by Ava Miles
“Stop fidgeting,” Mac ordered under his breath.
Her fidgeting had more to do with her lack of sleep and cry-fest over Brian than it did nerves. No amount of concealer had worked on her puffy eyes. “There’s a lot of people. Everyone’s waiting to hear what Peggy’s found out.”
He smiled and nodded as more people settled into chairs. “Yes, but there are more on our side, so stop worrying. I’ll handle her.”
Her pencil skirt was going to have wrinkles if she didn’t stop clutching it. “I can’t help it. It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever been involved in. Plus, you don’t know what she’s going to say.”
Mr. Cool stood. God she wished she could be more like him. She was a freaking mess right now.
“Everything’s going to be fine.” He started making the rounds.
A hand tapped her shoulder, making her look back. “Grandpa!”
He bussed his grizzled cheek against hers. “Big night, sweetheart.”
His endearment had her blinking back tears. “The biggest.”
“Maven’s not a man to underestimate. He’s charmed his way into the most starched unmentionables in this town. Of course, everyone’s wondering what Peggy has to say. Even a seasoned journalist like me couldn’t get her to reveal her information. I was crushed.” He tapped his cane. “So, I heard the Frenchie left town.”
“What?” She made her mouth curve as the mayor cruised past them with a nod. Had Brian really been telling the truth? She’d tossed and turned all weekend thinking about it. Had her old fears ruined everything?
“Meredith told me about you and Brian. I’m sorry, honey. Come ‘round the house tomorrow for dinner. Cry on this old man’s shoulder.”
She rubbed her nose when it started to tingle. “Okay.”
Someone rapped a gavel. Her grandfather pressed her back into her chair when she jumped a few feet.
“Here.” He reached into his pocket. “Have a red hot. They always calm me down. Remember who you are, and you’ll do just fine.”
“Sorry, I’m late,” Mere announced in a rush. She kissed Jill’s cheek with a loud smack. “Someone made a few too many red marks on my article for tomorrow’s edition.”
“Wonder who would do a thing like that?” Grandpa commented, pulling out a red pen and twirling it with his fingers.
Meredith gave him the fish eye and then turned to Jill. “You all set?”
Her sister had come over with movies and ice cream the last couple of nights, offering her unconditional support. She was so grateful for her right now. “As I’ll ever be.”
“You’ll do fine. My sources tell me there are four people on the fence after Peggy’s bombshell.”
Grandpa gave a huff. “My sources say five people are on the fence. Given what Maven did for Keith, people are thinking it must be pretty bad for her to turn on him.”
Just like Peggy had hoped. “Great.”
“This might be one of the most exciting meetings Dare has seen.” He tapped his cane for emphasis.
“Would everyone please take their seats?” Jim Kartens called loudly, banging the gavel.
Tanner approached them. “I found us three seats on the ‘for’ side. Good luck, Jill.”
After kissing her on the cheek for luck, they wove through the crowd to their chairs behind the table where Mac and Jill were sitting at the front of the room. When Peggy strode forward with Keith, Jill’s stomach gave a little jump.
Keith waved at their family. “Mommy, why can’t we go sit with Uncle Tanner, Aunt Meredith, and Mr. Hale?”
“Because we need to sit on this side,” she answered, guiding him toward a couple of seats across the aisle. She was careful not to meet Jill’s gaze.
“But Mom,” he protested, kicking his feet under the chair until reprimanded.
Mac waved to Peggy and Keith as he walked back to the front of the room, making Keith grin and Peg scowl. Jill scooted over to give him space. He unbuttoned his gray wool jacket and smoothed his burgundy tie.
“How can you be so calm?”
“I play poker for a living.” He winked. “You ready?”
“I was born ready,” she announced with false bravado. It was time to ignore everything but this moment.
The city council’s chairman, Oscar Smithens, called roll and then went through some stupid-ass process to get the minutes from the last meeting approved. Didn’t these people have email? When Jill didn’t think she could stand it anymore, the chairman finally read their order of business. The hotel vote was the only item for this special meeting. Sitting up straighter, Jill clenched her hands in her lap.
“We’ve elected to read the correspondence we have on this issue and then take comments from visitors in the audience,” Oscar announced. He began to read, shuffling the papers near the microphone. Most were in support because of the economic boost the hotel would give the town. A few mentioned their excitement at seeing Pincari’s Folly renovated to its original glory. The dissenters talked about preserving the town’s family-centered culture and protecting Dare from crime. A few environmental concerns were raised, but Jill knew they were bogus. Mac had high standards for environmental protection and preservation.
When Oscar opened the floor to visitors, Mac immediately raised his hand. The chairman looked between him and Peggy and then finally called on Mac with a friendly smile.
“Good evening, everyone. As you know, my company has proposed plans to renovate a condemned historic hotel in the mountains. We’re concerned with providing the best services to our clientele, but more importantly, becoming another seam in the fabric of town life. This is why we hired someone you all know so well to help us for this vote—and hopefully the future. Jill Hale.”
When he reached for her elbow, she stood up, trying not to obsess about whether or not she had a wedgie.
“Jill is one of you, from a family that’s deeply invested in Dare. With her guidance, we have crafted a socially responsible and environmentally-friendly plan to make Pincari’s Folly a premier boutique hotel. Since this town prides itself on unique brands, our niche fits in perfectly. A hotel that exclusively offers poker, no other type of gambling. It’s totally legal and will be carefully controlled. Like you, I don’t have any tolerance for shady gambling establishments that feed on crime to fuel other-than-legitimate-business concerns.”
Some people nodded. Their encouragement made it easier for Jill to smile in the spotlight.
“Let me begin by saying we estimate our hotel will generate $5 million per year in taxes for the city of Dare, and $2 million each for Eagle County and the public school system. Additionally, we have made a commitment to work with the local business community, and we’ll fill up to ninety-five percent of jobs with Dare-area residents.”
As Jill took her seat again, Mac ran them through the poster-board sized plans for the hotel. His presentation took about twenty minutes. He finished by placing a blown-up black-and-white photo of the original hotel next to their model for the new one. No one could miss how close Mac’s restoration plans were to the historic landmark. It kicked ass.
Mac stood between the images, resplendent in his suit, an easy smile on his face. “As I’ve outlined, our plan is respectful of Dare’s values. It will recreate a beautiful sanctuary in the mountains while bringing a great deal of money into this town. We look forward to your support and thank you for giving us the opportunity to propose this plan.”
When he turned to her, smooth as butter, her heart jumped. “Jill? As the first Dare resident hired for this project, do you have anything you’d like to add?”
They’d rehearsed this, so she wasn’t surprised. Still, her nerves skyrocketed as she stood up. “Some of you might wonder why I decided to back this plan. I mean, an exclusive poker hotel in the mountains? Who would have thunk it?”
As she’d hoped, her folksy language made people laugh.
“I grew up here. Went to school here. Own my own business here. And after having my grandfather lecture me ti
me and again about the importance of being a good judge of character, I can tell you I not only chose to work on this hotel because of the economic boost it would give our town, I also decided to put myself into it one hundred percent because of Mac Maven.”
She gestured to him with a warm smile. “He’s the real deal, folks. A self-made man who has continued to better his life through his unique set of skills. Honestly, I can’t give him a higher compliment than to say that if I didn’t know better I might have thought he’d been born here. He’s the kind of man Dare produces—a true maverick, just like his poker nickname. Plus, he’s honest, loyal, and wicked smart.”
She looked pointedly at Peggy, who only stared back.
“When he says there will be none of the usual ‘shenanigans’ you find at other casinos, he means it. And we have the statistics to back that up. Dare’s businesses will boom with this new hotel in town. We look forward to your support.”
When she sat back down, Mac patted her hand. Her hot face could have melted all the snow outside. She wanted to fan herself, but didn’t want to attract the attention.
Other people stood, making innocuous comments about the hotel. Nothing they hadn’t expected. Florence Henkelmyer didn’t persuade anyone with her rant about the evils of alcohol and gambling. The woman should have lived during Prohibition. When the chairman asked if there were any more comments before the vote, Peggy raised her hand and stood.
The whole crowd seemed to lean forward on the edge of their chairs, causing a massive medley of squeaking wood.
“Like my brother, Tanner McBride, I’m new to this town. As a police officer, I’ve seen a lot of bad things. Jill and Maven may say there will be no crime at his hotel, but I can only tell you the facts are against them.”
She cited stats she’d given the newspaper, drawing out the suspense. “Our town is particularly vulnerable because we have a university here. High rollers tend to be power-hungry types who like young women, which is why gambling and prostitution have been constant bedfellows since the first cavemen carved their own dice. Young college students looking for a fast ride and easy money are especially susceptible. Policing this type of thing is tough, I can tell you that right now.”
Peggy continued to talk about violence and domestic abuse. She hooked her hands in her belt loops. Jill realized she was playing the who-blinks-first game with Mac.
“I’m not questioning whether Jill’s a good judge of character. Or saying Maven’s not a nice guy.”
“I like Mr. Maven, mommy,” Keith said loudly. “He helped me when I broke my leg, and he gave me a Woody helmet.”
Her friend’s mouth thinned, but she just stroked her son’s head. “As I mentioned in the paper, I came across something in Mr. Maven’s background that calls his character into serious question. I feel I’d be remiss in my duties if I didn’t mention Mr. Maven has been arrested for assault.”
The bombshell silenced the room. Jill gripped Mac’s sleeve and looked at his face. His easy smile faded. He turned in his chair like a jungle cat. So whatever he’d expected, it hadn’t been this.
“You’re well informed, Deputy McBride, but those charges were dropped.”
She planted her hands on her hips. “Doesn’t mean you didn’t beat someone up enough to send him to the hospital. What do you say to that?”
The accusation drew some gasps from the crowd.
He rose in one fluid line. “Did your source provide you with the reason for the so-called ‘assault’?”
Her brown eyes flickered under the hall’s fluorescent lighting. “Neither the report or the arresting officer spelled out all the details.”
“I see, so you were simply planning to tarnish my reputation? Mr. Chairman, I wonder if we might have a short recess? I will respond to this statement afterwards.”
Jill locked her hands at her side. He needed a break? Oh, this wasn’t good.
Oscar’s mouth flapped, but he nodded and whacked the gavel down. “Ten minutes.”
The crowd’s din immediately rose.
“I’ll be right back.” Mac strode out.
Jill’s heart rapped against her chest so hard she clutched it.
“Any idea what’s going on, Jill?” Oscar asked her.
“I’m sure everything is all right,” she reassured him as best she could.
Her family hovered close, and all around her people peppered her with questions. She kept repeating that Mac would answer everything. The crowd began to turn.
Florence’s voice rose in volume. “See, he’s nothing but a two-bit gambler. We don’t want his kind in Dare.”
Meredith patted Jill’s back, and Tanner squeezed her shoulder before pushing through the crowd toward Peggy. Keith’s lip wobbled. He threw his arms around Tanner’s leg. Her brother-in-law hoisted him up and bent his head down to Peggy, whose expression was grim.
A door smacked against a wall, arresting conversation. The crowd took their seats and fell silent as Mac strode back into the room, his mouth tight. “Thank you for your patience. The answer to Deputy Sheriff McBride’s accusation involved someone close to me. I needed permission to speak of it.”
Well, that explained the break. Jill hovered on the edge of her seat as Mac scanned the audience, the sheer force of his will evident.
“So, it seems we need to clear up something from my past, doesn’t it? I don’t want anyone to think I’m a ‘bad’ guy. I can assure you this was a singular incident.” He unbuttoned his suit jacket. “I’m a private person, and this was a private family matter.”
Peggy stilled as Mac strolled over. “You’re to be commended for your diligence, but you really should have researched the details of the so-called assault more thoroughly.”
“I made my best effort,” she asserted without breaking eye contact.
Keith wrapped his hand around Peggy’s leg.
“Folks, I was twenty when this happened. I found out another college student had been highly inappropriate with my younger sister, who was a senior in high school.”
A few gasps came from the crowd. Jill clutched her chair, thinking oh, Peggy. This couldn’t have been what she’d had in mind.
Although his mouth had grim lines around it, he shrugged. “What can I say? I was acting like a protective older brother. Who isn’t a bit impetuous in their youth? If that makes me a ‘bad’ guy in Deputy McBride’s eyes, I fear we disagree on the definition. I was protecting my family. If you choose not to approve the plans for the hotel because of this information, that’s your decision. And I’ll respect it.”
He walked back to his seat and sat down. Jill rubbed his arm in support, the muscles rigid with tension—the only sign he was upset.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
He just patted her hand.
Peggy stood and faced the crowd, but it was obvious she’d lost them. Mac looked like a hero again.
“All I’m saying is we’re getting a Pollyanna version of this poker hotel. I hope you vote against it.”
“Thank you, Deputy McBride, for that enlightening information,” Oscar said, his voice heavy with censure. “Any more comments?”
When no one raised a hand, Jill expelled her breath. She struggled with her anger at Peg. She knew her friend was only trying to do what she believed was in the town’s best interests. But it was hard not to feel she had gone too far.
“We’re going to put this to a vote now. Would all those in favor raise their hands?”
The showing of hands made Jill’s toes dig into her soles in anticipation. The motion passed with only three against. Oscar pronounced the plan approved, and the meeting closed.
At least one thing in her life had turned out okay. Jill surged to her feet. “We won!”
“Yes.” Mac put his files in his briefcase.
“Are you okay?”
He snapped the clasps in place. “I will be. Peggy’s accusation pissed me off, so I’m not as happy as I’d like to be right now.”
Join the club.
She couldn’t find her inner Dancing Queen either.
He leaned in as people swarmed in around them.
She felt like the MVP of the Superbowl with all the people thumping her on the back and pumping her hand, telling her what a great job she’d done. She spied Keith hobbling over to her family, his blue cast etched with signatures. She threaded her way over, reaching them just as Tanner launched his nephew into the air, making him squeal.
“Be careful. He might give up his mac and cheese,” Peggy warned from the sidelines.
Jill crossed her arms as she met Peggy’s eyes.
“Congratulations.” Her grandpa pulled her against his mothball-scented cardigan. “Remember who you got your business sense from.”
She kissed his cheek, welcoming the interruption. She wasn’t sure what to say to Peggy right now. “How could I forget?”
“Can I have a red hot, Mr. Hale?” Keith asked.
“Sure thing, young man.”
“I know you’re pissed at me,” Peggy said, walking over to her. “We just don’t see eye to eye.”
Funny how that was happening in all of her relationships lately. Jill pressed her lips together, trying not to say the first thing that popped into her head. No need to hurt their friendship. “Well, you made it personal, but I hope you’ll do your duty and support us now that the vote’s in.”
Peggy shifted on her feet. “My duty is to protect and serve this town.”
“Exactly so, officer,” Mac said as he joined the group. “Actually, I’m glad Dare has someone so dedicated. Since I’ll be moving here for the next few years, I don’t want to have any trouble sleeping at night.”
“Do you see the boogey man in your room too, Mr. Maven?” Keith asked from Tanner’s shoulders.
The innocent question broke the tension in the group. Everyone chuckled—everyone but Peggy and Mac.
“We all see the boogey man, Keith,” Mac said. “Not all of us are as lucky as you are to have a mom who can make it go away. I’ll bet there’s nothing she wouldn’t do to keep you safe—even if it meant breaking the law.”
