"Hey, Holt wouldn't be the boss anymore," Roman explained, propping his fist on one hip. "You wouldn't let someone step in and take over like that, would you?"
"You're very perceptive, Roman. That's right," he said. "That's the whole point. The other man, Mr. McCoy's son, would be in charge of the construction. He has a crew of workers. And I'd simply move on and get another job somewhere else."
"No, they can't do that!" Sherri said. "We don't want you to go."
"See, I told you this was big." Roman gestured broadly.
"Now, listen to me," Holt said quickly. "This is what I want you to understand." He gave them a stern look. "I can work anywhere because of what I know. I have skills and a craft that go with me, because they're in my head, my hands. No one can take that knowledge away from me. And that's what I want you to have, the knowledge and skills that no one can take from you. It's important in life to have that kind of confidence."
"No lectures right now, okay man?" Roman shifted one hip, making his streetwise attitude obvious in his body language. "What we're thinking about today is you. This money deal isn't fair."
"Sometimes life isn't fair, Roman," Holt said. "Surely you, of all people, know that."
"Yeah, I sure do. And part of the problem is sitting around, letting things happen to you instead of taking charge."
Holt grinned proudly. "I think you have been listening to me a little, man."
"You mean you could really lose your job over this, Holt?" Sherri asked."And we could lose ours?"
"No, no, no. Your jobs are secure here. The mayor will see to that," Holt said with confidence, hoping he was right.
"Then we would just lose you." Sherri gazed solemnly at him.
"You would have a different boss, that's all."
Roman muttered a few curses and paced the empty room. "This is all about money, isn't it?"
Holt watched Roman's anger grow as he understood more about the situation. He had to be careful with the intricacies of this political situation or they'd lose confidence in the governing system, as well as him. He would be another adult that let them down. "You have to consider this from the town council's angle. They must go with what's best for the town and what benefits the majority."
"But you are the best for the town and us," Sherri objected.
Holt grinned at her. "That's your opinion. I'm not offering the town a sizable financial contribution that will renovate several buildings and get businesses going sooner. Mr. McCoy is."
"Maybe not, but you're the best man for the job," she insisted.
"It's good to know you're on my side, Sherri. And I do appreciate it, more than you could possibly know." Holt stood and finished his soda. "Right now, as long as I have a job, I'd better get back to work. You, too. We've killed enough time jawing. So let's get busy. And remember you're off tomorrow." He walked away feeling grateful for the kids' loyalty. But he couldn't help feeling beaten by the system he so vocally endorsed.
Roman and Sherri stood motionless and watched Holt disappear into another part of the adobe building. They were silent for a full minute.
"Isn't there anything we can do?" Sherri asked at last.
"Yeah," Roman said with a surly growl to his voice. "Yeah, there sure is. We go down fighting the system, that's what we do."
"How?" Sherri twirled a string of black hair around her finger.
"Okay, I'll tell ya'. The council meets Saturday morning, right? This is what we're gonna do. . ." He put his arm around Sherri's shoulders and walked her in the opposite direction from Holt.
"You want to do what, Mrs. Carson?" Lacy stared across her desk at her sweet-faced neighbor, the reliable one who took such good care of Sofia. Her surprise was difficult to hide.
"I want to open a day-care business in my home. Sandy says there might be a grant that'll provide a low- interest loan for start-up businesses in towns like ours. And that you can help me. So, I want to sign up." She smiled and her face crinkled gently.
"Aren't you busy enough with Sofia?"
"You know, Lacy, I love that kid and have really enjoyed looking after Sofia Henderson. I'm very grateful to you for suggesting me for the job." She sighed. "That little girl has added so much pleasure to my life that I decided I wouldn't mind having a few more kids around."
"What prompted your idea for a day-care business, Mrs. Carson?"
"Well, you started it with your Get Busy with Your Business campaign. After reading about women my age going into business, I decided I could do that, too. Everywhere there seems to be day-care shortages, and that's something I can do. My house is big and empty. And I still have a lot to offer others, especially kids. Besides, you never know how long this job will last."
"Taking care of Sophia?"
"Just thinking ahead." She looked down at her purse, clutched tightly in her lap. "Plus, I guess I'm a little lonely. Sandy's busy with her life and doesn't need me so much anymore. But Sofia needs me. And she showed me there are plenty of other kids who do, too, like her little friend Hanna. Do you know that we don't even have a licensed day-care center in this town?"
"You've done your homework." Lacy tapped her finger on the desk, pleased that Mrs. Carson had picked up on one of the town's deficiencies and a way she could provide a solution. "I guess we could use a day-care center."
"As jobs increase and more folks with little kids move into town, we will," Mrs. Carson stated with a businesslike nod of her gray head. "Anyway, I see all of you women so ambitious and enjoying your contributions toward fixing up this old town, I want to be a part of that, too. I want to get a piece of the action, as you young folks say." She chuckled and clutched her purse in her lap. "So what do you think, Lacy? Can I get a loan?"
"I think it's a great idea, Mrs. Carson. Actually this is a good time to apply for small-business loans in depressed areas like ours. Maybe we could label this a priority case and bypass some of the red tape. That way you could have money as soon as a couple of months, if approved."
"Well, then, I'd better get myself organized for business. I'm planning to renovate the front rooms and use the back for my living quarters."
"Sounds as if you've really thought about this."
"Oh, a little."
Lacy walked around her desk and hugged the older lady. "I'm impressed with your initiative."
Mrs. Carson's eyes twinkled. "Well, my dear, we all are impressed with you and your initiatives. Nobody could have done as good a job at being our mayor as you, Lacy. Whoever said a lady couldn't be mayor?"
"Did anyone say that?"
"Not anymore. They've eaten their words repeatedly, with your every success, especially hiring Holt. He's a fine man, you know. Of course, I love little Sofia as if she were my own granddaughter. But nothing lasts forever. . ."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mrs. Carson." There were times when Lacy needed that kind of encouragement more than others. This was certainly one of those times.
Tomorrow she would be conducting the most important town council meeting in her limited experience. The outcome would affect Holt's life and probably the lives of the kids working in his after- school program, as well as Sofia's life and even her own. And Lacy was convinced that Silver Creek would suffer, too, without the powerful influence and leadership of Holt Henderson.
Lacy was furious because Thomas McCoy had bypassed her and contacted other council members with his magnificent-sounding financial offer. She could do nothing more than call a council meeting and bring the matter to the public so they could be fully informed and vote on the outcome.
She walked to the door with her arm around Mrs. Carson. "I'll give you a call next week when I get the loan forms ready. You'll need to sign them and give a detailed description of your business plan. I'll bet Sandy can help you with that. There'll be a licensing fee, although maybe we can get that waived. And you may need some home renovations, like additional exit doors and bathrooms."
"Thanks for all your help and encouragement, Lacy." Mrs. Ca
rson halted. "Is it true that the council is having a special meeting tomorrow? One that might eliminate Holt's job?"
Lacy took a deep breath. "Well, we're going to discuss the matter in an open forum and present it for a vote."
"Do you think that's fair, Lacy? I mean, after all he's done around here?"
"I really can't comment on it right now, Mrs. Carson."
"Well, you must have some feelings about it. After all, you and Holt —"
Lacy interrupted with a rush. "Please, Mrs. Carson. People aren't aware of our relationship, and I'd appreciate it if you'd continue to keep our secret. Anyway, I can't let my personal life interfere with what's best for the town."
"Do you mean that you'd let someone come in and assume his job—" She snapped her fingers. "—just like that?"
"This may be out of my hands."
"Then some other stranger could come in here and grab any of our jobs. Including mine. You'd let them take over, saying it was out of your hands?"
"No, I wouldn't. That's different. There are extenuating circumstances here."
"What's so different? You are the mayor, Lacy. You're in charge of this town. Or you're supposed to be. I can't believe you'd let some banker with a lot of money come in and take over our town."
"I'm not letting him take over! You don't understand the complexities of this situation. I can't make this decision alone. It involves the town."
"I understand enough for an old lady." Mrs. Carson sniffed and hitched her purse on her arm. "Is that meeting open to the public?"
"Yes, of course. All the city council meetings are."
"Then I'll attend this one. And I'll see that all of my friends do, too. Even those that don't care beans about politics. This is important."
"Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have about a hundred things to do before I go home today."
Mrs. Carson nodded. Just before she slipped out the door, she paused. "Another thing, Lacy. If you think no one else knows about you and Holt, you're pretty dense. All anybody has to do is look at either one of you when the other is in the room. Both of you light up like a pair of lamps. Believe me honey, everyone knows." She closed the door quietly.
Lacy felt the sting of tears in her eyes. Her emotions were a wreck these days, especially since the Feast of Flowers.
During the past weeks, she felt as though she'd been riding a roller coaster. She thought they had grown closer. But her role as mayor had placed her in a position that she'd never envisioned. Responsibility versus objectivity. And she found it impossible to be objective now.
Mrs. Carson was right. She couldn't just let strangers come in and assume leadership here in Silver Creek. But what could she do about it? She had to allow the public vote. She'd spent half the night trying to figure out a strategy that would work in this case. Nothing short of influencing the council, which was against her moral stand, came to mind. The fact remained that she was mayor of this town, and she had to at least appear impartial. She was, after all, the people's representative. She had to follow their mandate.
What if they voted in favor of Mr. McCoy and his thousands of much-needed dollars? What could she do if the good people of Silver Creek didn't care who renovated the historic district? Holt or anybody whose father had money. What would she do if Holt decided to leave? What would she do without him? She shuddered to think.
How would Silver Creek manage? He was their hope for the future, their winning strategy. What was worse, he had captured her heart. And she was nearly crazy at the thought of losing him.
It was after seven when she drove home. As she passed Holt's place, she decided to stop and see him, chat, see what he was thinking now. There were no lights on in his house. And no one came to the door. She knocked again. All quiet. No one there. Jeep was gone.
Maybe they'd gone out to eat.
She spent a restless night alone, wishing she were in Holt's arms and that everything was going to be okay. Finally she fell asleep and dreamed of helping Holt and Sofia pack all their worldly goods into a covered wagon. They were all dressed in fringed leather, like the pioneers who'd settled the West a hundred years ago. In her dream, Lacy waved goodbye and cried as they pulled out, heading west, never to be seen again. She awoke feeling a distinct sense of sadness.
And on her cheeks were real tears.
Lacy struggled to pull herself together for the Saturday morning meeting of the city council. She was so upset, her stomach was in turmoil and she felt like heaving. A little toast and tea for breakfast helped sooth her nerves. She drove to the courthouse and was forced to park three blocks away because of the number of vehicles, mostly pickup trucks, lining the street.
That should have been a fair warning, but she wasn't prepared for what she encountered when she entered the room set aside for the council meeting. In a place equipped to hold fifty people comfortably, nearly two hundred citizens crowded together, filling the aisles and the back of the room. People were even seated on the floor in front of the council table. It was standing room only! And where was Holt? Missing, unless he was lost in the crowd and she just didn't see him.
She wormed her way through the dense group and took her seat at the center of the long table set up for the council. For a change, every member was present. She glanced over the crowd and spotted Sandy and Jay Amado in the front row with Mrs. Carson and several of her friends. Seated on the aisle, Principal Maxine Novak was surrounded by most of the high school teachers. A little farther back was Judge Corona and her husband. Then just a dizzying sea of faces. Lacy's heart began to pound with anxiety. So much depended on this meeting. So much! And where the hell was Holt?
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
At precisely ten o'clock, Lacy called the assembly to order. "We're pleased to see such an enthusiastic turnout for today's meeting," she began with a smile. "This is the kind of interest and participation in the city's government that we're going to need to move forward and make our programs work.
"Now, today's discussion revolves around the investment proposal from Thomas McCoy, a banker from Phoenix. We have created a non-profit development corporation called Re-grow Silver Creek that will allow private developers and investors to contribute toward the rebuilding of Silver Creek's economy. This is our first actual proposal where the investor is truly investing in Silver Creek's future, so it's very exciting." Lacy shifted her attention to Annie. "Our R and D Chairwoman, Annie Clayton will start today's proceeding by reading the proposal letter from Mr. McCoy."
Annie stood and cleared her throat. "The following is the main body of a letter that I and my fellow council members received last week from Mr. Thomas McCoy.
"I am pleased to offer this investment toward Silver Creek's economic growth. I agree that employment opportunities can flourish in the renovation of the historic district with the right kind of influence. I, personally, will consider bringing a banking system to Silver Creek. I will encourage participation or investment in your development corporation. Additionally, I will see that people in Phoenix who are seeking employment will be directed to your town, if appropriate. I will provide a top-notch builder and developer who will bring his team to speed the renovations so that maximum results can be achieved in the shortest amount of time."
Annie continued. "I have the building proposal from Mr. J.T. McCoy, son of Thomas McCoy. He states the approximate funds needed for his crew of ten, which will be covered by the McCoy proposal. He states, in vague terms, what he intends to do and how, along with the estimated time he expects it to take. Quoting, using my expertise and prerogative to get the project done within a year, whether to restore or rebuild in the old Colonial Mexican style." Annie looked up. "This proposal is open for the public to see, in its entirety." She nodded to Lacy to indicate she was finished.
"Thanks, Annie," Lacy said. "Now, do we have any discussion on this matter before we vote?"
Judge Corona requested and received recognition for the floor. "That proposal seems to be saying that Mr. McCoy will invest i
n our town, but only under his terms, and there are some strings attached."
Someone from the audience spoke up. "What does he mean that he will provide a top-notch builder? I thought we had one."
"I'll tell you what he means, man! Uh, people," a loud voice exclaimed from the back.
All eyes turned to the speaker. Without hesitating, Roman Barrios began making his way to the front, followed closely by his little sister, Hanna, and two other teenage kids. He stood before the mayor, hands clasped in front in a polite gesture, and asked for recognition.
"You are interrupting – " Lacy said grimly.
"I'd just like to speak about what's happening here," Roman said. "From my side."
"All right, Roman. You have the floor. Go ahead." Lacy could feel the air crackling. Something strange was happening here.
"I, er, we —" he gestured to Steve and Sherri and a few other kids who flanked him "— we all want to have a say in this proceeding."
"We're glad to see our youth participate in government." Lacy smiled at Roman. He had a strategy. She realized that these kids had discussed and planned this. It took a lot of courage to stand up in front of a crowd of adults and speak out. But here they were, ready and willing. Suddenly she was so proud of them she could shout. Instead, she forced her voice to remain calm. "Please introduce yourselves to the council and to the citizens."
"I’m Roman Barrios. And this here's Sherri Vitale. We work for Mr. Henderson, the one who's going to lose his job if this Mr. McCoy from Phoenix has his way." He paused for dramatic emphasis, and a muffled protest ran through the crowd.
Sherri spoke up. "You might say that we work with Mr. Henderson instead of for him. That's what he would say, anyway. He says we work for the town of Silver Creek. But I wonder if the new guy who'll take over Mr. Henderson's job will teach me to be a plasterer. I'm learning a unique trade, thanks to Mr. Henderson."
Under The Desert Sky (Desert Sky Series) Page 16