"You want me to do what?" Kari yelled.
"I want you to interview Dr. Lane for the next issue. He has an interesting story and I think our readers will enjoy hearing it."
Kari was angry. She had spent her entire time at the magazine writing fluff pieces, always being promised that the next story would be an 'important' one. Now her editor was suggesting, no , assigning, an in-depth article about some bigwig who had created some industry from nothing.
Damn, the things she would do for money! Kari kept planning to quit, but then her addiction to luxuries, like food and clothing, got in the way. All the way home, she argued with her editor in her mind, giving all the reasons she shouldn't have to write this article. She should be assigned to interview a political leader or some Armed Services officer. She was good, dammit, and deserved a chance to prove what she could do. But instead, she was going to interview some old man who had started some industry in the Dark Ages and made his name and fortune continuing it.
At home, she jumped on the computer, 'googling' Dr. Duncan Lane, printing off articles that had been previously written about the bigwig. Apparently, he developed some new technique to save the tidal waters. AND he was instrumental in creating methods to harvest what he needed while being environmentally thoughtful. AND he was involved in his community and his region. AND he didn't like being interviewed. Each article she found mentioned his reticence. He was depicted as a do-gooder who happened to be very successful. She compiled all the information she had found, noting there were no pictures of the man. Well, there was one much-used picture, but it was fuzzy, a generic man in jeans and a heavy jacket, a hat shading his face.
The next day, Kari spent hours on the phone, trying to make an appointment for an interview. His secretary, Jeannie, was pleasant, but very protective. She couldn't make an appointment without conferring with Dr. Lane, and, apparently, that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. Kari was her most charming, hoping to find out something about the big man, but Jeannie was careful, choosing her words, saying exactly what Kari had already read.
Jeannie promised to call back in the morning, after she was able to contact her boss, with an appointment time. Kari just had to wait.
The next day, around noon, the phone rang. After a moment of small talk, Jeannie said, "I can give you an appointment tomorrow. I am afraid, though, it will have to be early. Dr. Lane can see you at 5:30."
At first, Kari was puzzled. 5:30 didn't sound early. In fact, it sounded quite late. Then the realization set in. This woman was saying 5:30 A.M. The man must be a maniac! No one was awake at that hour. God didn't even have the lights on!
"I am afraid that is impossible, Jeannie. Surely, he has time at a more normal hour? I will take anything he has available." Kari was nearly purring with charm.
Jeannie laughed. "That is it, Kari. He leaves tomorrow for a week in the capital, testifying on conservation issues. If you want him, that is the only time you can have him."
Kari was tempted to be truthful, admit she really didn't want him at all. She could just give up, tell her editor the man was impossible to reach, that there were too many roadblocks to interviewing him. Then, she thought of her editor and his 'unhappy' face. Sighing, she agreed to the appointment, making a mental note of all the sacrifices she was making for her career.
The next morning, when the alarm went off at 4 AM, Kari thought there had to be a mistake. It was so very dark. And cold. And her pillow nest was just right, her head gently cradled in the down pillow. Her quilt had molded to her body and she was perfectly warm and snuggly. To get out of this bed would be a sin! Then, in the darkness, she envisioned her boss's face and heard his sarcastic voice. Then she remembered her silly habits of eating and buying clothes and paying bills. Sighing, she tentatively slipped one arm out from the covers. Damn, it was cold out there!
Throwing back the covers, she jumped from the bed, her naked body covered with goosebumps as she searched for her robe. Without giving herself time to think, she went directly to the bathroom and started the shower, climbing in and allowing the hot spray to warm her.
Showering always relaxed her. She lathered up a sponge and washed her body with fragrant soap, inhaling the soft scent of vanilla. Lingering there, Kari began composing questions for the great man. It would have been easier if she was interested in the interview. She would have been able to think of insightful and clever angles. As it was, she was just mad about the whole thing, feeling very mistreated.
She dressed in dark corduroy slacks with a heavy cream sweater. She chose her walking boots over warm, thick socks. She pulled her hair into a functional pony tail, and decided against makeup. Starting her car and pulling away from her cozy little house, Kari was amazed at the sky full of twinkling stars. She mused for a moment on the beauty of be found at this hour, then concentrated on picking a good CD and heating the car to ward off the chill.
Jeannie had given her instructions to the compound. Dr. Lane lived on the same property as his plant and his lab, all within walking distance. As she drove toward the coast, Kari was again struck by the beauty of the night. The moon was directly overhead, full and white, lighting her path. She paused long enough to appreciate a moonlit field full of deer, so graceful and lovely.
Finally she pulled into the long drive marked with a mailbox. She could make out the white letters, LANE, printed on the side. She drove up the dirt road, her little car bumping along, the moon continuing to guide her. She could just make out the many buildings ahead of her. Jeannie had said the office was to the left, and she turned her car in that direction. It was nearly 5:30, and all the lights shone into the darkness. The office building was large, with huge windows on all sides, and a large deck surrounding it. She thought the view must be spectacular at sunrise and sunset. As she stepped from the car, she noted the air was laden with a wet freshness. It was lush, moist, and heavy; redolent with the sweet smell of berries and apples. She inhaled deeply, appreciating the feel of the clean air in her lungs.
As she approached the office, Kari wondered once again about Dr. Lane. There were no pictures of him, not really. He was described as serious and intent, too involved in his studies and his work to be photographed. Frivolous was not a word used to describe him.
The door opened as she stepped onto the deck. She was greeted by a man. Quite a man. He was tall and solid. His hair was a bit wild, brown with graying sideburns. His hands were large and capable-looking as they held the door for her. When Kari entered the brightly-lit office, the first thing she noticed were his eyes. They were an incredible blue, honest and deep, totally mesmerizing. She found herself wondering if she could interview him while looking into those magnificent eyes. She found herself being pulled into him. Suddenly, she was aware he had offered his hand and was introducing himself. She extended hers and he wrapped both of his around it, surrounding her with a warmth and softness that she found extremely comforting. His voice was lighter than she would have imagined. He spoke smoothly, easily. He invited her to sit in his office, near the window. She could see the fleet of boats loading to go out for the daily run. He offered her tea, bringing her a huge mug as she settled into the white leather chair he indicated. She found herself wishing she had worn makeup or nicer clothes. Kari had a sudden desire to impress this man.
As Duncan prepared the tea, he was thoughtful. He hated interviews and fought hard to prevent them. But Jeannie had taken a liking to this woman and promised her some time, so he was committed. He had suggested an early morning meeting, hoping to scare her away. Instead, here she was, right on time and dressed sensibly. But even in her very sensible clothes, Duncan found her extremely attractive. When she entered his office, he noted her slight frame, her just discernible soft scent of vanilla. Her face was dewy from the night air, giving her a luminous quality. Even her severe hair style had been softened by the moisture, tiny curls framing her heart-shaped face. His life was one of discipline and he was not used to being sidetracked, but he sensed that Kari could easily do just that.
They sat together, talking and chatting like old friends, while the sun rose over the water. She seemed intrigued by the beauty that he took for granted. He watched it every day and failed sometimes to be impressed by nature's display. Today, they watched it together and it was as if he could see it for the first time. Then he found himself watching her more than the sunrise. Her questions were good, important. She seemed to already have some idea of how special his work was to him, how much it mattered. He found himself relaxing even more, enjoying her company. Usually, the early morning hours were completely his. He relished being here, alone, doing his work and sipping his tea. Now, he felt that it would be nice to have someone here with him, sometimes.
