Sacrifice of Buntings Read Online Free PDF Page A

returning to UGA to head up a specialized ten-year research study on painted buntings.’” Lark looked up. “That means he works in Saxby’s department at the university.”
    “Which explains the animosity,” Rachel said, turning the car onto the main road.
    “How so?” Cecilia asked.
    “Because Saxby’s the department head,” Dorothy answered.
    “Right,” Rachel said. “And I’m willing to bet he’s tenured. Becker wouldn’t be if his bio is correct. He worked for the government for twelve years, and he’s got to be ten years younger than Saxby.”
    “At least,” the others said.
    “Professional jealousy,” Cecilia murmured.
    “Or any number of things.” Rachel flipped the turn signal and turned left onto Hyde Island Club Road. “Project funding, personalities, office space—”
    “Notoriety,” Dorothy added.
    “That too,” Rachel said. “What else does it say about him?”
    Lark bent over the program. “’Becker has received numerous awards for his efforts on behalf of Georgia’s endangered species. An avid birder with an emphasis on North American species, his life list totals 825.’”
    “Oh my!” Cecilia blurted. “He certainly has my record beat.”
    “ Our records,” corrected Dorothy.
    Lark stuck the program between the center console and the seat. “Everyone’s records. That number puts him within reach of the top ten listers in America.”
    Dorothy sniffed. “Do we care?”
    Rachel thought back to her conversation with Saxby about the painted buntings. “I wonder how many birds Saxby has listed. He seems like the type of guy who likes to win.”
     
    Rachel took a roundabout way back to the hotel, circling the island to get the lay of the land. White sand beaches to the south gave way to driftwood to the north, then salt marshes. Gulls, wood storks, cattle egrets, and pelicans gave way to great blue herons and greater yellowlegs.
    When they arrived back at the hotel, Saxby stood at the front desk talking to the clerk.
    “But the Becker reservation is a couple,” the clerk was saying.
    “I don’t care,” Saxby replied. “I want a room at least as good as the one he has, or better.”
    “We’re booked solid, sir. I assure you, I don’t have any available rooms, and it’s not in my power to move any of our guests. I apologize if your present accommodations are unsatisfactory—”
    “Exactly,” Saxby said. “My present accommodations are unsatisfactory. I don’t intend to accept second best here.”
    The desk clerk frowned. “One moment, sir.”
    The desk clerk picked up the phone, held a quiet conversation, and a minute later handed Saxby a new key. “This room is in the west wing.”
    Our wing, thought Rachel.
    “It’s the first suite to the left on the third floor. Our best,” the clerk said. “I’ll send up a porter to move your things.”
    “Thank you.” Saxby’s response was polite, if equally stiff. He half turned, spotted the women, and smiled, nodding recognition to Rachel as they passed.
    “They’re both jerks,” Rachel said.
    “Who, the clerk?” Dorothy asked.
    “No. Becker and Saxby.”
    “Becker, yes,” Dorothy agreed as they ascended the stairs. “But Saxby just got rooked out of the Saturday keynote. Maybe Evan told him to ask for an upgrade for his magnanimous gesture.”
    Rachel looked askance. “Then why didn’t he just say so?”

CHAPTER 3
    The rest of the evening went smoother. Dinner was a quiet affair, and they all steered clear of talking about the scene at the registration desk. Instead, conversation swirled around common friends, Elk Park, and the excitement each felt about the next day’s trip to Sapelo Island.
    Retiring early, Rachel showered, donned her pajamas, and propped herself up in bed with the program and her guidebook while Lark brushed out her hair.
    “This reminds me of when we were kids having sleepovers at the Drummond,” Rachel said.
    They had been friends growing up, spending their summers