But to make the election seem like his true goal, he needed allies. According to Stillwell, the only person running for mayor was Riley Curry. During Leo’s first visit to Henry Adams, Curry had been caught up in the mess with his hog and was out of town. Leo knew the man was a bit squirrelly but wondered if they could join forces. From what Stillwell relayed, Bernadine and her crew were not among Curry’s favorite people, so getting him on team Leo might be easy. He had a few other potential partners on his list, but Curry was first.
To that end, he swung by the barbershop. Entering, he glanced around the high-end place, taking in the expensive wall-size mirrors, fancy seating, and sleek dryers. A young woman with elaborate braids was seated at a desk on the far side of the room and glanced up at his entrance. Curry, wearing a blue barber smock, had Trent July in his chair. Thinking about July’s father, Mal, having been caught embezzling restored Leo’s good mood. July gave him a hard stare. Leo replied with a smirk.
The young woman walked over. “May I help you?”
“Wondering if I can get a haircut?”
“Now, or do you want to make an appointment?”
“Now, if possible.”
She looked over at Riley, who called back, “I’m almost done here.”
“Can I get you anything while you wait?” she asked Leo. “Coffee, tea, soda?”
He shook his head. “No thanks. I’m fine.”
She walked back to her desk, and he sat to wait his turn.
It didn’t take long. As July headed to the exit, Leo taunted, “Heard your dad got caught embezzling.”
“Heard the oil company took your life.”
Leo stiffened.
July departed.
Curry took a moment to sweep up the hair and wipe down his chair before beckoning Leo over. Leo removed his suitcoat and handed it to Curry who hung it on a nearby coat-tree. Once he had Leo draped with the protective cape, Curry picked up the clippers and began.
“What’s your name?” Curry asked.
“Leo Brown.”
Curry paused. “Have we met? Name sounds kind of familiar.”
“Not sure if we have or not, but I used to be married to Bernadine Brown.”
“Ah.” Riley resumed his task.
“I hear you’re running for mayor.”
“I am.” There was pride in his tone. “Got the field all to myself, so far.”
“You’re a shoo-in then.”
“Should be. Going to bring some sense to the madness Ms. Brown’s been causing.” He paused again. “No offense, of course.”
“None taken. She’s an ex for a reason. Not one of my favorite people.”
Curry didn’t respond.
Leo took a chance. “You like what she’s been doing here?”
“Some of it yes, but I still question where she got all her money. Me and a bunch of folks are still hopping mad about the hit woman.”
“Hit woman?”
“Yeah, she shot a man at Movie Night at the rec auditorium this past summer. Should’ve never been hired in the first place.”
“Who hired her?”
“Trent July,” he said, sounding disgusted. “And he should’ve been brought up on charges for not doing the background check like he was supposed to do.”
Leo had heard about the attempted murder from Stillwell but didn’t let on. “He hired a hit woman?”
“Yeah. She was posing as a janitor at the school. Had something to do with the government’s Witness Protection Program. The FBI was here and everything. Along with the Russian Mafia.”
“The Russian Mafia! People here must have been pretty freaked out.”
“They were, but nobody had the courage to call out Ms. Brown and her gang of fools, but me.”
“I see.”
“I used to be mayor here until she came along. Bought everyone off with her money and rebuilding the town. I do like that we have cable now, though.”
“Can’t live without cable.”
“Nope. Only way I can keep up with my hog.”
Leo played dumb. “Your hog?”
“Yeah. The famous hog in Hollywood. Cletus. I raised him from a piglet. Trained him and everything. Scarsdale, he’s the trainer now, basically stole him from me.”
“Bernadine didn’t help you get a lawyer so you could take this Scarsdale to court?”
“Are you kidding? ’Course not.”
“She’s not one of your favorite people, is she?”
“No.”
“All the money came from her divorce settlement. Don’t tell anybody, but my lawyer and I hid millions offshore and overseas.” What Leo didn’t reveal was that he’d lost most of it to a bad overseas investment.
Curry moved the clippers carefully around Leo’s ear and grinned. “Good for you.” Then asked, “Are you here on business?”
“No, planning to move here. Was going to run for mayor but now that I know you’d be such a formidable candidate, I’d be willing to help with campaign expenses instead, or be your campaign manager if you need one.” He lowered his voice and whispered, “If the two of us hooked up, she’d have a stroke, I’d bet.”
“You’d be willing to do that? Fund my campaign?”
“Yes,” Leo replied with as much sincerity as he could muster. “Together we’d probably have her shaking in her boots.”
Curry was eyeing him speculatively.
“Just think about it,” Leo said. “I’m sure you have plenty of money to work with, but just in case you need help, I got your back. No strings attached.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
Curry finished the haircut. Leo thanked him and handed over a personal business card—not the ones he used for Mega Seed. “You can contact me at that number. I’m out at the old Stillwell place.”
Curry viewed the card. “Okay. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. How much do I owe you for the haircut?”
He quoted Leo the price. “Pay Kelly over at the desk.”
“Let me give you a tip, though.” Leo pulled out his wallet and handed over a crisp fifty-dollar bill.
Curry’s eyes widened. “Thanks!”
“Small price to pay for the conversation, and the potential partnership. Hope to see you soon.”
“You got it.”
Leo paid Kelly and walked back out into the brisk October sunshine.
Chapter
4
Did you finish the Election Commission report?” Sheila Payne asked her husband, Barrett, as she sat down to enjoy dinner with him and their sixteen-year-old son, Preston.
“I did. Gave it to Bernadine earlier today.”
“Are you really going to run for mayor?” Preston asked.
“I think so. Since Bernadine makes most of the decisions around here, there’s not a lot to the job, but no one wants Curry anywhere near the controls, even if they don’t turn anything.”
“I think Trent’s had plenty of control,” Sheila countered.
“If you mean doing what Bernadine tells him to do, then yes.”
Thinking how blind her husband could be at times, she asked, “What kinds of things do you think the town should be doing?”
“Growing, for one. The areas outside of Bernadine’s control should be developed so more people can move in and we can begin building a tax base.”
“Don’t people pay taxes now?” Preston asked.
“State and national, but nothing locally.”
“What would local taxes pay for?”
“New roads so we can attract more businesses. A coffee shop and the fancy restaurant she wants to build can’t survive without a larger population.”
Sheila disagreed. “The coffee shop is doing great business and the restaurant will, too. People here need a sit-down place to eat besides the Dog.”
“I agree, so why not bring in one of the national chains?”
“Because you can get that in Franklin. No one wants to celebrate engagements or wedding anniversaries at a fast-
food place.”
He shrugged as if that was debatable. Sheila saw Preston give a tiny shake of his head as if his pops was a couple fries short of a Happy Meal.
Sheila said, “I think a woman should run for mayor.”
Barrett sighed. “You ladies already run everything now. Why can’t the men have the mayor’s position?”
“Because there are no gender-specific roles, Barrett. There are even lady Marines now.”
He shook his head as if she was short a few fries, but Sheila simply smiled and forked up a bit more of her salad. “So, if you do win, who’ll head up town security?”
“I’m thinking of asking Luis. He’s not doing much as fire chief.”
“That might be a good choice. You may want to consider a woman, too.”
“Like who?”
Preston said, “Rocky?”
Barrett looked skeptical.
More shortsightedness, she thought. “Preston may be on to something, but then again, Rock’s probably too busy at the Dog, and she’ll be part owner of the new restaurant she and Bernadine plan to build.”
Barrett asked, “Are they still looking at the spot near the Power Plant for it?”
“Far as I know. I can’t wait for it to be up and running.” She could already see the diners all dressed up and coming in for date night and the aforementioned celebrations. Everyone loved the Dog, but an elegant place would serve the town well, too.
Changing the subject, Sheila said to Preston, “I saw Robyn over at the church today. How’s she doing? Is she adjusting to being in Henry Adams?”
He shrugged. “She’s doing okay, I guess. She’s real quiet. Leah’s been trying to be her friend but other than staying overnight at the Clarks a couple of times, she’s been keeping to herself.”
Sheila understood that very well. “Barrett and I moved all over the world, so I know how difficult starting life over in a new place can be. I wish there was some way to make her transition easier. I asked her about attending the movie tonight at the rec.”
“Leah thinks we should let her roll at her own pace. When she’s ready to be a Henry Adams kid, she’ll let us know.”
Sheila liked that. “Leah is a very wise young lady.”
The praise for his girlfriend made Preston beam. “I think she’s pretty awesome.”
The doorbell sounded. Wondering who it could be, Sheila stood. “I’ll get it.”
Opening the door, she wished she hadn’t because the woman standing on the other side was Martina Nelson, a military surgical nurse and Barrett’s former lover.
“Hi, Sheila,” she said brightly.
“Marti.”
“Was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by. Is my favorite colonel around?”
Sheila wanted to strangle her and throw her body off the porch. Instead she slapped a fake smile on her face. “Yes. We’re having dinner. Have you eaten?”
“I haven’t.”
“This way.” When they reached the kitchen, Sheila said, “Barrett, look who’s here.”
He stared at Marti then back at Sheila. He appeared to be a breath short of a heart attack. “What are you doing here, Marti?”
“Had a recruiting presentation in Topeka. It ended yesterday, so I thought I’d drive over and hang with you all for a few days before heading home.”
Barrett’s attention swung to Sheila again, and she hoped he knew Marti’s presence wasn’t wanted. Seeing the woman fanned the embers of the hurt and pain Sheila had all but buried. Many wives with cheating husbands blamed the other woman. Sheila blamed Barrett because rather than remain true to his vows he’d chosen adultery over their marriage. “Have a seat, Marti, and I’ll get you a plate.”
Tight-lipped, Sheila went to the cupboard, then dished up some pasta and meat sauce and set the plate in front of Marti before retaking her own seat.
After the first forkful, Marti gushed, “This is very good. Barrett’s always been a great cook.”
Barrett cleared his throat. “Sheila did the meal.”
“Oh. Sheila, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you could cook.”
“Probably a lot of things you don’t know about my mom,” Preston interjected coolly.
That got Marti’s attention. She appeared embarrassed. “You’re probably right.” She shot Sheila a hesitant glance before addressing Barrett. “So, how’s life in small-town America? This is the last place I figured you’d retire to.”
Before he could reply, Sheila interrupted. “Preston, since we’re both done eating, how about we let these two catch up in private.”
Barrett froze. Sheila sent him a brittle smile. “That okay with you, Barrett?”
He appeared unsure of his response.
Marti had no such problem. “That’s so nice of you. It seems like forever since we’ve been together.”
Barrett’s attention remained focused on Sheila who stood. “Marti, I’ll see you later. Preston, we can clean up the kitchen after Marti leaves, so come on with me.”
They left and climbed the stairs to the second floor.
In the hallway, Preston asked, “He still seeing her?”
Sheila studied him curiously. Barrett’s Marine unit held a reunion in Orlando a few years back and the Paynes attended as a family. Marti had been there, too.
“You know about them?”
He nodded. “Pops and I talked about it when you went to chill at that convent.”
After the reunion, Sheila had taken time away from Barrett because she needed to think about her marriage, life, and her role in both. “Honestly, I don’t think they’re still an item.” Or at least she hoped not.
“Good. At least she got rid of the Jheri curl.”
Sheila laughed softly. “I love you so much, and thanks for standing up for me the way you did.”
“Sons are supposed to.”
He’d been loyal since the beginning of their time together as mother and son, and she couldn’t imagine life without him. She’d miss him dearly when he went away to college. “You go hang out at the movies. I’ll hole up here until she leaves.”
“I can stay if you want company. We could do some Netflix or something.”
“No. You go on. I’ll be fine.”
“You sure?”
“Positive.”
“Okay. Tomorrow’s Pizza Saturday, so Leah and Tiff are having everybody over to spend the night after the movies. Is it okay if I go?”
“Will Gary be there?”
“Of course.”
“Then sure. If you need a ride to the Clarks after the movies, send me a text. I’ll come or send your pops for you.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
Once again feeling blessed to be Preston’s mom, Sheila went into her bedroom.
Downstairs in the kitchen, while Marti chattered about the recruiting presentation, Barrett’s thoughts were on his wife. Marti’s presence had caused Sheila pain. Oh, she’d hidden it well, and the old Barrett, the one who’d been driven by hubris, and hadn’t thought about what his affair would do to his elegant wife, wouldn’t have seen it, but the new and improved Barrett had, and his shame rose. The old Barrett thought he’d needed a Marti in his life. The rush of being with her compensated for the unexciting woman he’d viewed Sheila to be back then. Never mind that Sheila had followed him from Korea, to Germany, to the Philippines, and back to the States, all without complaint while making sure he had a home to return to after a grueling day on base. During those years, she’d suffered two miscarriages. After the last one, the doctors told her she’d never be able to bear children. He’d comforted her as best he could, but was secretly relieved due to his fear that the physical abuse he suffered as a child at the hands of his father would somehow rise in him, too. Her beauty and class had made him the envy of the other officers he knew, but that hadn’t been enough for the old Barrett. In retrospect, he should’ve been on his knees every day thanking his wife for consenting to be in his life, not cheating with the woman now seated at Sheila’s
table in Sheila’s home. “You have to go, Marti.”
She stopped. “Go where?”
“Home,” he said quietly.
“I will in a couple of days.”
He shook his head. “No. Now. What we had together isn’t something I’m going to do ever again. I love my wife.”
She sat back and studied him silently. “Is that why you haven’t called since Orlando?”
“Yes.”
“Does she know about us?”
“She does.”
“I see. My apologies for coming, then. I hope she knows how lucky she is to have you.”
“It’s the other way around. I’m lucky to have her.”
She pushed back from the table and stood. “Thanks for being truthful. Been great knowing you. Have a good life, Barrett.”
“You, too, Marti. I’ll walk you out.”
“Not necessary. Thanks, though.” And she left.
Barrett sat there in the silence. For the past two years he’d tried to prove himself worthy of the lovely lady who shared his life. His affair would always be a dark hole in their marriage, so he’d done his best to make it smaller. If Marti’s visit had widened it again, he wasn’t sure what he’d do.
Upstairs, he found Sheila seated outside on the deck attached to their bedroom. When he stepped out to join her, she turned his way and the brittle forced smile stung his heart. “Hey,” he said softly.
“Hey.”
“Marti’s gone. I—I told her she had to leave.”
“Thank you for that, Barrett. I really didn’t want her here.”
“I know, and if you’re wondering if I’ve been in contact with her since the reunion in Orlando, the answer is no and there won’t be any in the future.”
She turned to the open field that stretched to the horizon and remained silent for a moment before admitting, “Honestly, I did wonder.”
“You had every right to. I wasn’t exactly trustworthy.”
“Or truthful,” she added. He flinched, then told himself she had the right to point that out, too.
“I’m sorry if her being here reopened old wounds.”
On the Corner of Hope and Main Page 4
