Paula seemed caught off guard by the pleasantness but replied, “Doing okay. It’s good seeing you.”
Ardella turned to Robyn, “And how are you, Robyn?”
“Good. You?”
She replied with a shrug. “As good as can be expected, I suppose. Enjoying your new life?”
“Yes.”
And then as if someone flipped a switch, Ardella leaned close and sneered, “Good! Enjoy it because I don’t want to see you ever again!”
Robyn jumped with fright.
Eyes feral, Ardella turned to Paula. “You, either. Don’t visit, don’t call, don’t write. If I die here, leave me to the state. I don’t want you anywhere near me even when I’m dead. You got that?” She told the guard standing in the corner, “Take me back!”
The tight-lipped guard led her from the room.
The matron who’d escorted them had remained. She appeared sympathetic but said nothing as they stood and followed her back to the waiting area.
Outside, on the walk back to the car, tears stung Robyn’s eyes. A grim Paula draped an arm over her trembling shoulders and gave her a comforting hug. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “We’ll leave her be, just like she wants.”
Anna Lee took one look at their faces and said softly, “It didn’t go well, did it?”
Paula shook her head.
In the backseat, Robyn stared sightlessly through her tears as Anna Lee started the engine and drove them away.
THAT EVENING, ROBYN and Paula caught their flight back to Kansas. It was late when they finally got home. Robyn was getting into bed when Paula stuck her head in the room. “Sleep well, babe.”
“You too.”
“And, Roby, just because Della doesn’t love us, it doesn’t mean we aren’t worthy of love. We are. As an old Baptist preacher once told me, ‘God don’t make junk.’”
Robyn nodded.
“Good night,” Paula said with a soft smile.
“Good night, Paula.”
AT CHURCH THE next morning, as the congregation sang the opening hymn, Paula, wearing an emerald green vestment, processed in behind the cross-carrying Devon, and his two flanking torchbearers, Wyatt and Lucas. Seeing her, Bernadine wondered about the trip to Oklahoma. She knew Paula had been optimistic, so she hoped everything went okay.
The opening prayers segued into the day’s readings from the Old and New Testaments. As Mal walked to the lectern to do the honors, seeing him didn’t raise her blood pressure. Was it possible that having gotten her say she could now move on to maybe having him as a friend? His strong rich voice carried well, and he read with just the right amount of expression and reverence. Done, Mal came down the aisle to return to his seat. As he passed her pew, his gaze brushed hers but didn’t linger. She didn’t let it bother her. Instead, she focused on Paula walking to the pulpit to give the day’s sermon.
The theme was tied to expectations, and how often we trust people to show us love and compassion only to have them do the opposite. As an example, Paula gave them a thumbnail sketch of her aunt’s reaction to her visit and how pleasant it had begun before the ugly ending.
“It’s hard to be compassionate or forgiving when someone yanks the rug out from under your feet and you fall flat on your face,” she told the congregation.
Bernadine noted the similarities to her own situation with Mal.
Paula continued, “I wish God could send us a magic potion that boosted our desire to forgive, but in reality, that would be too easy. There are no shortcuts. I believe forgiveness is meant to be hard to grapple with because it forces us to confront who we are. In my case, I have to figure out how to love someone who any right-thinking person would turn their back on. My being irate and angry in response doesn’t hurt her spirit, it hurts mine. There’s the old saying that holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
Bernadine saw nods of agreement.
Paula acknowledged them with an “Exactly. So, because we are human, we fail a lot at this business of forgiveness, but it doesn’t mean we give up on the concept. Eighteenth-century English poet Alexander Pope said: To err is human, to forgive divine. So, while I work on changing my heart, pray for me. And if you’re working on your own heart, I’ll pray for you. Do we have a deal?”
More nods.
“Thanks,” she said looking out at the congregation. “Amen.”
The amen was echoed and the service continued.
When church was over, everyone gathered in the fellowship hall to chat and snack. Bernadine placed cut carrots and celery, a small dab of ranch dressing, and a few small crackers on her plate. Spotting Rocky, Jack, and Kyrie Abbott seated together, she headed their way. En route, she was stopped by Bing Shepard. Since being permanently lamed in the arson fire, he’d mastered maneuvering with his cane, but she couldn’t help think how unfair it was that he was forced to rely upon it in the first place. Were it not for Odessa Stillwell, he’d not need aid getting around.
Bing asked Bernadine, “Have you heard anything about Leo’s supposed land sale?”
“No, and I’m willing to bet we won’t, but Tina and I will keep turning over rocks.”
“Okay. And if you haven’t heard, the lawsuit the farmers down south brought against Mega Seed has been allowed to proceed. Mega Seed’s lawyers tried to get it thrown out, but the judge said there was sufficient evidence for it to go forward. Good news.”
“It is,” Bernadine agreed. “I’ll look up the ruling in the office tomorrow morning. And again, I’ll let you know if we find anything that shows Leo is telling the truth.”
“Thanks.” He moved on and she did the same.
As Bernadine sat, Rocky said, “We may have issues with one of our chef candidates.”
Bernadine paused with a raised celery stick. “Meaning?”
“Audra Perry is bringing her parents with her for the interview.”
“Oh, that’s okay. I’ll have Tamar or Gen show them around while we meet with the daughter.”
Rocky shook her head. “No. They’re coming to sit in on the interview.”
“What? Why? We’re not hiring the whole family.”
Bernadine asked, “How old is Ms. Perry?”
Rocky replied, “According to the date of birth on her application, she’s twenty-five.”
“Who has their parents sit in on a job interview at that age?”
Kyrie sipped his coffee. “Sounds like helicopter parents. There were a ton of them when I was in college. A few even tried to get the okay to live in the dorm.”
“That’s crazy,” Bernadine replied.
“My feeling, too,” Rocky agreed. “Ms. Perry sent me a text yesterday afternoon about them coming along, so I put in a call to one of her references, a small restaurant in Chicago where she worked two years ago. The woman on the phone said Audra Perry is an excellent chef, but they had to let her go because of her mom and dad’s constant interference. She said Racine, that’s the mom, and William, that’s dad, constantly complained about who the daughter worked with, the shifts she was given, and that she wasn’t being promoted fast enough. Apparently, when they decided to speak to the owner, that was that.”
Jack cracked, “Great way to help your kid not be successful.”
“Amen,” Bernadine replied.
“Do you want to take her off the list and just interview Thornton Webb for now?” Rocky asked. “If you give me a few days, I can maybe find another candidate to replace her.”
“No, let’s see how much of a nightmare this really is. Maybe being fired made the parents learn their place. Is there any indication they’re the reason she’s leaving her current position in Kansas City?”
“No.”
Bernadine wasn’t in the mood for drama, she just wanted a great chef. “If things go south during the interview, we’ll tell her thanks for coming and send them on their way. Is that okay with you?”
“That works. Henry Adams has enough show runners. We don’t need s
omeone’s mama and daddy bucking to be in charge.”
Chapter
10
Monday evening’s Candidates Debate was being held in the school’s kiva, and as people trickled in and took their seats, Bernadine said to Tina, “This is exciting. It’s the first mayoral election we’ve had since I purchased Henry Adams.”
“Nothing like democracy in action,” Tina quipped.
Although Bernadine had agreed not to publicly endorse any of the contenders, she had her own private favorites. Sheila was her top choice because of what she’d shared of her vision at the Auxiliary meeting. Barrett came in second. Riley Curry and Thad July didn’t stand a chance of getting her vote. Although, if the Paynes were suddenly abducted by aliens, Thad would have to do. He might be the mythical coyote but had way more sense than Cletus’s dad.
As the seats began to fill up, she saw familiar faces: Tamar, Genevieve and TC, Reverend Paula and Robyn, and others. When Mal walked in with Trent, her attention lingered on him for a moment. As if sensing her scrutiny he turned and gave her a nod. She nodded in response and resumed scanning the crowd. Bing came in, followed by Clay and some of the farmers. As she’d promised Bing at church on Sunday, she’d checked out the news reports on the black farmers’ suit against Mega Seed. The seed giant was accused of selling the farmers sterile seed. Even though a major agricultural college couldn’t get the seed to germinate either, the company called the suit meritless. The court hadn’t agreed. She planned to keep an eye on the case.
Construction boss Warren Kelly entered the kiva holding hands with his auburn-haired wife, Jayne, and they looked so much like two high schoolers on a date, Bernadine smiled their way. She was also pleased to see Gemma Dahl enter with Mike Freewater, but had nothing but a frown for Big Al Stillwell who chose a seat in the back.
Jack James was the evening’s moderator and MC. Each candidate would be given ten minutes to explain their platform. Once everyone was done, they’d then take questions from Jack and the audience. He’d also asked the kids in his classroom to compose some of their own, and Bernadine was interested in what they’d come up with. If they planned to stay in town after graduation or move back to raise their families once their lives were established, they had a vested interest in how a future Henry Adams might look.
While the seats began filling up, up on the stage the candidates huddled with their managers. Riley in his signature black suit stood talking with Leo, who was wearing banker blue.
Tina said, “For being such a crappy individual, Leo always dresses well.”
Bernadine agreed that he was a crappy individual. She didn’t care about the rest. She hoped he was ready for Riley going off the rails and pontificating on subjects he knew nothing about, because it was bound to happen.
Sheila, dressed in a sharp black business suit and heels, conferred with Lily, while Barrett and his manager, Luis, stood together on the far end of the stage. So far, Thad was a no-show. Parts of Bernadine prayed he’d changed his mind, but she doubted such a plea would be answered. Sure enough, he entered the stage from the wings riding in his chair with Griffin by his side.
Minutes later, the candidates took their seats onstage, the lights over the audience were dimmed, the house lights on the stage brought up, and they were under way.
Jack welcomed everyone, and the speaking order was established the old-school way: they drew straws. Barrett drew the shortest. He’d go first and be followed by Thad, Riley, and then Sheila.
Barrett walked to the mic and began by proposing more people be allowed to move in, a new subdivision be added, and a variety of businesses be encouraged to move in as well.
“We need growth,” he said. “A town that isn’t growing isn’t going to be around very long.”
He got some applause for that.
“For our farmers, I want to investigate the pros and cons of establishing a co-op venture for storing your grain in a silo we’d own. Why are you paying a company thirty miles away when we could be stockpiling our own here?” That drew an enthusiastic response.
“Gary and I have talked about Clark’s Grocery contracting for more local fruit and vegetables, especially during the summer months, and possibly sponsoring a farmers’ market.”
Bernadine was impressed with the ideas he was sharing, and from all the applause many others seemed impressed as well.
Barrett continued, “I also want us to continue to participate in the innovative security partnerships established by Trent and Bernadine. But I’d like us to think about installing a low-level metal detector system for large gatherings like Movie Night. I think we—”
“I object!” Riley yelled, jumping to his feet. “That’s part of my platform. You can’t be stealing my ideas!”
Bernadine and Tina shared a look.
Barrett replied, “I’m not stealing your ideas, Curry.”
“Yes, you are. Probably been using some of that high-tech stuff you own to bug my house and my phone. I want the Election Commission to investigate this.”
Jack said, “Mr. Curry, I’m sure you’re not the only candidate concerned about security. How about you let the colonel finish, and you can give us your idea when it’s your turn.”
As Riley sat down, his eyes shot daggers at Barrett. Bernadine wished she could see Leo’s face, but he was seated in shadow on the far side of the room.
While Riley continued to glare, Barrett used his last two minutes to talk more about the metal detector. Bernadine wondered if such a thing was necessary, then told herself Sam Miller, who’d been shot last summer, would undoubtedly say yes. Her pretending Henry Adams was somehow magically immune to the gun violence so prevalent everywhere would expose the citizens to an unnecessary danger. That this was even being discussed in her little town made her sad.
Barrett thanked the audience for their time and took his seat. Next up was Thad.
“I want to build a casino here. And do you know why?”
Someone in the audience shouted, “No, why?” Laughter followed.
“Because there’s nothing fun to do around here anymore. In the old days we had rodeos and poker games, tractor pulls, even a few shoot-outs. Now, nothing. So, to liven up the place and to bring in a hay wagon full of cash, I say we build a casino. Revenue would pay for roads, build homes, and draw in all those businesses Colonel Payne talked about, and keep us from having to raise taxes. A casino would bring in superstar entertainers, too. When was the last time any of you saw Janet Jackson, Earth Wind and Fire, or Buddy Guy live? A casino would fix that.”
As applause erupted, Bernadine couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry.
He continued, “I agree that we need growth and more people, so let’s give folks a reason to come here. A casino would be just what the doctor ordered. That’s all I have to say. Curry and Mrs. Payne can use the rest of my time if they want.” He steered his chair back to his spot.
Riley stood and walked to the mic. Being shorter, he fiddled with it until it was at the height he needed. “First of all, I don’t appreciate Payne stealing my idea and I will be lodging a formal complaint with the Election Commission.”
Thad grumbled, “Oh, give it a rest, Riley. No one’s trying to steal any of your dumb ideas.”
Riley swirled. “Didn’t you just hear him talking about a metal detector?” he asked, angry all over again. “I came up with that. You can ask Mr. Brown.” He called out, “Didn’t I come up with that first, Leo?”
No response.
Off the rails we go!
Riley asked, “And besides, what’s dumber than a casino run by a dumb Okie like you, July?”
“Dumb Okie!” Thad yelled. “I got your dumb Okie, hog boy!”
Jack stepped in. “Gentlemen, let’s keep this civil, shall we?”
Riley said, “He started it.”
“Please continue, Mr. Curry,” Jack said, tone weary.
Tina whispered, “Poor Jack.”
Bernadine agreed.
Focused again on
the audience, Riley said, “Even though Mr. Marine over there is trying to steal my thunder, town security is the foundation of my campaign. No one should go to a Movie Night and be shot up, but that’s what happened, and I blame everyone in the current administration.”
Bernadine thought his assessment very unfair.
“That assassin should never have been hired in the first place. I know it. You know it.” A few people clapped. “There’ll be no Russian mobsters on my watch. I want metal detectors at the rec, the church, the Power Plant, and everywhere else people gather. Then I want some real security people to come in and remove the lame equipment we have installed now and put in something that actually works. No more of this experimental partnership business. Cronyism isn’t keeping us safe.”
Bernadine thought back on all the work they’d put in to get companies to invest in Henry Adams, and she wanted to march to the stage and punch Riley in the nose. As if sensing that, Tina put a restraining hand on her arm, “Down, girl.”
Bernadine sat back and fumed.
“Once I win the election, I plan to clean house. There will be no gang members in my administration, former or not.”
That drew boos and Bernadine was glad to hear them.
Luis shouted, “Stop dragging a young man who moved here to turn his life around!”
Genevieve yelled out, “Hypocrite! Tell everybody how much money you stole from me, Riley!”
As the skewering of Riley gathered steam, Bernadine leaned over to Tina. “Leo’s probably having a heart attack right about now.”
“Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.”
Jack walked to the mic and shouted over the yelling, “Okay, everybody, quiet down!”
They did but reluctantly. As the silence settled, Genevieve called out, “Anybody voting for him needs their head examined.”
People cheered.
Jack asked Riley, “Are you finished, Mr. Curry?”
“No. I have one more point to make. No disrespect to Mrs. Payne, but I don’t believe this town is ready for a female mayor.”
Boos rained down.
On the Corner of Hope and Main Page 13
