The Christmas List: A Novel

Kier drove Traci back to her condo, then returned to the office. Tim Brey was waiting for him in the conference room. The table was covered with blue and white building plans.

“There they are,” Brey said. “The final plans for the Paradise development.”

“Did we get the permits?”

“No, but it’s only a formality. We have the final zoning meeting tonight.”

“Good thing we own the committee,” Kier said. He looked over the plans, nodding approvingly. “I want to modify this for something around forty acres.”

Brey looked up. “We’re getting the Allen property?”

“Unless he finds a million dollars in the next three weeks.”

Brey smiled. “Well done. You said you were going to end up with that piece.”

Kier lifted his case. “Set a meeting with the architects. We’ll go over it Monday afternoon.”

“Done. Let me know how the hearing goes tonight.”

Kier stopped. “I forgot about that. You better handle it.”

“But . . .” Brey stopped himself.

“Is there a problem?” Kier raised an eyebrow.

Brey had plans with his wife, plans made weeks ago, but he knew better than to mention them. “No problem.”

“Good man.” Kier patted his shoulder and walked out of the room.

Kier stopped by his office and grabbed his briefcase and a bottle of water. “I’m out of here,” he said to Linda.

“Be careful out there. I checked the weather report. Park City is expecting a blizzard. They say that they could get two to three feet of snow tonight.”

“When does it hit?”

“Later this afternoon, probably after rush hour. Do you need anything?”

“Call Lincoln, tell him to prepare the paperwork on the Allen property.”

“I will. Have a good weekend.”

“You too.”

Kier walked out the back door to his car. He started his car, then turned on his stereo, which began to play a Michael Bublé CD Traci had given him. He smiled as he considered the Allen property. It was worth a fortune. He drove out of the parking lot and headed for Park City.