Death & Red Trilliums: Haliburton - Book 1 by R.C. Hannah

Author:R.C. Hannah [Hannah, R.C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: R.C. Hannah
Published: 2024-05-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

The town hall, with its faded red bricks and arched windows, feels more imposing than usual as Jake and I approach the front doors. The usually sleepy building buzzes with a nervous energy that carries out into the chill of the afternoon. I pull open the heavy door, the scent of old wood polish and musty carpets flooding my senses.

Inside, the small conference room is abuzz with hushed conversations. It looks like we might be the last ones to slide into the meeting. My eyes dart around the room, taking in all of the familiar faces, until they land on Lee. Her arms are animated as she speaks to officer Bowlan. Despite the gravity of the situation that is bringing us all together in this room, seeing her here sparks a flicker of warmth in my chest. She is part of this madness now, too. I guess it makes sense for Kurt to be here, him being the closest thing to law and order we have left.

"Hey, Cory! Over here!" Lee's voice cuts through the low murmur, pulling me from my thoughts. She beckons us over with a wave.

"Looks like you're popular today," Jake whispers beside me, his voice heavy with amusement. We weave our way through the scattered chairs, nodding at the familiar faces.

"Didn't take you for the committee type, Lee," I say, trying to keep my tone light as Jake and I join her and Kurt, who gives us his signature curt nod. Maybe that’s why his parents named him Kurt in the first place. I imagine he was a very stoic baby.

Lee's laugh is genuine, if a bit forced given the circumstances. "Well, someone's gotta make sure you kids don't starve. Besides, it’s going to be your kingdom to maintain for the longest if everything goes right. I need to make sure enough of my knowledge is shared as possible with the next generation. Can't let my all of recipes just vanish into the void."

I catch a glint of pride in her eyes as she justifies joining the committee. Bias or not, it feels good to be included. For me, to be seen as more than just 'Cory, the queer artsy guy' is worth a little pride.

"Mayor insisted on having some youth involved. Said it was non-negotiable," Officer Bowlan chimes in, his deep voice grounding. A smile plays on his lips as he glances at me. "Wasn't sure you'd accept, Cory. Glad you proved me wrong."

"Me? On a long term survival committee?" I joke, brushing off his comment with a shrug. "Still not sure what I'm doing here, but hey, I can draw up a plan or two if it comes down to it. I have plenty of pens and paper to spare."

"Confidence, Cory. That's what we need now," Lee says, her gaze stern yet encouraging.

"Confidence, right," I echo silently, wondering how much of that I can fake before they realize I am just winging it. I stand there, amidst the chatter and the clinking of coffee cups, feeling like an imposter in a room full of grown-ups.

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