Ocotillo Wells, California melted in the spackled rain. The late summer storm was unexpected and lashed the desert town with unusual fury.
The five oilmen whose shots missed the par three green stayed behind at the compound in Mexico.
Later that morning, they were summoned to a well shaded patio. Hard shadows hit the white stucco walls with quiet menace.
Their host spoke with his usual charm. His voice was full of grace.
“So, we have a request of you which you should find quite simple. We ask each of you to contact your office and instruct the appropriate people to immediately suspend all of your fracking operations.
“We recognize this is not as simple as throwing a switch, but you will need to begin the process of shutting down all fracking immediately. It is essential you insure this proceeds without delay.
“As this process takes place, a news release we have prepared for each of your firms should be sent by you to a list of news organizations and financial analysts we have provided.”
Ocotillo Wells, California took shelter from the late summer storm which lashed Interstate 8.
