Rumor Has It

“Rumor Has It”

The Trailside Diner looked like so many small, nondescript cafes that dot the highways of America; white clapboard siding, green shingle roof and an old neon sign barely bright enough to read. I was only a few steps inside when a sturdily built woman wearing a black apron walked up to me. “Mornin’, hon, sit anywhere you’d like.”

“I’m meeting someone here”. A man waving a Stetson hat caught my attention. “Oh, I think that’s him there in that corner booth.” I walked toward him and asked, “John?”

“That’s me.” He smiled and stood up, extending his hand. “John Meecum, and Mark, I recognize you from your picture in your weekly column.

We shook hands and sat down. “Gee, I’ve only been with the paper for six months and you’re the first person who’s recognized me. Is that enough to make me a local celebrity?” I laid my laptop case on the booth seat beside me.

Before we could settle into our seats the woman in the apron came over and stood by the table. The red plastic name tag on her blouse read Dorie.

“Can I get you boys some coffee to start?”

John answered, “Sure, mine’s decaf and black.”

I added, “Mine’s regular.”

Dorie nodded and sighed. “Two men, two pots…okay.” She walked away shaking her head.

John watched her for a moment. “I hope we’re not overworking her.”

I opened my bag and pulled out a few things. “I appreciate your meeting me here this morning, John, especially because this place isn’t exactly on the beaten path. And unless you have an objection, I’d like to record our conversation.” I laid a small tape recorder on the table. “Okay to turn it on?”

“No problem. From what you told me on the phone it sounds like you’re working on an interesting story.”

“Well, I hope it will be, and having a local historian like you will really help.”

I unfolded a small map and laid it on the table between us. The title block read PLANNED ELK CREEK ESTATES. Before I could say anything more, Dorie returned carrying a tray. She set the two coffee pots and cups in front of us. “You boys hungry this mornin’?”

I looked at John and he seemed to read my mind. “We’ll need a few minutes to look at the menu first. Would you mind coming back in a little while?”

Again she sighed. “Sure, no rush.” As she turned to leave she looked down at the map and saw the title. “Oh, that’s the big, new housin’ project up on Elk Creek Road. I hear it’s really gonna’ be somethin’.”

The project wasn’t a secret but I didn’t want anyone to know I was involved, especially since I was writing an article about the developer. “Yep, that’s the one.” I reached for my pot of coffee and filled my cup, purposely blocking her view of the map. She looked at both of us and walked away.

John was smiling. “I hope you didn’t think Elk Creek Estates was a big secret around here.”

“No, but my article is going to be more about Compass Development than the houses and details. They have sort of a reputation and it’s not a good one. They’re like the Walmart of developers. They come into a town, bring their own people to do the work and screw over the locals.”

“John chuckled. “I like your Walmart analogy.” He tapped his finger on the map. “So tell me what you have here.”

“It’s a topographical map of the project. The lines that are closer together are the hills and elevation changes on the site. The part here where the lines are farther apart is the flat area in the center where the trailer park is now. What can you tell me about that?”

“There’s not much to tell. The trailers have been there since the early 1970s. The land was part of the Jacobsen ranch. The story is that when Lars Jacobsen got himself into a little jam with a local girl he needed to buy his way out. He sold that parcel to a trailer park developer. The whole thing happened very quickly, and the road and trailers were in place in a matter of a few months.”

I was glad that John was a source for my article. His familiarity with the people and the gossip would humanize the story. “That’s interesting. I dug through some filings at the courthouse but didn’t find anything about this particular parcel of land, at least nothing unusual.”

“That’s how Jacobsen operated; quietly, minimal paperwork, cash only. You’re new to this town, Mark. Casper is cowboy country and things get done differently here”. He turned and looked across the room. “See those two old boys over at the far corner table?

I looked at the two grizzled men in jeans and cowboy hats. “Yeah, they look like they’ve spent their lives outdoors.”

John smiled. “Well, they might look rustic to you but don’t underestimate them. If you ever do business with them they’ll probably end up taking you to school.”

I laughed, thinking again of the journey I’d made from Los Angeles to Casper. “Well, there’s something I found out, or I should say, something I heard. At the courthouse the clerk helping me with the files told me there was a rumor that the trailer park was sitting on an old Indian burial ground. Apparently it was never investigated or proven.”

“I’ve heard that rumor too. Nobody really knows for sure, at least not yet. The park went in a few years before the American Indian Movement came into being so there was no real Native activism like there is today. The local Cheyenne leaders looked into it but there was no organized effort. It all died quietly. Then came the trailers.”

“So there was no burial ground?”

“That wasn’t officially determined. To make sure nothing stopped him, the developer came up with a bizarre argument for why it shouldn’t matter either way. He said the park would only have one trench from the road for utility lines. Since the trailers had no basements and were just set on concrete slabs there would be no disturbing of anything sacred underground.”

I shook my head. “And the city council actually bought that line of shit?”

“Yep, and the tribe never did get its act together. They had some meetings but nothing ever got done. Eventually the whole investigation was abandoned. Like I said, this is cowboy country and the cowboys always beat the Indians. But, saying that now, things might change.”

“What do you mean?”

John leaned forward, his eyes glancing around the dining room. “I mean when Compass first announced this project, most people thought it was a good thing. An old trailer park eyesore would go away and be replaced with new, modern housing. It sounded like a win-win for everyone, for everyone except the Cheyenne.”

“So is the tribe going to try and block it?”

“Yep, with everything they’ve got. A few days ago, I got a call from Daniel Littlewolf, the President of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. He asked me to help them get some historic background on the area, and I’ve asked the State Historic Office to look at it too. The governing body of the tribe has a lot of clout at the capitol. I have a feeling it’s going to become a real battle, and this time the Indians might finally beat the cowboys.”

I couldn’t help but grin. “Will it stop the project?

“At the very least it could delay it by a year or two depending on what they find. If they find a sacred graveyard, that’s a big piece of ground they can’t touch so there’s no project. That’s why I think you should work on your story as quietly as possible. Things might get ugly.”

They were interrupted by Dorie. “Ready for some breakfast?”

I looked at John then shook my head. “No, I think I’ll just stay with coffee today.”

Her frown didn’t surprise John. “Me too, Dorie, just coffee.”

She refilled our cup then asked. “Excuse me, don’t mean to pry, but is that Indian burial ground rumor still goin’ around?”

I found her nosiness both humorous and irritating. I answered, “Well, I’m new around here and I was just curious.”

Before she turned to leave she said, “I haven’t heard talk about that in years.” They watched her walk across the room to pour coffee for a well-dressed man sitting alone and then move to the cowboys at the front, corner table. “Bud, Howie, you boys doin’ okay here? Need anythin’ else?”

The men had been deep in conversation and weren’t happy about her interruption. The tall, gray-haired man answered firmly, “No, Dorie, we’re okay, maybe some more coffee in a little while.” He waited for her to leave and then turned to his friend. “So, Bud, let me get this straight. From what you’re tellin’ me we’ve only got two more signatures to go and then we can call Compass. Who’s left on the list?”

“Well, you can probably guess. It’s the same two that are always a pain in the ass; Sam Grover and Don Becker.”

“Jesus, what’s their problem? We stand to make a killin’ when we sell our places but Compass made it clear that it’s gotta be all of us or none of us.”

“Well, we’re close. I think when we tell those two guys that twenty three of us want to sell and they’re the only ones draggin’ their heels, the pressure will get to em’.”

“Did you tell em’ what deep pockets Compass has? Those suits will try to bargain with us on a price but if we do this right we can really jack em’ up. Some of us are ready to retire and that money will make a sweet nest egg.

Bud leaned forward and lowered his voice. “I know what you mean. Our trailers are old and most of them are like mine, a leaky roof and leaky windows. When I went around knockin’ on doors I convinced everyone, at least everyone but Sam and Don, that we can get two or three times what the trailers are worth if we move fast. I also told them if we don’t close a deal real soon there won’t be anyone else linin’ up to buy their crappy, old trailers.”

“You think that’ll convince em’?”

“I don’t know. Maybe if we get Sam out for a few drinks he’ll come around. He’s on the fence because Mary is attached to the place. It’s where they raised their two brats, but money talks and I think Sam can get her to listen.”

“And Don, what’s his problem?”

“Oh, you know how he gets. He likes to think he’s the big man of Apple Grove Mobile Park. If it’s not his idea it’s automatically wrong. I might need your help with him, meantime keep this between the two of us.”

Once again Dorie appeared at their table and started to refill their coffee. She looked at them both. “Guys, I’m not pryin’ or bein’ nosy but did I hear you say the trailer park is sellin’ out?”

Bud rolled his eyes. “Dorie, we’re just talkin’ here, kind of throwin’ out ideas.” He hoped she wouldn’t show any more interest. She did.

“Like I said, I’m not bein’ nosy. Maybe it’s just a rumor. It’s just that those two guys over there in the front corner are talkin’ about the trailer park too and I thought it was kind of a coincidence.”

Both men turned and looked over at us. Ben asked, “Recognize em, Howie?”

“Nope, never saw em’ before.”

They looked at Dorie and she said, “Well, I never saw em’ either but they have a funny lookin’ map with them. It’s the new development, the one with the big houses, and one guy said the trailer park was smack in the middle of it.”

Howie looked over at us again then back at Dorie. “Let us know if you hear them say anythin’ else.” Dorie nodded and walked away.

Howie looked around. “I wonder what that’s all about.” He paused then continued. “Okay, so assumin’ we get Sam on board, Don’s the only thing standin’ in the way of makin’ a deal with Compass, right?”

“Yep, we get Don to sign on and we’re golden. Compass says when we’re all on board they’ll start writin’ checks. Better start thinkin’ about what you’re gonna do with all that money.”

I had left John to look over the map while I used the restroom. On my way back to our table I noticed the man who was sitting alone. He looked very familiar so the reporter in me asked, “Excuse me, have we met before?”

The man looked up and answered, “You aren’t a girl, this isn’t a bar so…no.”

I realized my question must have sounded like a cheesy pick-up line but it didn’t justify his snotty answer. I just headed back to John and our table.

Dorie was by the kitchen door when another well-dressed man walked in. He looked around and then headed for the man sitting alone. They spoke for a moment then the first man got up and they moved to another corner booth. Dorie spotted them. She grabbed a pot of coffee and two menus and as she followed the men she quietly muttered, “Geez, everybody’s gotta have a corner today.”

The men sat in silence while Dorie filled their cups. She laid the menus in front of them and hovered beside the table for a moment. Finally she said, “I don’t mean to be nosy but you boys don’t look like you’re from around here.” She waited for a reply.

The man in the left seat looked up from his menu. “We’re not,” That was all he said and Dorie took it as a sign they weren’t looking for conversation. When she walked away the same man said to his friend, “See, Chad, I told you when you asked to come along, you’d see a lot of local color.”

Chad laughed and looked around to make sure no one was within earshot. “That crappy old trailer park was a real sight and this place is just as classy. Our project will really help this town get out of its own way.”

“Yeah, I can’t understand how anyone can live here. Nothing to do and nowhere to go. Not enough girls and too many trees.”

“Mitch, face it, you’re a city boy.”

“Yeah, I need my nightlife, not a pick-up truck. I wonder what they do for fun around here.”

“Next trip back how about we check out the downtown?”

“Yeah, that’ll take about fifteen minutes.”

They looked over their menus and Mitch waved to catch Dorie’s attention. When she reached the table he asked, “Can I get an egg white omelet?”

Dorie seemed surprised. “You mean with just the whites? What about the yolks?”

Mitch sighed. “I want an omelet without the yolks.”

“Then how is that an omelet?”

He looked over at Chad who was trying to hold back a grin. “Never mind, just give us a few more minutes.”

When Dorie walked away they felt comfortable enough to restart their conversation. Mitch grumbled, “Man, I hope we won’t have to make more trips to this place.”

“Chad nodded. “I don’t think we’ll have to. I got a call from some guy from the trailer park. He said they only need two more signatures and then they’d sign off on everything. I got the impression those people think we’re paying them a fortune for those rusty old boxes. He gave me his number and I told him I’d call him while we’re here.”

“Good. Until those damn trailers are gone we won’t have a community park in the middle of the place, and without that we won’t have a project.”

Neither man had done more than glance at their menus and when Dorie returned she impatiently waited while they did a quick scan of their choices. They both figured it was pointless to ask for anything that wasn’t listed on the menu so they both ordered the House Special.

They relaxed and talked about the project for a while longer. The conversation stopped when Dorie arrived with their orders. They sat in silence as she set the plates down.

She looked at them both. “Anythin’ else I can get you boys?”

Chad answered, “No, we’re fine, thank you.” He looked up and was curious when she just stood there. “Is there something else?” he asked.

Dorie hesitated then said with a heavy sigh, “Boys, I don’t mean to pry but I heard you talkin’ about the trailer park and it’s just so strange.”

“What’s so strange?”

She turned and nodded toward John and Mark. “See those two boys right there? Well, ever since they sat down they’ve been talkin’ about the trailer park just like you boys. And those two old guys there in that corner, they’ve been here for an hour and all they’ve been talkin’ about is that trailer park.” She turned back to Mitch and Chad. “That’s what’s strange. The six of you are the only people in the place and you’re all talkin’ about the trailer park.”

John and I were looking at the Dorie and the two men. The two men were looking back at us. We looked over at the two cowboys and they were also looking back at us. Then we saw the two cowboys looking at the well-dressed men It seemed very strange.

Mitch looked nervous when he asked Dorie, “Did you hear them talking about anything else?”

Dorie casually started refilling Chad’s cup and answered, “No, not much, just that there’s a big old Indian burial ground right under those dang trailers.”