Whisper Town by Patricia Hickman

Author:Patricia Hickman [HICKMAN, PATRICIA]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780446561488
Publisher: FaithWords
Published: 2009-05-30T04:00:00+00:00

14

JEB AND FERN WALKED BEHIND THE CROWDS that had gathered up and down Front Street for the town parade. Armistice Day brought out the veterans of the Great War in full military regalia. Several clowns showed up and passed out balloons. Jeb stopped in Honeysack’s to order new strings for his banjo. Then he and Fern headed out into the street.

“The mayor’s set up the platform near the courthouse,” said Fern. “I’ll bet they’ll have you join the veterans over there. I’m glad they’ve asked you to start the ceremony with prayer. I’m proud of you, Jeb.”

“I’d do anything to impress you,” he said. “Even stand next to a mayor whose politics I can’t agree with. Here comes the high-school band.”

The band passed with thundering drums and most of the brass section on key.

“We’d better make our way to the reviewing stand,” said Fern. “This parade is never much longer than a chorus or two of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner.’”

Jeb led Fern across the street between the last row of the Stanton High Band and the color guard.

He squeezed through a lemonade stand and a hot dog vendor until he spotted the mayor of Nazareth shaking hands with a retired lieutenant. “Mayor Fabrey, I’m glad I found you.” Jeb pulled out his prayer in writing. “I kept it short like you asked.”

“Oh, Reverend N-Nubey.” He stammered over his words and then gestured for Jeb to follow him behind the platform.

Jeb read his expression, a haggard look. “Is there something wrong, Pony?” he asked.

“These are hard times, Reverend. You’re one of the finest men of the cloth I’ve ever known, but I’ve got to calm things down around here. My office is getting complaints.”

Jeb thought of the small room in front of Pony Fabrey’s house that substituted for a mayoral office. A priest pulled back the canvas from up front and said, “The parade’s coming to an end, Pony. Want me to begin?”

“One moment, Father,” said Mayor Fabrey.

“You’ve replaced me with a priest from out of town?”

“He’s my second cousin. It has nothing to do with matters. Listen, Reverend, come Fourth of July this will all be blown over and you’ll be back where you belong opening the ceremonies.”

“This is because of Lucky Blessed, isn’t it?” asked Jeb.

Fern came to Jeb’s side. “Don’t let the bullies run our parade, Mayor,” she said.

“Miss Coulter. Lovely to see you,” said Fabrey.

“Mayor, we’ve got to commence.” Sam Patton stuck his head around the corner. When he saw Jeb, he drew back.

“Sam Patton’s in on this?” said Jeb. “He’s one of our board members.”

“Sam had nothing to do with it, Reverend. I’ve got to go.” He stepped up the back way onto the platform.

Fern had not let go of Jeb’s hand the entire time that Fabrey spoke. “This is wrong, Jeb. We can’t let them do this.”

“Let’s go find the kids and take our picnic inside. It’s too cold out here.”

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