A Startling Development

"Sooo, what do you think of her?" Fredrick Singer asked his childhood friend, Harvey Diamond. The two men stood on the dock near the boathouse, gazing at the sight of frozen Wasp Lake. They waited on Jeff Lockett and Clive Stratton to rejoin them. Harvey had just finished showing the three men, the boathouse and bunkroom. While Clive used the bathroom, Jeff talked to his son.

"She seems like a catch for you. Young, lively, and friendly," Harvey answered.

"Yeah, yeah, she is. I mean, pretty damn hot, right? Those tits and that ass! Whew!" Fred wiped the imaginary sweat from his brow.

"As I said, Skye seems like a nice catch for an old man like you," Harvey replied, giving his friend the answer he wanted, but with a bit of shade.

"Old man?! Sheeeeeit! I'm only three months older than you."

"See? You're the old man of our old group. Those three months only worked as a positive when you got your license first and could buy us liquor first," Harvey pointed out. "Now, you're just the old man."

"Whatever! Back to Skye, I'd say she's as hot--if not hotter-- than most of those prime pieces of ass that you score. I bet if you had landed her first, then those gossip sites would've gone nuts."

"What's Finn think of her?" Harvey asked, surprising Fred.

"Finn? Why are you asking about him?"

"I'm curious over what your son thinks of Skye. I'd imagine he'd have an opinion as she's only a few years older than him," Harvey pointed out. Having known Fred since they were little kids, Harvey could tell that his question had deflated his friend's bragging. "You do know what he thinks, don't you?"

"I don't need my kid's permission for who I date. Do you ask Whitney about every woman you screw? Or even tell her how many there have been?" Fred challenged, growing annoyed.

"Yes, I do. If Whitney asks, then I answer. And I do mean everything. You know I don't keep secrets from her," the blond-haired man explained.

"Seriously?! About all those women?" Fred's voice raised along with his disbelief. "I didn't think you meant that."

"Whitney's always been a precocious girl. And it's not like she doesn't meet most of the women. Most mornings, she'd get a kick out of it at breakfast," Harvey chuckled, recalling the little notebook where she kept a scorecard. Hmm, I wonder if she still does that?

"Geez! I would never, ever think of telling Finn about my conquests," Fred stated, bewildered over the thought of Harvey telling Whitney.

"I've told you many times that I won't be like my father. Everything with him had to be a secret. Graham and I still don't know much about his life or what he did with the company if there isn't a paper trail," Harvey reminded him.

"Your dad is an asshole."

"Yes, he is," Harvey agreed, turning at the sound of the boathouse door opening.

"Say, when do you plan on throwing another party? Skye's not into sharing, I think, but I plan to work on her. It would help to know a timeline," Fred asked quickly. He knew that Clive didn't like to hear about many of Harvey's sex exploits. The infamous sex parties sat at the top of that list.

"Freddy, I thought you liked this one?" Harvey asked in disappointment.

"I do. What's that got to do with anything?"

"You say that Skye is different, yet here you are offering to share her when you admit she's not interested," Harvey pointed out while watching Jeff likewise point out a construction detail to Clive, over at the boathouse.

"What's the point of being with a smokeshow like Skye if I can't show her off?" Fred questioned, throwing his hands up to accentuate his argument.

"It doesn't matter anyway. I doubt I'll throw another of those parties again."

"Wh-what? You can't be serious, Harv?" sputtered the elder Singer as the other two men walked up.

"What's wrong now, Fred?" Jeff inquired.

"Something's wrong with Harvey. It's almost as if he's a changed man. He's talking nonsense!"

"And what nonsense is he talking, Singer?" Clive questioned before cracking a joke. "Are we cooking hamburgers rather than bratwurst today?"

"No, Stratton! He's talking about ending his parties!" Fred exclaimed. "The awesome ones that you won't bring your hot wife to."

"Say it ain't so, Harv?" Jeff blurted out in horror.

Clive frowned. Not because of the news about the parties, but because the parties had been brought up. Three years apart, the unlikely friendship between the straight-laced district attorney and the devil-may-care playboy could be traced to two reasons. The first had been Clive's college friendship with Dalton Pierce, a kindred spirit, who had a close relationship to the Diamonds. The second and more significant reason came from their daughters' friendship. Whitney and Lacey had an immediate connection on the first day of kindergarten. Ever since then, they've been practically joined at the hip.

"With Shenai leaving, I just don't have any interest in that lifestyle, right now," the blond pleasure-seeker admitted.

"Who are you, and what have you done with Happy-Go-Lucky Harvey?" Jeff questioned incredulously.

"See what I mean?" Fred said, gesturing to their friend. "You better not turn into Larry. I don't need two serious best friends."

"You two ever think that he might be maturing? It's a tough year for us parents. With Lacey and Whitney going off to college next year, we're going to be empty nesters," Clive suggested, placing his hand on Harvey's shoulder.

"All the more reason to start the parties back up! Imagine the freedom," Fred insisted.

"Let's drop this for now, okay?' their host asked. The two former partygoers reluctantly agreed for now.

"So, what do you guys think of my new place?"

"Such a great idea, that bunkhouse, Harv. Just marvelous!" Jeff boomed out.

"Thanks. My grandpa always talked about building a boathouse. He never got around to it, using that cramped storage area under the old cabin. When I sat down with the architect, I knew I wanted to bring his idea to life."

"Well, you did justice to his plan. I can't imagine his vision would be so elaborate with that bunkroom," the bear of a man continued.

"I just...I wanted to make up somehow for my own stupidity. The old cabin was a special place for my grandparents--as for me--, and I let it burn to the ground," Harvey admitted with a long face. He walked off the dock and back to the path with the other men following.

"Knowing your grandparents, Harve, I think they would tell you to look on the bright side. You've been able to build your dream cabin for you and Whitney," Fred chimed in.

"I know I went overboard with the cabin and boathouse, but I wanted to leave a legacy of some sort behind. I don't want to only be known as the Diamond that partied and ended up in the local tabloids."

"What does Graham think of it?" Clive inquired while the men passed the cabin and headed down the other path.

"He didn't say much, which isn't anything new. The old cabin didn't mean the same to him as it did to me. Still, I wanted a place where Whitney's and, hopefully someday, Graham's children could enjoy. That's what the bunkroom is for. I imagined it as a wonderful playroom for kids."

"Or an even awesomer play area for teenagers," Fred suggested suggestively, but everyone ignored him.

"That also includes Sage's kids. She and Whitney have been the only children around here regularly for this generation," Harvey added, referring to Sage Pierce, Dalton's daughter.

"Are the Pierces coming up on this trip?" Jeff inquired.

"No, they're visiting Breezy Bay for the holidays."

'Way for Dalton to skip the cold and snow for sun and beaches," Fred moaned in jealously.

"They tend to go at least once a year. My Aunt Demi has always been fond of Dalton, so she's thrilled when they vacation there," Harvey explained. "I think Dalton needs a break. He's been more serious of late. I get the feeling that he's under more stress than usual."

"I got that feeling as well. Rachel mentioned the same about Imogen," Clive added. "I hope there aren't any issues there."

"I doubt it. They're one of the best couples that I've ever seen," Harvey stated as the men reached the lake again. "I always love this view."

"It's better in the summer," Fred grumbled, shivering at the chilly air.

"The ironic part is that this isn't the first time a Diamond had to replace a cabin that burned down at this spot," Harvey paused as Jeff and Clive's face showed surprise. Fred nodded while rolling his eyes at a story he'd heard multiple times. "Of course, the first cabin that burned down was before this became Diamond property."

"Who owned it before?" Clive queried.

"Over a century ago, when Sheridan Wynwick owned all the land that would become Wasp Lake Park, he gave away sections to four of his closest friends and business associates. Along with Wynwick Lodge, those were the original cabins on the lake. Where we stand was once the vacation home of the Rancourt family," he paused for their reactions. "I see that the name is only familiar to Jeff. The Rancourts were the only one of the families not located in Honey Hollow. Jonas Rancourt had been Sheridan's closest, most trusted friend, so he went to manage the Wynwicks' mining interests in Rattle Ridge."

"I've heard the name here and there, but there aren't any still in town," Jeff said.

"No, the family nearly went bankrupt during The Great Depression. Jonas's grandson, the family patriarch, committed suicide in shame. The cabin became abandoned, and in the early 1940s, it burned down. The likely culprit was careless a squatter. The property became overgrown over the next decade until my grandfather tracked down a distant Rancourt relative. The man didn't even realize that he owned any land here and proved quite willing to see it."

They continued down the brick walkway during Harvey's history lesson. Eventually, they reached the property's edge, where they saw one of the smaller, later cabins built during the post-WWII boom.

"I knew the Wynwicks once owned all this land before they donated it, but not about the other families," Jeff admitted. "What happened to their cabins?"

"They are all still here. Only the Rancourts' cabin was destroyed. The Zurbruggs, who you all are familiar with, still own their cabin. It's a little further east from here. But with the family spread out all over the country, they rarely come back. Across the lake, the old Stork cabin has been sold several times over the last century. Myles Wynwick bought it almost forty years ago. As he doesn't have any direct heirs, I'd imagine that Kermit will inherit it, although I'd rather see Fiona or Sela."

"A hot sister or two? Yeah, I bet you'd rather see them as owners," Fred commented.

"The Huguet family--now Olesky--still own their cabin too. However, most of the original structure is gone as it's been remodeled several times."

"Does Cyril spend much time here? I can't image that he does," Clive asked.

"No, he's usually busy with that embarrassingly huge boat of his that overshadows everyone else at the harbor in Honey Hollow. But, his extended family uses the cabin quite a lot," Harvey responded. "Of, course down at the east end of the lake is the real gem. It's such a damn shame that Wynwick Lodge sits empty and falling apart. I wish the local Wynwicks could wrestle back ownership, but those family squabbles still haven't subsided."

"I was born and raised in Honey Hollow but never spent much time up here at the park," Clive confessed. "I'm friendly with many of these families, and I never knew all this."

"There is so much fascinating history that happened at both Wasp and Frog Lake. The Wynwick family civil war after the first world war, gangsters during Prohibition, and a hippie sex cult in the early 1970s. It's a shame that hardly anyone remembers all that and more. Wasp Lake Park is a treasure that I worry people have neglected. Far too many people in Honey Hollow would rather drive the shorter distance to boring Canary Lake."

"That gangster part is always so cool! Not that the sex cult isn't fascinating either," Fred remarked excitedly, but Harvey continued to ignore him.

"The cabin burning down motivated me to rethink this problem. I want to help spark an effort to improve the properties around the park, and hopefully the park itself. The first part of the plan is what you're standing on at this very moment," Harvey gestured to the brick walkway. "It may not seem like a big deal, but most of the park's trails can easily become a muddy mess. With the spring thaw, some sections are impassable. That can cause a portion of the cabins to feel isolated. Add in the lack of any trails around some cabins, and you can see why a few owners only visit during the summer."

"I hear ya about the spring thaw. Rattle Ridge has some of the same problems," Jeff remarked.

"I'd imagine it's more dangerous in those valleys. But, at Wasp Lake, I've put my money where my mouth is with this plan. I've already received permission to replace or add new walkways on this side of the shoreline up to the Zurbruggs' cabin. Once they found out that I'd pay for it entirely, they got on board. However, I've encountered resistance or suspicion from others. There are fears that I'm like my father. People are claiming without proof that I plan to develop the area into a tourist trap. Raze Wynwick Lodge and construct a hotel in its place, build vast rows of condominiums, open the lake to motorboats, and even create a small town where Wirchie's stands. It's all such bullshit. I'd never do any of that. I love the limited amount of cabins on the east side of the lake. I just want to make small improvements."

"Wow, I'm impressed, Harvey. I can't recall ever hearing you this passionate before outside of women," Jeff praised.

"Thanks, but before I bore you too much, I'd suggest we head back inside. I'm not sure what the others want to do for the day, but I have a few ideas."

Walking back toward the cabin, Clive fell in step next to Harvey with Fred and Jeff ahead of them. "It's truly splendid out here. The tranquility reminds me that I could use this peace and quiet more often. The hustle and bustle down at the DA's office can get to be too much," disclosed Clive.

"Anytime you feel the need to get away, just let me know. You're perfectly welcome to use the cabin, Clive. Part of the reason I built a larger one was for my friends to enjoy," Harvey offered.

"That's very generous of you...but, I wouldn't want to impose if you have any of your...ah, extracurricular activities happening," Clive politely responded.

"As I said earlier, I don't plan for any of those parties anymore. And I wouldn't ever want to put you in a position where your reputation might be harmed," he assured the district attorney. "If I do have a lady over, that's why the master bedroom is soundproof."

"That's the old Harvey we all know and love," cracked Fredrick, looking over his shoulder with a big grin.

"You know, if you would prefer, I can keep an eye out for any cabins coming up for sale. I would love to have you as a neighbor. Not to mention, it would be a great place for when Lana and Lacey have their own families," Harvey offered, his excitement about the idea showing.

"The county provides me with a nice salary, but I think a Wasp Lake vacation home might be too rich for my blood," Clive conceded. "Frog Lake is more in line with my budget."

"Nothing wrong with that. I love those cottages and smaller cabins. Just stay away from that damn Canary Lake," Harvey's voice added a little edge to it at the name of the latter lake. "Still, I thought with Rachel moving to a principal's pay level that you might be in a better position," Harvey speculated.

"Oh, money's not tight at all. However, most of Rachel's raise will go to having a second daughter in college next year," Clive explained. "Honestly, the major reason I would pass is how people might perceive it. Wasp Lake cabins have that long reputation of only being for financial fat cats. I don't need to provide any fodder for those tabloid sites. Look at what's happening to Dwight Dunkley."

"Those stories getting spread are pure bullshit," Harvey remarked.

"Ahem, I may be able to provide a little light on our esteemed mayor's troubles," Fred offered to their surprise. "Now, this is all very hush-hush talk that I've heard around town, so keep that in mind. It appears that Orrin Rusk is planning on challenging our old classmate in the spring election."

"As in Orrin Automotive?" interrupted Jeff.

"Indeed, that's the one. Word is that our huckster car salesmen is secretly backed by one of the town's wealthiest families. They're behind this The Stinging Truth website and the smear campaign against Dunkley. I don't know who it is, but it sounds like someone wants to upend the town's power structure. You guys have any ideas?" Fred asked, looking at Harvey and Clive.

"I haven't heard anything. You can't be serious?" a startled Clive asked.

"You, my friend, are supposedly a major concern for Rusk. He's worried that if he damages Dewey too badly, he might drop out, and you'll replace him as a candidate for mayor. A warning; you might be next in line for some of these attacks. Or that's what I've heard."

"You do realize that Orrin Rusk's son has been dating Lacey for nearly two years? He's here at the cabin with us," Clive uttered in disbelief.

"I know. It looks like you might have a wolf in your henhouse," warned Fredrick.

"Uh, Freddy, I think the saying is a fox in the henhouse," Jeff pointed out.

"You know what I mean!"

"If what you're saying is true--and I have my doubts--then who could be backing Rusk?" Clive questioned.

"Sure it's not you, Harv. You were always kind of a dick to Dewey growing up?" Fred asked, half-serious and half-joking.

"I would never do that to Dwight. Despite how I treated him as an immature kid, I do consider him a friend these days. I've wholeheartedly supported his tenure as mayor," Harvey insisted. "While I might not do much but make donations if someone is doing this to my friend, then I'm not going to stand for it."

The fire in Harvey's eyes surprised Clive. His friend rarely became angry. "If this is happening, then we need to know who's backing Rusk."

"We could just tie up the Rusk kid and interrogate him," Fred suggested, getting only eye-rolls back from his friends.

"I'm out of the loop living up in Rattle Ridge, yet I'll help any way I can," offered Jeff. "Could it be the Wynwicks?"

"I don't see it. They helped put Dunkley in office, and he's supported most of their foundation's projects over the years," Clive shot down the notion.

"That was when Myles was in charge of the foundation. Fiona's the top dog now, and she practically screams femme fatale," Fred remarked, a leer forming on his face at the image of the gorgeous, influential woman.

"No. Despite the bad blood between our families over the last century, support for Mayor Dunkley is one area we both agree on. Fiona would never spread those lies about Dwight. If anything, she has far more to lose than anyone if Rusk replaces Dunkley," reiterated Harvey.

"That removes the Thirlbys as well. They are far too intertwined with the Wynwicks. The Nobles have never seemed interested in politics either. Perhaps it's Cyril Olesky. He's got plenty of money and seems bitter at some of the families backing Dunkley," Clive speculated.

"It's possible. Dalton might have a better idea of Cyril's motivations. We'll have to bring him into the loop on this when he gets back," Harvey replied.

"Well, you got the Vandermeers, Falkenburgs, and Ungers, who could bankroll a major scheme like this," Clive listed.

"Maybe it's one of the less wealthy families or individuals taking a bold gamble. What about Guskova?" Phil asked.

"Arthur Guskova? Come on, Freddy, you know better than that. Guskova prefers to stay in the shadows," Harvey scoffed.

"You're right. Guskova's less reputable business practices would never survive the glare of a public spotlight," Clive added. "And he knows that."

"When is the deadline to file as a candidate?" Harvey asked Clive.

"New week, January 2nd," the district attorney informed him. "No matter what, we'll find out then if Rusk is running."

"We can't do much up here. Wait and think it over. Then we can bring this to Dalton or someone else who's good at taking charge of stuff like this when everyone is at the charity ball on New Year's Eve. I know I'm not," Harvey chuckled as they arrived at the deck stairs. "For now, it's best we keep quiet with Austin here."

"So about those parties..." Fred started as they climbed.