He walked to the window and pulled his jacket on. The heat in the building was off. He suspected the electricity was gone, too. Not a good sign, not a good sign at all.
He lifted the shade, and his heart fell. The world outside was a crystal palace—every tree, car, and building on Main Street coated with ice. Every phone and utility line hanging low with the glistening weight. He could not discern even a single tire track on the street. Or any sign that plows had passed.
Though he had called a backup list of every independent plow operator he could find, their light equipment hadn’t made much of a dent. The snow was not very high, not by New England standards, but the icy coating over it had turned his village into a danger zone. He already knew from reports last night that the arctic blast had knocked down trees and tree limbs, crashing them into houses and cars. How would they even begin to clear that damage if the emergency trucks couldn’t drive on the roads?
The phone rang and he answered quickly. “Village Hall, Mayor Bates.”
“Charlie, it’s me. Are you all right?”
The sound of Lucy’s sleepy voice filled him with longing to be home, waking up with his family—and not feeling responsible for the entire village.
“I’m okay, honey. Just about to get things rolling again. I thought you were Rheinhardt,” he said, mentioning the fire chief.
“I won’t keep you. I know you have a lot to do. The power is off here, but at least we still have heat. Zoey stayed over at Sophie Potter’s. They’re all fine. Sophie even has a generator.”
“Good, tell her to stay there. I’ll pick her up later in the truck.” Charlie felt relieved to hear Zoey was safe. The last thing he wanted was her driving on these roads. “I’m going to open the diner. At least I can set up a place for folks to get warm and get some food and coffee.”
Charlie knew there was a lot more he needed to do. But that was just the way his mind worked—hot food and coffee seemed the obvious place to start.
“Good idea. How about the church? They have a generator, too. You should call Reverend Ben and see what he can do.”
Charlie hadn’t thought about the church, but it was a good suggestion. Maybe Reverend Ben could rally some church members and get them out shoveling?
“I’ll bring the boys. We can help,” Lucy added.
“Thanks, honey . . . but how will you get to town? I sent those independent plow guys out last night, but they didn’t make a dent. I could have done a better job with my soup ladle.”
“It’s early. Maybe the sun will melt some of this down in a few hours. Just take it step-by-step. We’ll get there—and take it step by step, too.”
Charlie had heard the temperature would stay well below freezing today. But trust Lucy to come up with an optimistic possibility. Even walking seemed treacherous, but Charlie knew his wife would not be persuaded to stay home. The truth was, he did want his family near him today and needed their help and company.
“Sounds like I can’t change your mind. Be careful, Lucy . . . And thank you,” he added quietly.
“Don’t be silly, Charlie. No need to thank me. See you later.”
Lucy’s call had been a short respite, tamping down some of his stress. He had barely hung up before he was feeling overwhelmed again. A binder with the town’s emergency plan sat open on his desk, but he didn’t bother to check it again. He had memorized every word last night. Not that it had helped him much.
The roads were the problem. If only the trash and snow removal company hadn’t taken such a hard line last night. They had gone back to work the past few weeks on a handshake. But the contract was not signed and now, with the ice storm, the company owner had the upper hand: If Charlie didn’t agree to the terms K&B wanted, the plows would not budge.
Charlie had tried all night to persuade him, reminding the man he couldn’t act without the town council’s consent. But he knew this was payback for the way he had strung out the situation, bickering about the yearly increases. Now the company owner claimed he couldn’t get the drivers and snowplows out unless Charlie signed on the dotted line. An insurance liability, he said. He was sorry, but it couldn’t be done.
No sense calling back this morning, Charlie thought. Though I might call later, after conferring with the council. Right now he had to check in with Police Chief Sandborn and Fire Chief Rheinhardt. He had to mobilize every village employee and volunteer, get them out on the streets digging, and even plowing where they could. He had to open the diner and set up the warming center, and check on seniors and folks living outside of the village who were completely snowed in. He had to call Reverend Ben, who could probably help by setting up the church as another center and calling around to some of the old people. And he had to do it all right now.
Not a prayerful man by nature, Charlie closed his eyes and took a breath. God, please help me today, he silently prayed. Send a few helping hands my way? And please, remind me why I ever wanted this job.
* * *
Emily slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Dan. She pulled the bedroom curtain aside and blinked at the glistening shards of light. It was still very early in the morning, but the sky was clear and an icy coating reflected sharp, bright sunlight. The backyard looked beautiful—the trees and bushes, the birdbath and lawn, all coated in ice.
A beautiful disaster, Emily reflected. She could already tell the electricity was off, and she hoped that none of their pipes were frozen. Her first thought was to check in with the heads of the fire and police departments, then rush down to Village Hall.
That’s not my job anymore, she realized wistfully. This storm is Charlie’s challenge to navigate.
Down in the kitchen, the appliances were useless. She was about to go in search of the camp stove when her cell phone rang. She was surprised to see the caller was Reverend Ben.
“Emily? Did I wake you?”
“I’m just rattling around the kitchen. It’s a mess out there, isn’t it? Though very beautiful.”
“God’s handiwork is magnificent. Though magnificently inconvenient, too. I just spoke to Charlie Bates. The Clam Box has a generator, and he’s opening it up as a warming center. He asked if I would open the church, too, but I’d already thought of that.”
“That’s a good idea.” Emily had forgotten the diner had a generator.
“He’s been working hard, Emily; slept in his office last night. But this storm was particularly nasty, and there’s that problem with the snow-removal company. I hope the deacons and volunteers from the congregation can help clear the town, after they’ve finished digging out the church.”
“I’m sure they will.” She glanced at her own ice-covered driveway and thought of Dan, still in bed. “It will take a while for us to dig out. But I’m sure we can get down to the church later and help, Reverend. Is that why you’re calling?”
“Not exactly, though I’m grateful for your offer.” Reverend Ben paused. Emily was curious now, wondering what this call was really about. “I don’t mean to meddle—or any disrespect to Charlie. But I think it’s fair to say he can use some help, more than I can offer. And not just shoveling—some guidance and advice from someone who has faced this situation.”
Emily didn’t answer. She knew that Reverend Ben must have thought long and hard before making this appeal. She didn’t want to seem stubborn or spiteful, but she needed to respect some boundaries here—Charlie’s and those she had set for herself and her family.
“I know you mean well, Reverend. But Charlie is the mayor now. He calls the plays today. Even if I tried to help him, I doubt he would hear me out.”
“I understand. And I know it’s a long shot. But if ever there was a day that he might listen to and even welcome your advice, this would be the one,” Reverend Ben mused. “‘Blessed are the peacemakers,’ Emily. And I don’t need to remind you what the Scripture says about turning the other cheek?”
/> Emily smiled. “No, Reverend, you don’t.”
“The thing is, of all the people I know who love this village and everyone in it, you and Charlie are side by side at the top of the list. People need help today, Emily. It’s an emergency. Charlie is smart but new at this job. You’re an old hand. Maybe you two can put aside your differences and join forces? You would be a formidable team. And everyone in town would benefit.”
Emily considered his words a moment. “That’s good of you to say, but I’m not sure it’s the right thing to do. Or even possible.” She not only had Charlie’s rebuff to consider but the reaction of her family. What would they say if she ran down to Village Hall today and declared herself Charlie’s new deputy? She had just turned a corner with Dan and Jane. She didn’t want to risk disappointing them again.
But she couldn’t explain any of this to Reverend Ben, not this morning. “I appreciate your calling. I do, Reverend. But I have to think about this. It’s not as simple for me as you might expect.”
“I didn’t think it would be. Stay safe. Please also remember, the church is open if you’re looking for warmth and company.”
If you don’t go to the diner, he meant. Emily thanked him and ended the call.
Part of her knew she could help Charlie. But when she had tried to initiate a simple conversation with him on the street that day, he had answered with an angry, insulting rebuff. She certainly didn’t need more of that.
You were giving out flyers for the open-space group, another voice reminded her. Not the best way to win his trust.
True. But why should I help him now? Let people see what they got when they voted for him instead of me.
It wasn’t her nature to be spiteful, but Emily couldn’t deny that’s how she felt.
But Reverend Ben’s words stuck in her head. Despite their differences, she and Charlie both loved the village and felt called to serve and protect the people who lived there.
Maybe I should go just for the sake of my friends and neighbors. Maybe there’s some way I can offer some guidance without offending him?
Dan and Jane came into the kitchen together, both wearing sweatshirts over their pajamas. The heat was off, the house growing colder by the minute. Dan carried the big battery-operated radio they kept for emergencies.
“I just heard the forecast. It’s an arctic blast. The ice is a real wild card. It’s made a mess of everything. I just checked the street. I don’t think a plow has come through yet.”
Jane took a carton of milk from the fridge and sniffed. “I guess this is still good. But the fridge is off.”
“There isn’t much in there. I didn’t get to the market yesterday. I knew we were getting snow, but I had no idea it would be this much,” Emily added, realizing they were probably among the few who had not prepared.
“Maybe we could eat cereal?” Dan pulled open a cupboard and shook a box that sounded nearly empty.
“I hear the church is open as a warming center. And the Clam Box is, too. Maybe we should go there?”
“The Clam Box? You hate that place,” Dan reminded her.
“I know, but . . .” Emily met her husband’s knowing gaze. She could tell he already suspected something. “Reverend Ben just called. He spoke to Charlie this morning, and he got the feeling that our new mayor could use a little advice and support. From an old hand. He suggested I offer some help.”
Dan looked incredulous. “I love Reverend Ben. But does he think for a moment that plan would actually work—short of some biblical-sized miracle?”
“He seems to think Charlie is worn out and willing to listen to anyone—including me. But I don’t want to go if you two don’t want me to. I promised to stop jumping into causes for every little village crisis. I’m fine with keeping that promise, honestly.”
Dan peered down at her. “Do you really want to help Charlie? After everything he’s said about you? I say let him sink or swim.”
“That thought did cross my mind,” she admitted, though not proudly. “But everyone needs advice once in a while. You gave me plenty my first term as mayor,” she reminded him.
“True. But you weren’t too stubborn to listen. Do you think he would even hear you out?”
“I said the same thing to Reverend Ben. But he made a good point. It’s not about me and Charlie. It’s about the people in this town, their well-being and safety. Families are trapped without power and are dealing with all sorts of problems. I’m willing to offer my knowledge and experience. But not if you think it’s a bad idea. I guess I’m not sure what to do.”
Dan gazed at her, his expression reflecting her own confusion.
“I think Mom should help Charlie,” Jane said.
Emily turned to her. “You do?”
“People need you, Mom. Everyone is cold and stuck in their houses. It will be even worse tonight. You know what to do. Charlie wants to help, but I’m not sure he knows how.”
Emily was touched by her daughter’s understanding. “Okay, maybe I should try—if you come with me. If Dad wants to stay here, he can,” she added, glancing at Dan.
“Don’t be silly. Of course I’m coming. I agree with Jane. You know what to do. You should help today, if Charlie will let you. I know what I’ve been saying about you keeping your nose out of town business, but this is different.” He sighed. “Besides, it’s hard to refuse Reverend Ben. I think he knows that, too.”
Emily smiled. “Yes, I think he does.”
Dan’s brow furrowed. “What do you think we did with those old snowshoes? A walk into the village will be like trekking over a glacier in Iceland.”
Emily shrugged. “You’re always dreaming about taking adventurous vacations, dear. This will be good practice.”
Dan rolled his eyes, and Jane laughed. Emily just felt glad that her family was in her corner again.
* * *
“Zoey? It’s Dad. You’re still at the orchard, right?”
“Yep, we just finished breakfast.” James was washing dishes, and Sophie was talking to Reverend Ben on her cell phone. Zoey walked into the mudroom to hear her father better. “Mom said you’re opening the diner. I want to help.”
“That’s sweet of you, honey. I wish you were here, too. But I don’t want you to drive. You wait there until the road is clear, and I’ll pick you up.”
“James said he’ll drive me. He’s going to put chains on Sophie’s truck.”
“That old heap? It’s more dangerous than your car.” Her father’s voice was gruff and protective. “I know you always help me when you can, honey. I appreciate that. But you can help today by staying safe. Promise me, okay?”
“All right.” Zoey felt frustrated. As much as she complained about working at the diner, this was one day she really wanted to be there with her family.
“Good girl. I’ll talk to you later.”
Her father ended the call, and Zoey walked back into the kitchen. James had finished washing and was drying now. She picked up a towel and helped him. “Something wrong, Zoey?”
“That was my dad. He said you shouldn’t drive Sophie’s truck, even with chains on the tires. He says it’s too dangerous.”
James reached up to hook a frying pan on the rack that hung from the ceiling. “He might be right. We haven’t been outside yet. You don’t look very happy at the prospect of staying here today. Tired of my company already?”
Zoey finally smiled. “It’s not that,” she said, avoiding a direct answer to the question. “He set up the Clam Box as a warming center. I’m sure it’s crazy busy, and my father has a lot of other things he needs to do today without being shorthanded at the diner. I bet everyone blames him for the mess the storm made. Working there is the one way I can help him.”
“I’d like to help, too. I’m sorry he said we shouldn’t take Bella. But maybe it’s for the best. It would be hard to be stuck on the B
each Road in the cold if we didn’t make it.”
Or worse, Zoey thought, the light truck could slide right off the road and wind up in a ditch. Or go into a spin. Her father was right. It wasn’t worth the risk. Still, she wished there was some way she could get there.
Sophie returned to the kitchen and hung up the phone. She looked as if she had just heard good news. “Guess what? I’ve arranged with Reverend Ben to set up here as a warming center, for people who live out this way and don’t have generators. We have plenty of heat, food, and water—and the best decorations in town.”
James did not look surprised. He knew his grandmother well. “That’s good of you, Grandma. But how are they going to get here?”
“Sam Morgan is going to drive around and pick folks up. He has a big, heavy truck with a plow on the front. Reverend Ben said he’s already been to town and back. His wife, Jessica, is coming to help me and some other ladies from the church, too. If you two could just put out some folding chairs in the living room and dining room and help me with the percolators, we’ll be fine.”
“I’ll get the chairs,” James said.
“Where are the percolators?” Zoey asked. Sophie was the only person she knew who owned two or even three giant coffeepots. Her house was as well-equipped for company as any catering hall. “I can set that up for you.”
Sophie directed them, almost giddy with excitement. “They’ll probably go through all the cookies we made, Zoey. But this is just as important as Christmas.”
“It is,” Zoey agreed. “And we can make more by then.”
She set off on her job, glad to be busy.
The Clam Box was crowded, as Emily had expected. Luckily, three seats at the counter were free, and they claimed them quickly. She recognized faces from all over town—Grace and Digger Hegman, Frank Dillard, and Vera Plante. All the members of Charlie’s town council were huddled in a booth in the back. Charlie was racing in and out of the kitchen, a cell phone pressed against his ear. He didn’t seem to notice them.
Thomas Kinkade's Cape Light Page 23
