lot of time on
the beach and happened to befriend an old man who felt very strongly
about environmental considerations。 He affected me deeply。〃 The memory
of Hector Wallaby brought a sad smile to her lips。
〃He's dead？〃
〃Yes。 I miss him。 He never knew it； but in spirit at least； he was the
founding father of ESE； Inc。〃
〃Were you in college during the time you knew him？〃
Chloe sat straighter。 〃Uh； no。 I 。。。 my freshman year was postponed。〃
〃So you started college late and have still done all this？〃
The pliment gave her a boost。 She smiled。 〃Once I decided to go into
geology I was in a rush。〃
Ross smiled back。 Firm lips framed the whitest of teeth； mesmerizing her
for the split second until he said； 〃You worked for Conam Petroleum？〃
〃Yes。 Do you know the pany？〃
He shook his head。 〃Only by reputation。〃 He looked at her sideways；
skeptical now。 〃I'd have thought that if environmental concerns were
your focus； the oil panies would be your archenemies。〃
She blushed。 He made nothing easy； that was for sure。 But if he wanted
to be honest； she could be honest right back。 〃I needed the money；〃 she
said and braced herself for the response that was sure to e。
And she wasn't let down。 Ross's eyes widened； then narrowed。 〃You needed
the money？〃 He frowned。 〃Did I miss something here？ I was given to think
James Macdaniel was…is…mne o