by Tom Soule
Sam rubbed his hands with anticipation. “Did you get the cinnamon bun?” he asked. Jerry paused for a long moment, which Sam found suspicious.
“Well!” he exclaimed. Jerry made a drumbeat on Sam’s desk.
“I got something even better; take a look,” Jerry said.
“What is this?” Sam asked with great hesitation.
“Sir, you’re going to love this one. It's the ‘Sugar Sprinkled Chocolate Banana Muffin,’ and of course a regular ice mocha.”
Sam was intrigued as he stared at the muffins.
“Wow!” He bit into the muffin; after every bite he went to Heaven. It was as if Kim and Sam were still together and he was playing taste tester for her once again.
In the middle of his enjoyment, Jerry was about to leave for the day. Sam generously placed $20 into his hand.
“Thanks Jerry; that muffin was definitely worth it.” Jerry loved his job and his over- tipping boss. Besides, who wouldn’t want a mayor to use as a reference?
After the muffin, Sam redeployed his focus and sighed over his workload.. “I still have so much to do; I have to sign that paperwork for the new zoning audits, plus work on the new proposal.”
In the middle of his work, Lisa knocked shyly.
“Sir, there is a woman who refuses to give her name, insisting on seeing you.” Sam quickly brushed the crumbs from his suit and checked himself to make sure his appearance was still top-notch. He stood up to meet the unexpected guest. To his surprise, it was Sharon - Kim’s best friend and business manager. The beautiful slender brunette entered the Mayor’s Chamber and looked all around the office. Her eyes captured the historic painting of the original City Hall which hanged adjacent to Sam’s desk.
“What beauty to see every day,” she said, staring at the painting.
Sam was also mesmerized, but not by the painting. He was elated to see an old friendly face. He promptly greeted her with a warm friendly hug.
“It's been too long,” Sam said, smiling.
“Well, well, well, Mr. Mayor now,” she responded, a curious smile on her face. “Do you know why I'm here?”
“And what could that be?” Sam inquired, gazing at her playfully.
“You want the intel on Kim.” Sam's face lit up at the mention of her name.
“I just wanted to know how she is dealing with your dad’s death and--” Sam's calm response belied the wounds opened by the subject.
Sharon folded her legs to get comfortable. “Well, since you want to know so badly, despite Kim's bad memories of you and the passing of her father, she found the courage to follow her passion and open up a pastry shop.
It is successful, I have to say, and you are the last thing on her mind.”
Sam hung his head in shame. “You don’t mince words at all.”
“No I don’t, especially to guys who broke my best friend’s heart.” Sharon continued, “You and her dad almost broke her, and it took everything she had just to make it out of a deep depression.” Sharon's jabs at Sam were intended to protect her best friend.
Sam stared at her. “I know how much I hurt her, so please, I want both of you to know that Jasmine meant nothing. I wasn’t dating that girl!”
“Oh please, give me a break. I saw you with Jasmine at Rusty Grub, so I know something was going on.”
“I swear her car broke down and I---”
“Sam, stop! I didn’t come here to talk about that.” Sharon placed her hands on the huge oak desk.
“Please, Sam, give Kim some time to heal; right now she is in a good place. Just set her free, please.” Sam was a bit surprised she didn't yell at him. Something is wrong with this picture, he thought.
His voiced softened. “Sharon, I love this woman; I cannot let her go.” Pouring out his feelings was his last line of defense.
“If you really care about her, give her space; I saw you outside looking around the shop.” Sam was stunned that his stalking was exposed.
“Do you know the pain it would have caused if she had seen you?” Sharon tightened her fist. “You are already the mayor of this town; just give her some space. If you really love her,” Sharon added cynically.
Sam look away and his chest started to burn. Anything he said would start an argument. He got up from his desk, approached the liquor cabinet, and stared down in silence. Sharon chimed in.
“I know the Jerry kid was sent by you, Sam. You can get your dessert from us, but you must stay away.” Sam turned towards Sharon with a deep breath.
“Okay, I'll stay away. No matter the cost, I will protect her feelings.”
…
Sam's professional career was booming while his romantic life was withering away. At least she is back in Huntington, he thought. His heart became heavy and he felt the need for some loving support. Maybe spending time with the family is what the doctor ordered.
Chapter Four
At first, Sam was not excited to visit his overbearing mother who would wear her son’s achievement like a badge of honor. However, he was drained; he had worked tirelessly for months to get Huntington in tip-top economic shape. He needed a break.
“Ma, If I am coming for this dinner in Bayset, there will have to be some conditions,” Sam firmly explained to his mother on the phone.
“Anything for you.”
“Okay, Ma. I really don’t want a stiff-suited reunion dinner; please let it be laid-back.”
“It sounds like you made a list,” Marie chuckled.
Ma, I am serious; please make it simple.”
“Okay, I will try my best,” Marie said suspiciously. Then her tone changed to one of aggression.
“So, have you spoken to that vile brother of yours?”
“I did, Ma. He said he misses you; just talk to him and work it out.” While Sam calmly addressed the brother issue, Marie ignored his request and made one of her own.
“I don’t plan on inviting him myself, but if you want him to come to the dinner, I can tolerate him for one day,” she said.
Sam didn’t like to get involved in his mother's and brother's family scuffle, but he knew his mother very well. She really wanted Steven there.
“Ma, I already asked him to attend; he will definitely be there.”
“I swear your brother is going through a mid-life crisis. Do you know I haven’t seen my grandson since the last argument over the trust fund?” Marie snapped.
“Ma, things are different. I spoke to him and you will see little Mick again.”
“I will?” Marie's expression lightened. “I haven’t seen my only grandson for so long.” She tried her best to remember her spirited five-year old grandchild.
“ Ma, this is your chance to work it out with Steven.”
“Since my grandson will be here, I am willing to be civil,” Marie conceded, then added,
“Since we are talking about grandsons, is there any special friend in your life?”
Sam’s voice hardened defiantly. “Huh..I am keeping my romantic life private.”
“Well, I am happy if you bring a friend - anyone except that crazy Johnson girl.”
This rattled Sam. “Mama, leave Kim out of this and please don’t start.” He was still very sensitive about Kim.
“Okay, okay; I am just glad you didn’t marry that woman,” Marie stated.
Pissed off, Sam just wanted to hang up. “Ma, I have to go.”
“Okay, see you in a few days!” Marie said as she sent her love through the phone.
Huh,… what am I going to do with my mother? Sam thought. Marie's hate for the Johnsons ran deep.
Chapter Five
A well-adjusted Sam returned to work after an intimate fun family trip. It was a rewarding experience, minus no-show Steven.
“Hello Mr. Hamilton,” Lisa said.
“How was your trip with your family?”
“It went quite well. My mother did well, I must admit.”
“How about yourself? What did you do?”
“Nothing much - church on
Sunday and a nice family picnic right after.” Sam gave Lisa a broad smile.
“You had a great weekend too. I am glad… you deserved it.”
After the swapping of weekend stories, Lisa returned to her secretarial duties.
“Mr. Hamilton,” she called out, “ooh I almost forgot, there is an important emergency meeting on your schedule.”
Sam sighed. “Okay; thanks for letting me know.” Lisa quickly walked out.
What could this be about? I really don’t like playing games, Sam thought.
He started to feel like a pawn in a chess game. I hate their emergency election strategy. At least I can make some great changes for Huntington from the inside and besides, “Mayor Hamilton” has grown on me.
When Sam sat down in the conference room, none of the council members had shown up. Then, after five minutes more, he was surprised to see Guttman and Harold stumbling in.
“Where is everyone else?” Sam asked.
“Well, this is a special session for the big dogs,” Guttman said ominously.
He handed Sam a 25- page proposal for the new commercial properties.
“Don’t worry, Sam, the paperwork is already vetted by the city legal team,” Guttman assured him. Sam retorted, “No matter; one more glance won’t hurt.”
Slowly, he skimmed over the legal documents, while Guttman and Harold waited impatiently.
On the last page, Sam couldn’t stall any longer and he signed his name and placed the city seal on the proposal.
After the paperwork, Guttman stood up and shook Sam's hand. “Great job, Mr. Mayor.”
Harold smiled crookedly. “Keep up the great work, Sir,” he said mockingly. Sam stared Harold down as he stepped out of the conference room, suspecting something was fishy.
When both Guttman and Harold had left the conference room, Sam earnestly wanted to revisit the documents without the pressure of two senior council members rushing him.
“Lisa, get legal on the phone; let them forward me the documents I just signed.”
Lisa found the request weird: the moment the seal stamped the document, it was legally binding. Lisa, wanting to impress Sam, walked personally to the eighth floor and made the copies herself.
“Here is the document.” Lisa handed Sam the paperwork and watched him lock himself in his chamber to reread the new legal contract.
His eyes zoomed over the contract.
“ Since both Bert Harold and David Guttman are the primary executives of the proposal, these men are in charge of tens of millions dollars' worth of property.” Sam's eyes widened as he thought about what this meant.
Now I see why it was so important for them to secure a mayoral candidate; they need a patsy to sign these kinds of proposals, Sam thought. I wish I had known what was going on before. No worries - this proposal expires in 3 years. By then, I will make sure I elect new executives instead of these crooks. These guys are like a virus sucking the life out of Huntington.
ChapterSix
A small banquet was held in honor of the newly-signed proposal. Even though the document was laced with financial gain for a few crooked men, it still marked a big step for Huntington’s future. A banquet would celebrate the momentous occasion. Sam felt the banquet was altogether silly, but as the mayor he was required to attend and play his role. The Convention Hall was the prime venue for the event.
Red and white wine were the drinks of choice as light piano music set the ambience. Squared fruit tart arrangements were served on tiny china dishes thanks to “Cream Fusion.”
One bright spark for Sam was that Kim was possibly somewhere at the banquet; after all, her business had catered the food..
The blonde beauty was indeed present, wearing a backless blue dress. His face lit up when he laid eyes on her.
Before he made a quick stride over to her table, he remembered Sharon's warning. He sighed and heeded Sharon’s wishes; but in a furious moment of petty rebellion, he grabbed a raspberry tart from a tray a waiter was passing around. He gulped it down to alleviate the pain of staying away from his beloved, only feet away from him.
To save Sam from himself, Mulling came over.
“Yeah,” Mulling said. “I feel so out of place here.”
The political pinnacles of Huntington society was a new world for Mulling. He was greatly relieved when he saw Sam.
“At least you have a friend.” Mulling pointed to Kim who was mingling with other guests.
“Sadly, I wish, but that is not the case,” Sam said, feeling worse than before.
Sam and Mulling continued their conversation, bonding over their unwillingness to interact with the other guests.
Surprisingly, after a few minutes, Kim proceeded towards Mulling and Sam.
“Hey, Gentlemen,” Kim said. Sam was so overwhelmed, he couldn’t believe that Kim had actually spoken to him. He looked at her, but words would not exit his mouth.
“Hi,” he said finally. “Great job on the fruit tarts.” It was an awkward exchange, but before it became even more so, a crisis disrupted the banquet.
Chapter Seven
“Is there a doctor in the room?” a man yelled. The other guests all stopped their own personal interactions and a hush fell over the Convention Hall.
“Please call 911; Mr. Guttman is having a heart attack.”
The room was temporarily silenced in confusion, but soon people started to murmur in panic. The guests were appalled and gasped their concern. Many were frightened. A lady in a pink slim- fitting dress clutched her pearl necklace in fear.
That lady was not alone; Sam was in a state of disbelief. How could a festive moment turn so fatal? He thought.
Luckily, Mulling was on the scene and he jumped into action. He hightailed over to a collapsed Guttman and held up his head, then stood guard over him until emergency personnel came. After twelve minutes, the Convention Hall was flooded with police officers. Once Mr. Guttman had been put into the ambulance, out of nowhere Mulling materialized his notepad. He started to reassure the guests, while asking questions about Guttman's conduct that night. After a while, the guests exited the Convention Hall somberly, wondering whether Guttman would live.
Chapter Eight
Guttman passed away that night and left everyone on edge, especially the council members and Sam. Five days passed. Sam personally asked Mulling to give him updates as the case slowly unfolded.
“Preliminary report from the coroner is leaning towards death by natural causes, but it will take some time to get the official cause of death.”
Sam raised an eye brow. “I see.”
“I will announce to the press once more concrete evidence comes in, but right now, I don’t suspect foul play or anything sinister,” Mulling told Sam, embracing his sheriff's duties.
Sam gasped with relief. “The last thing we need right now is a murder! Thanks for giving me updates.”
Sam hung up the phone, eased back in his big comfy chair and reflected on Guttman’s life. He remembered the first time he was asked to meet the council. He had very little experience in governing or dealing with legislative affairs. All he had were his architecture clients and his business connections in New York. Guttman saw something in me and it forever changed my life, Sam thought.
…
Sam's mind flashed back to the first day at city council. He had worn a dark blue suit as he'd entered City Hall. It was a calmer environment back then. Most of the senior staff from the previous mayoral term was running for the exits. They all wrote off Huntington as a lost cause. People quit in droves.
“Hi, I am David Guttman.” The large man gazed at my suit with a hint of disapproval.
“Well, son, I called you here because I have a proposition for you. Lets sit and chat. Since the last mayor passed away and the deputy mayor turned down the position, you are on a very short list for the position.”
“Is that so?” Sam had listened cautiously to Guttman, fixing his ears on every word.
“Well, you have excellent co
nnections in New York and your family helped found the town. You have a thriving business, plus you’re a fresh face; you represent a new start for this town.”
“I am very flattered, but my experience is slim,” Sam had stated honestly.
“Nonsense. Mayor Johnson told me about your fund-raising abilities for his campaign, and the deep pockets you were able to dip into.”
“How, did you know about that?” Sam had rubbed his chin, both impressed and a little suspicious of Guttman’s ability to know so much about him.
“I have eyes everywhere, son,” Guttman had said with a funny expression.
