting in the outside office, he watched people coming and going. He thought he saw Mr. Carver from the water treatment plant, walking down the corridor, but by the time he stood up and looked down the hall, the man was out of sight. “Mr. Giovanni, the mayor will see you now.” The woman with the pinched face showed Jack to the door and then returned to her desk. Jack could not help but think that the woman did not have the right personality to be the mayor’s assistant.
Mayor Burton was seated behind a large desk. His vest bulged over his stomach as the buttons strained to remain in the button holes. His tie was loose at his throat and his shirt was rumpled. He didn’t give the impression of a well dressed politician. “Mr. Giovanni, what can I do for you? I am sorry, but I only have a few minutes before my meeting.” He didn’t stand up, but simply pointed to the chair in front of the desk. Jack sat down and stared at the man in silence for a few moments. He was organizing his thoughts.
“I am here on a grave matter, your honor.” The mayor glowered at him, wondering what this was about. He was not unfamiliar with Jack’s past protests and trouble making.
“Did you say a grave matter, Mr. Giovanni?” He waited, thinking that he would get rid of Jack as quickly as possible.
“I have some evidence that suggests our town’s water supply is contaminated and is causing serious illness in Bridgetown.” The mayor breathed a sigh of relief.
“I am fully aware of this problem; in fact I am meeting with Mr. Carver in a few minutes. We have the matter in hand, Mr. Giovanni. Thank you for coming.” He stood up as if to dismiss Jack.
“I am sure you and Mr. Carver will have your meeting but what I want you to do, is ask him what the test results showed. I do not believe that E-coli are the problem, Mayor Burton.”
“I assure you Mr. Giovanni that Mr. Carver and I will get to the bottom of this, now if you will excuse me.” He pointed to the door and Jack moved toward it.
“I think you should look at Martin and Schultz Chemical.” Mayor Burton gaped at him.
“Mr. Giovanni, I am well aware of your position on chemical companies and I remember your protests against Martin and Schultz Chemical a few years ago. Please do not interfere in something that is none of your business. Your vendetta against Charles Martin has nothing to do with me.” He walked toward the door and held it open. Jack left in silence, but he was fuming.
Jack went straight to the Water and Waste Management offices. He insisted on seeing the director. After waiting two hours, the director agreed to see him. Jack presented his evidence to the man, who seemed less interested than Mayor Burton.
“I insist that you investigate Martin and Schultz Chemical. I have soil samples and water test results and I know they are polluting the water system of Bridgetown.”
“Mr. Giovanni, we are not going to go after one of the town’s leading industries without positive proof. I thank you for delivering your test results, but I will ensure you that we are conducting our own investigation at several locations in the area. At present we have several sources that we are exploring, however we must be discrete and keep our findings confidential until we are sure.” He stood up and appeared to dismiss Jack. Jack felt that he was being ignored and his anger and frustrations were growing. Damn these government bureaucrats and their cover ups!
“I am going to the press! I will not leave this alone! People are ill and dying and I have had enough!” He shouted at the director. Two large men appeared at the door.
“Problem, sir?”
“Please escort Mr. Giovanni to his car. Mr. Giovanni, I would highly suggest that you do nothing or you will find yourself under arrest for interfering with an investigation by the Canadian government. Good bye, Mr. Giovanni.” The two men escorted Jack to his car. Jack was furious. He sat in his car with his new cell phone poised for action. He would report his findings and make people sit up and take notice. He dialed Christine’s number, but got her machine. Not sure what to do next, he drove home. He stopped for a coffee to go. Mr. McIntyre was coming out of the café. “Hello Mr. McIntyre, how are you?”
“Angry, that’s how I am! Those bloody politicians are going to blame the farmers for the E-coli scare. Why are we always the target?” He was furious.
“I understand completely Mr. McIntyre, but don’t you worry, I am working on something that will prove that you and the other farms are not to blame. I just need another couple of days.” Mr. McIntyre put his hand on Jack’s shoulder.
“Good luck Jack, I hope it works. By the way, the coffee prices went up.” He walked away, looking unconvinced. This made Jack feel more frustrated than ever. Poor bugger, somebody is always the scapegoat. Well not this time. Martin and Schultz Chemical are going to pay this time.
“Prices gone up, Gerry?” The man behind the counter handed Jack the coffee.
“Bottled water costs a lot of money and all the prices will have to reflect that. When the heck are they going to fix the problem?” Jack didn’t know what to say. He turned and walked out.
Bernie found him sitting in the living room, with the drapes drawn. “What’s the matter, Jack?”
Jack was stewing. He could not get the image of Charles Martin’s face out of his mind. Five years before, Jack and several others were protesting the chemical plant because of an air pollution problem. Martin had arranged for Jack to be humiliated and arrested in front of the others. The smug look on his face haunted Jack for years. Although Jack’s lawyer finally had him released, the five months behind bars was one of the worst times in his life. Another inmate had threatened him with a knife and given him a beating that had almost killed him. It was the cause of his kidney failure and as a result, he needed a transplant. The operation this year was the final result. Jack would not forget what Charles Martin had put him through.
“I tried Bernie, I really tried. No one will listen. They are determined to blame the farms and the farms are probably the most environmentally friendly enterprises in this country. Now I don’t know what to do.” He relayed the events of his day to Bernie. His friend was surprised at the defeatist tone to Jack’s words, it was very uncharacteristic. He went to the kitchen and returned with two beers. Jack tried to keep his personal feelings for Charles Martin out of it, but they were definitely influencing his judgment. Bernie knew Jack very well and had been with him five years ago. He could tell what Jack was thinking.
“First drink this, we need to think. The last thing we need is you in prison again, Jack. You are the one that can get things done, we need you.”
“I know Bernie, I called Larry at Environment Canada and he agreed to see me on Sunday instead of Monday. At least we’ve gained one day but the mayor and the waste management director dismissed everything I was telling them. There is a huge cover up underway, I just know it.”
“He must have faith in you Jack, if he agreed to meet on the weekend. Do you think he can do something?” Bernie took a long gulp of his beer.
“Time will tell Bernie. Martin and Schultz Chemical will be the death of this town.” He drank his beer and went for another. The two sat for over an hour discussing the situation. More beer disappeared as the conversation grew heated. Suddenly, Jack jumped up and grabbed his jacket off the hook by the door. “I’ve got to go, Bernie.”
“Where are you going, Jack? Wait for me, I’m coming with you. I have to go for a pee first.” Bernie ran to the bathroom, while Jack put on his boots. Bernie was worried that Jack would do something foolish. He hurried to do what he had to and the two jumped in the van.
“Where are we going?” Bernie saw the determination on Jack’s face. He would support Jack no matter what, but he was hoping they both would not end up in jail.
“To Martin and Schultz Chemical!”
“I was afraid of that.” Bernie watched the stores and houses pass by the window as Jack raced out to the north end of town. Bernie kept his eyes peeled for police cars. They had both had several bottles of beer and he knew Jack shouldn’t be driving. Soon they pulled into the empty back parking lot of the chemical plant. Bernie felt a sense of relief that they had made it without incident.
Jack jumped out and went to the back of the van. He grabbed a shovel and threw it to Bernie, whose long arm had no trouble catching it. Bernie, wondering what next, gave Jack a quizzical look. Jack grabbed another shovel and started for the trees. Soon he was digging a huge hole beside the second row of trees. Bernie joined him, unsure of exactly what they were doing.
Suddenly, a loud voice shouted at them. Alvin Cooley came running across the parking lot, arms waving. “Stop! What do you think you’re doing?” Surprised anyone was there at this time but determined, they ignored him.
“Stop it, or I’ll call the police!” Alvin huffed and puffed when he reached the area where Jack and Bernie were digging. He tried to yell but didn’t have enough air in his lungs. Dirt flew from the hole that was now several feet deep. Alvin had trouble speaking, his face was red and his heart pounded. Finally he shouted, “Stop, I say!”
“Go away, old man! We have something to prove and we are going to dig until we prove it!” Jack shouted defiantly. There was no stopping Jack now, he was a man on a mission.
Alvin took his cell phone from his pocket and dialed the local police. In gasps, he asked for help and the police sergeant told him he would send a cruiser. Alvin collapsed on the grass and waited, trying to catch his breath. He was frantic, it was all unraveling. Jack and Bernie continued to dig, ignoring him.
The police car siren sounded in the distance. Bernie’s shovel hit something hard. “Jack, over here!” Alvin turned pale; his heart was pounding in his chest. He started to feel dizzy. This couldn’t be happening, after all these years. Damn Martin and his stupid trees!
Jack stood beside Bernie listening to the shovel tapping on something hard. He looked at Bernie with great anticipation and started digging. At six foot five, Bernie’s shovel strokes were ambitious. Jack dug in, trying to match him stroke for stroke. His shovel also hit something hard. He exchanged a look with Bernie. They had definitely found something.
The police car arrived. Alvin struggled to get to his feet, but he collapsed. His heart was racing and a sharp pain shot through his chest. He gasped for breath. Alvin clutched his chest, unable to speak. The officer ran to his side. Realizing that Alvin was having a heart attack, he called to his partner to get an ambulance. Jack and Bernie were ignored. They continued to dig until the top of a large metal drum appeared.
Jack’s heart was pounding, at last he had the proof he needed. Excitedly, he took his digital camera from his pocket and took several pictures. “I’ve got him now, after five years I finally got Charles Martin!” He started to dig a few feet away, before he realized that Alvin Cooley was in trouble. When he saw the officer trying to revive him, he looked up at Bernie, who had stopped digging. Bernie was staring at Alvin in shock. They rushed to the old man’s side. “What happened?”
“You tell me.” The officer looked at Jack. “This man needs help.” Realizing the officer was out of his depth Bernie quickly took over and administered artificial respiration. He pushed on Alvin’s chest and counted out loud. Soon the ambulance arrived and the paramedics took over. Alvin Cooley was breathing, but barely. The paramedics gave him oxygen and loaded him onto a stretcher. Once he was stable, one of the paramedics thanked Bernie. “You probably saved his life, thanks. We will take him to the hospital now.” Jack and Bernie watched the ambulance pull away before turning back to the policemen. Jack spoke directly to them.
“Can you two, please come over here and look at what we have found?” The two officers approached the hole curiously and peered in.
“Looks like a barrel. What does this have to do with us?” The officers looked at the two men covered in dirt. Jack and Bernie looked at each other.
“Nothing, we just needed another witness. Thank you officers; you saved a man’s life.” Confused the policemen went back to their car. They assumed Alvin called because he was having a heart attack and did not question Jack and Bernie any further. After the car pulled away, Jack and Bernie filled in the hole that they had dug and left the plant.
“Now we know what is killing those trees. There are probably toxic chemicals leaking out of that dumpsite and into the ground and probably the water.” Jack drove with purpose, he felt elated. “This is it, Bernie. Now I can prove the dump site exists. Bloody chemical plant, I knew it was them. Sarah and her green campaign is just a joke now, Bernie. I told her. I told everyone, but they wouldn’t listen.” He was rambling and excited.
Bernie glared out the window silently. “Bernie, what’s the matter? Why so quiet? We’ve got them Bernie, we got Martin and Schultz!” Jack was filled with exuberance and satisfaction.
“Jack, Mr. Cooley just had a heart attack! I think we should go to the hospital and see how he is.” The comment brought Jack out of his reverie and dropped him like a stone, firmly back to reality. He took a deep breath, Bernie was right.
“Jesus, Bernie, you’re right. I’m sorry, I just got carried away.” Jack turned left toward the hospital, feeling very badly that he had dismissed a man’s life so cavalierly. “Let’s go and see how he is.” Jack was truly full of remorse. No matter how he felt, Alvin Cooley’s life was more important than his campaign against Martin & Schultz. It could wait.
After several minutes, they learned that Alvin Cooley was in intensive care, but was expected to live. Jack and Bernie drove home relieved, and Jack was once again focusing on his goal to expose Martin and Schultz Chemical.
“Tomorrow, I will go and see Charles Martin, and he will either agree to go public and have that dumpsite removed as safely as possible, or I go public and expose him for what he is, a polluter and a liar and quite possibly a murderer, if we can prove that those barrels are the source of the contamination and the contamination was the cause of deaths at the hospital. I’ll wipe that smug look off his face!” Bernie looked worried.
As soon as he got home, Jack phoned Susan. “Hi Sue, how are things in Arizona?”
“Arizona is going as expected, lots of road blocks with the government, but we are moving forward. I am going back to Alberta on Friday; there is more trouble with the oil sands, Jack.” Susan sounded tired. He told her about his discovery. She responded but not as enthusiastically as he expected.
“Are you getting enough sleep sweetheart, you sound exhausted?”
“I am not worried about sleep right now Jack. The plans for a trans-boundary pipeline carrying oil from Canada to the U.S Gulf Coast will threaten the wetlands of the tundra swans, snow geese and countless numbers of ducks.”
“Not to mention, the pipeline will lead to more tar sands mining and drilling in the boreal forest,” Jack added. “Between my problem here and yours there, I think we have a very busy month ahead of us. When am I going to see you?”
“I don’t know Jack, but this pipeline will transverse two thousand miles and threaten the clean drinking water of more than two million residents. What are we going to do, Jack? We have to try and stop this blatant disregard for people’s safety. We’ll see each other when we can. Now you have the ammunition that you need and hopefully you can get that dumpsite cleaned up. Once I get things organized in Alberta, I have to come back to Arizona for at least two weeks. Perhaps you’ll have your problem in Bridgetown sorted by then and we can get together. I miss you Jack, and I could use your help out here.” Susan wished Jack was with her. Together they could accomplish so much.
“I miss you too. I am going to see Charles Martin tomorrow. I will call you tomorrow night, get some sleep. I love you.” Jack put the phone down and sat staring at the wall for several minutes thinking of Susan. She was amazing and dedicated. He loved her with all of his heart. I am so glad I came to my senses about Sarah, she and I would never have worked.
He picked up the phone and called Christine. “Chris? Just wait until I tell you about my day!” Jack told Christine about his and Bernie’s discovery out at the chemical plant and about Alvin Cooley. She was shocked.
“Is he all right?” Jack assured her that Alvin would recover. “Do you think Mr. Cooley knew what was under the ground? He’s the one that ran out and told Matt not to use the machinery on the landscaping. What are you going to do now, Jack?” Christine could not believe what Jack was telling her. Matt sat opposite her on the couch looking curious. “Hold on Jack, I have to fill Matt in.” She told him what was going on.
He too was in shock. It explained what happened to the trees and why he had his rash. Matt was angry. “Tell Jack if he needs back up, I’m his man!”
“Chris, I’ll let you know what happens tomorrow morning, but if Martin won’t co- operate, I intend to go to the Banner. Are you willing to take this on or do you want me to call John directly?” Jack didn’t want to involve anyone else. He knew this was going to cause a lot of disruption in quiet Bridgetown. “I don’t want you to get involved if you are not comfortable.”
“Call me tomorrow and let me know what happens, Jack. Matt and I will talk about this tonight.” She was about to hang up, but added, “Jack, be careful, you know what happened last time you confronted Charles Martin.”
“I know Chris. I’ll be careful. Keep this to yourselves for now, good night Christine.” Jack hung up and started pacing the room. Bernie was already asleep in the next room, but Jack was filled with energy. At last I have you. I won’t rest until that dump site is cleaned up and Martin and Schultz Chemical are taken to court.