Read Online Timber Lake (The Snowy Range Series, #2) by Nya Rawlyns - Free Book Online

shot at winning over the director. Pawing through the pile of maps, he extracted a quadrant displaying the Platte River drainage system and shoved the others to the side. Smoothing the map down, he pointed to a thin blue line. “This is Deep Creek. It’s the dividing line between two Ranger districts with the reservoir at the base.”
    Paul seemed interested. He noted, “Area’s already been developed. Campground’s right off 101 here...” he tapped at the sprawl of blue to the southwest, “...and what’s left of the old lodge.” He glanced at Michael. “It’s mostly just a SNOTEL site, isn’t it?”
    Michael grinned, the shit-eating smirk that churned Sonny’s stomach, and sneered, “Let me guess, you aren’t here to survey wildlife, are you?” He flipped the folder shut. “I read the appendices. You’re a forecaster for the NWCC, am I right?” He glared at Paul. “Maybe the right term is apologist instead.”
    Paul smirked. “Well, that explains Senator Limon’s interest. Last thing him and his cronies want is rational light shed on the state of our water resources or, God forbid, climate change.”
    Clasping his hands on the table, Sonny said, “Actually I’m none of the above. I was brought in to assist in developing a four year strategic plan for the National Water and Climate Center based on my findings from research I did for my doctorate.” He shrugged. “Mostly I’m trying to synch data acquisition and management techniques I developed from surveys done south of the Platte.”
    Sonny had Paul Trader’s attention. The man tugged on his earlobe, considering the possibilities. Tracing Deep Creek’s torturous path through the canyon to where it dumped into the reservoir, he said, “This is an easily accessible location, but...”
    “I understand what you’re saying, sir. Thing is, it’s only a single data point, and I’m going to need more than that to develop this program.” Stretching his arm, he pointed to a spot well upstream. “What I’d like is to trace the creek back to a couple of its sources. Crater Lake’s one, but at over ten thousand feet I’m not sure it’s the best location for additional data collection instruments.”
    Michael interrupted. “Timber Lake’s at a lower elevation, though that’s not saying much. But it’s probably accessible if the old hiking trails are still open.”
    “If you follow the creek bed, it might work. Be a hell of a hike though.” Paul looked at Sonny. “You bringing back samples, Doctor?”
    “Yes sir. That was the plan.”
    “And you want how many helpers?”
    Getting excited that the director was finally hopping aboard the Good Ship Research, Sonny replied, “Just two or three to help with the measurements. Carry samples, that kind of thing. Plus a guide, of course. I realize this is your busiest time of the year, Mr. Trader, so I don’t want to be a burden.”
    Answering for his boss, Michael snorted and said, “No burden at all. You do know how to ride a horse, don’t you?”
    “Um, yeah.”
    Paul stood and extended his hand. Sonny mirrored the movement, taking the hand tentatively, not really sure what was going on. Why was he being dismissed? Did the director think...?
    Trader cut through the fog enveloping Sonny’s thoughts with a cheerful, “It’s all settled then. I’m giving you everybody I can spare.” He tipped his head in Michael’s direction and beamed. “Him.”
    “Wait just a fucking minute...” Michael stood so quickly the chair smashed into the wall behind him. “Are you telling me...”
    “No, Warden Brooks, I’m ordering you to take Dr. Rydell under your wing and see that he gets to wherever the hell he wants to go.” The older man smirked. “For the next few days, you are completely at his disposal.”
    His head swiveling to stare first at the Director, then at Brooks, Sonny wondered what the royal hell was going on. Trader sounded as if he had a bone to pick with the warden tasked with