All eyes, including Tora’s, shifted toward the end of the table where Ranger Brock sat. His head was down and he was looking at his chili as if the answer to the question was lying somewhere at the bottom of the bowl. “The truth is…there isn’t any real reason why they can’t harvest the forest here. There’s no endangered species in the area, no tourism or recreational value to speak of. The only reason why they shouldn’t harvest here is the site is too close to the town, and there are plenty of people around here who don’t see that as much of a problem at all. And the longer they’re camped out there, people will see it as less and less of a problem.” The ranger’s voice sounded tired, like he’d just been through one of the longest days of his life. “The decision is ultimately up to the chief forester, but since they’re also trying to fudge the survey results, anything can happen.”

No one said a word for several moments.

Finally, he added, “Someone even told me that if they get the go-ahead to harvest, Conservco will be pushing for a clear-cut instead of thinning select trees.”

Argus banged a fist on the table, making the plates and cutlery clang like an alarm bell. “They must be stopped!”

“Of course they must,” said the ranger in a calm, yet forceful voice. “And they will be. It’s just not going to happen overnight.” Another sigh. “It’ll take time for all the information to be analyzed by the authorities. Conservco’s has made the first strike, but there’ll be plenty of protesters to help shape public opinion—Donna Hughson will make sure of that. With any luck, it’ll be enough to convince the company that this bit of land’s not worth the trouble.”

“And if it isn’t?” Argus asked.

The ranger didn’t answer.

“There has to be some reason why they can’t harvest here,” offered Tora.

The ranger smiled. “I’m sure there is, but no one knows what it is yet.”

Argus hadn’t moved since he’d asked his question. Finally he said, “I know why.”

“Why?” the ranger asked.

Argus said nothing for several seconds as if searching for the right words, then he began. “This morning on our run through the forest I saw something on the trail—something different.”

“Yeah, I was in the lead,” Harlan said, smartly.