Foothills Pride Box Set by Pat Henshaw

Author:Pat Henshaw [Henshaw, Pat]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JMS Books LLC
Published: 2021-07-06T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

David insisted on going with me when I made my appearance in front of the town council. They met in a small conference room at the Stone Acres Library. Chairman Bernie Phillips was flanked on each side by two other members. Tommy and real estate mogul Leroy “Slim” Easton sat on his left with banker Clyde Stevens and lawyer Russell Downs on his right. They all looked grim and determined.

When I’d asked around before going to the meeting, Sheriff Campbell told me that these five asses had no legal power, and I could ignore them if I wanted to, but I should remember they had clout in the community. Jimmy, Stone, and Fredi told me the council members were influential and didn’t play fair, and it would save a lot of time and trouble if I could get them to agree to leave me and my place alone. Since I’d heard the horror stories of other places trying to open downtown, I understood what my friends were telling me.

The council had invited me to come discuss my business venture. Their words, not mine.

I thought meeting with them might be a waste of time, but after long discussions, my friends persuaded me to go. David decided I needed his help. I couldn’t figure out why he wanted to be there, but here we were.

“Mr. de Leon, thanks for coming in.” Bernie rose and stuck out his hand.

I walked a couple of steps up to the tables they’d placed between us and leaned in to shake his hand. They were all wearing suits and ties, as was David, who looked fucking professional and perfect. I was in my regular clogs, jeans, and an old T-shirt with the official Thug Chef logo.

Bernie, whose daughter had gone to school with David and me, seemed genuinely pleased to see us. The other three council members wore stone faces while Tommy smirked. What the hell was I doing here?

Bernie laid their argument out for me quickly and succinctly. “We have a vision for this town, Adam. May I call you Adam?” Not waiting for my response, he talked on. “We see Stone Acres as one of the last California Old West towns with authentic architecture and small-town values. It’s one of the few places you can still find solid family lines and the genuine spirit that made this country great. While we appreciate what you want to do here, and God knows we could use another restaurant in town—” He paused to take a breath, ignoring Tommy’s scowl. “—we don’t think fancy gourmet cooking reflects the lifestyle of the people around here. We want to keep Stone Acres pure. I’m sure you understand.”

He nodded cheerfully and waited for me to speak.

I was steaming. Fuck them. I’d bought a building that was about to collapse and made part of downtown look like crap. Squatters were breaking in and living there until they were evicted or moved on. I’d taken this pile of dung and spent money

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