Free Tainted Mountain by Shannon Baker

mining techniques. With your support, Senator, they’ll have no problem giving us the go-ahead.”
    When Deavonshire’s only response was an uncomfortable silence, Barrett hardened his voice. “You understand McCreary Energy is responsible for putting you where you are now.” The grin slipped from the senator’s face. Good.
    â€œYou know I’m grateful for your support.”
    â€œBring home the votes. We’re set to start drilling immediately.”
    Was Deavonshire’s smile the tiniest bit shaky? “It’s a tough issue, Barrett. I’ll do what I can.”
    Barrett rose. “Deliver.”
    The senator held out his paw for the firm politician’s hand job. “Big Elk sure isn’t helping our cause. The Hopi council was ready to recommend the mining, but they cancelled their testimony for this afternoon. Rumor has it Big Elk convinced them to change their position.”
    Fire blasted through Barrett at this unexpected setback. “I’ll take care of Big Elk.”
    â€œI’m sure the committee is going to call for another environmental impact study.”
    Goddamn it. “You’ll convince them it’s not necessary and a waste of taxpayer dollars. Last year’s EIS is sufficient.”
    There was that patronizing attitude, as if Barrett didn’t know how the system worked. “This is a small issue and might be something we can concede to appear cooperative.”
    â€œAnother EIS is non-negotiable. No new studies, no delays. Get the vote.”
    â€œAbsolutely.” Could teeth get any bigger or whiter?
    Barrett wasn’t convinced of Deavonshire’s sincerity. “How rude of me. I haven’t asked about your wife and adorable daughter. Angela, isn’t it?”
    The senator grinned. “She’s a corker.”
    â€œThe world can be a dangerous place for a three-year-old, don’t you think?”
    Deavonshire’s face froze. He might be stupid but, apparently, not retarded. The color drained from his face.
    Barrett showed his teeth, only slightly resembling a smile. He patted the senator on his shoulder. “I’m looking forward to the committee releasing those claims.” He sauntered down the hall, spying Cole chatting with, of all people, Charlie goddamn Podanski.
    Cole spotted Barrett and ambled over. A young reported scurried to them, her notebook and pen poised. “Mr. McCreary, what do you say to those who are worried uranium mining could destroy the landscape and pollute the water? That, ideally, mining should be forever banned in this region?”
    Barrett barely kept himself from growling at the ditz. Obviously, he shouldn’t talk to the press now. “Let me introduce Cole Huntsman. He’s McCreary’s expert on uranium mining.” Barrett stepped back and let the ever-charming Cole disarm the reporter.
    â€œMining techniques have changed dramatically since uranium was mined around here in the seventies,” Cole said. “The typical footprint of the mine is smaller than a Walmart parking lot. Each mine would only last about five years and as it closed, a new one would open. So we’re not talking about hundreds of mines operating at the same time.”
    The co-ed scribbled and nodded. With the reporter occupied and the hearing room emptying, Barrett moved on to his next problem. He needed Nora Abbott under his thumb. Not necessarily out of the picture like her meddling husband—though if it came to that, he wouldn’t hesitate.
    Cole continued with his smooth press voice. “Uranium is deep underground, so mines won’t be exposed to wind and water. The water table is way below mine level. There will be no blasting, no unsightly pits, and no lasting contamination.”
    Problems roiled in Barrett’s gut and he swallowed acid. Was this how his father felt before he’d keeled over from a heart attack?
    â€œThe Arizona Strip, a land area of