Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 102523 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102523 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
He sits back down, straightening his tie and likely wishing he could control this meeting and his family as easily. But it’s not over yet. Etta calls out from the back of the room, “We might not be able to make a motion, but anyone sitting up there at that fancy table sure can. By the way, on a completely unrelated note . . . Councilman Hancock, I sure do appreciate you sending Officer Milson over to see me. He mentioned we could sit down to some mediation if necessary to work out your criminal-mischief concerns. You want me to bring your favorite Fat Pussy double bacon, extra mayo burger with fries to that meeting? Because you sure as shit aren’t welcome at Puss N Boots no more.”
She raises a brow, looking cunningly wicked.
I see why when a woman stands up, pissed off. “Harold! You are on a diet for your cholesterol! You can’t eat things like that.”
Hancock looks sick to his stomach, as if he’s regretting both getting on Etta’s bad side after the protest and hiding his dietary habits from his wife. Or maybe it’s from eating all that extra mayo?
Hancock holds Etta’s eye as he raises his hand. “I move that we petition the state to declare the carriage house of 812 Bellsy a historical site.”
Etta nods, agreeing to wipe away Harold’s sins, and the woman who’s been taking minutes the whole meeting pops off with, “Noted!”
Councilwoman Jackson raises her hand. “Seconded.”
The secretary adds, “Motion on the floor. Mayor, we’ll need to vote on this matter before opening another for a vote.”
Dad looks unsure what to do, but he knows the rules of council meetings, having presided over them for years. He stands, looking to his left and avoiding Jed’s harsh glare. “Council member Patterson, what say you?”
Mr. Patterson seems less than happy about being the first to vote, setting his pen down and interlacing his fingers in front of him. He looks at the crowd, most of whom lean forward eagerly, and then to Dad. “In favor of the motion. Yes.”
A small pattering of excitement sounds out, little squeals of hope as people grasp hands. Down the row the vote goes, and by the end, it’s tied four–four. Dad, as mayor and head of the council, will be the deciding vote.
The air’s thick, heavy with expectation. Me, I’m hopeful that Dad gets his head out of Jed’s ass and does the right thing.
Meanwhile, Jed’s grinning like it’s a sure thing. He’s got this sewed up, by his math.
Dad leans forward and clears his throat. “Aye.”
It’s just one word, but it sets off an explosion of celebration that has the whole council chambers rocking and rolling louder than the street protest a few days ago. People are hugging, crying, and someone even spins Mrs. Hackwood around gently.
Meanwhile, Jed looks like he’s about to have a fit. His face is brick red, and he stares at his brother, then me, then Winston, then back to Dad.
After a minute, Dad raps his gavel to quiet everyone. “Everyone, order please. There’s another proposal on the agenda that requires a vote.”
The crowd quiets as everyone realizes we might be celebrating prematurely. Sure, petitioning the state might stop Jed from buying some of the property . . . but could the council still go through with the rezoning?
In theory, the subdivision could have a historical carriage house in the middle of the green space, probably with a big, garish sign donated by Jed Ford.
“Don’t do this, Dad,” I whisper, and I can feel Hazel slip her hand into mine as Dad speaks again.
“I need someone to make the motion.”
This time it’s Mr. Patterson who brings the rezoning issue to the table, seconded by one of Jed’s allies, Mr. Norton. Dad nods and speaks into the microphone. “The council shall vote. Council member Patterson?”
“Nay. Keep the land the way it is.”
I inhale, as Dad looks at Mr. Norton. “Council member Norton?”
Norton’s been Jed’s buddy for years, and I’m sure Jed has felt secure in Norton’s vote for months, if not longer. But Norton knows where his bread is buttered here, and leans forward to declare into his microphone, “Nay.”
It breaks the dam, and by the time the vote comes around to Dad, the matter is decided. His nay makes it unanimous against rezoning.
Jed is furious at his brother’s betrayal, shouting over the din, “We had this planned out. What the hell?”
Etta laughs and calls out joyously, “Fuck you, Jed!”
Aunt Chrissy stands up, dutifully going to Jed’s side. “Etta, you’re only fighting against Jed because you’re a bitter old hag from losing him. You should’ve left town when he left you. Nobody would’ve missed you a lick.” She looks up at Jed as if he’s her savior and hero.
Etta waves the insult away, saying, “I gave up caring for that blowhard a long time ago. I thank my lucky stars every day that I didn’t marry him and got to spend my mama’s last years by her side.”