LACHLAN

Jessie always jokes that I sleep like a dead man. I guess I’ve always had the ability to fall asleep soundly and quickly, waking up bright eyed and ready to face the morning. Even if she wakes me up for a late night cuddle, I’m back off to the land of Nod in no time. The walls could fall down around me, planets can collide and the earth can shake itself off its axis, but I won’t budge until the sounding of the five-thirty AM alarm.

This hasn’t been the case over the past several evenings, however. I’ve been having crazy dreams, waking up several times throughout the night, tossing and turning, my mind racing, unable to shut off my thoughts; the house, the baby, wanting to make Jessie happy, wanting to do everything right and not sure that I’ll be able to pull it all off. Maybe it was easier when it was only myself; if I made a mistake, I was the only one who ended up getting hurt. But now I have two very important people relying on me and I don’t want to let them down.

This morning I was up at four and I found myself sitting out on the grounds at one of the old fashioned scrolled benches that dot the Inn’s landscape overlooking the pond. Still dark and blessedly cool, I lit up my third cigarette and stared off into the surrounding tree line. My thoughts were racing and as I took another drag watching the tip flare up red, it occurred to me how the simple act of smoking had been a buffer for cushioning the blow when I first crossed over. Funny to think about that; there I was, scared shitless and trying to get my bearings, realizing to my horror that I’d somehow transported sixty years into the future. Technology was mind boggling, the fashions were unfamiliar, the music deafening; everything had changed. Except cigarettes. I remember feeling such a sense of relief when I discovered that this was still available to me; nothing beats the sensation of the first drag of heady tobacco as it courses through your system. They offered me comfort as I muddled my way through adjusting to this new world, more than the abundant availability of attractive women, more than the joy of flying. Now this too was about to change.

I looked at my cigarette. Jessie has never asked me to quit smoking, never complained or nagged like other women I’ve been involved with over the years. I think this is what’s made me more aware of the fact that maybe it’s time for me to try and quit for good. I stopped lighting up around her as soon as I discovered she was pregnant, and now more than ever I’m aware of how this near life long habit affects those I care about the most. I’ve thought of doing this before and had to stop for a time when I went through Officer’s Basic, but I took it back up again like a drunk falling off the wagon. Perhaps I can talk Jessie into helping me find a suitable substitute, exchanging this particular oral fixation for another? Yeah, I’m a dirty minded bugger, but I reckon I can figure a way to also make it worth her while.

Down by the water line, I caught the outline through the darkness of a couple of the Inn’s resident ducks as they headed out from the reeds, quacking in that comical way they do when foraging for bugs. I watched them waddle past, ignoring my presence after realizing that I didn’t have any breadcrumbs to offer. Just then, I had a momentary flash of holding a little girl’s hand and listening to her laughter as she tossed breadcrumbs at the ducks that huddled greedily around her; it lasted for only a second, but I could see her face and hear her voice so clearly. Large brown eyes just like Jessie’s and a wild mass of curly red hair, a cleft in her chin just like mine and a smile so sweet that I felt my heart grip in realization; I’m seeing my daughter! I hung onto the image, not sure if it was a flight of fancy or a glimpse of what was yet to be, but I’d like to think it’s the former. Wouldn’t it be funny if our first born is a girl with red hair?

We’re signing the papers for the old Fuller house later this morning. I’m looking forward to settling in and discovering all the nooks, crannies and every unique little thing about our new home. Right now it kind of lives up to it’s haunted reputation; paint peeling on the outside, a few of the upstairs windows are broken, the yard is so overgrown that it resembles a jungle of sorts but all this is fixable with lots of elbow grease and the help of friends. Mitchell’s agreed to handle any plumbing issues and Kevin’s agreed to oversee the renovations even though he’s still finishing up Jack and Natalie’s place then will be deep into the Inn’s addition. Good bloke, Kevin. Almost family. When I e-mailed him with the news that I’d convinced the widow Fuller to sell, I think he was almost more excited than me:

Holy shit! Do you realize that you’ve accomplished the impossible? Folks have offered her almost twice the market value on several occasions, but she’s refused every one. Whenever you’re ready, count me in! I’ve got a stable of ready experts. I know a great landscape guy who’ll nearly have a heart attack out of sheer joy if you’ll let him be part of the project.  I’ll call you in a couple of days and we can work out the details, and congratulations!

I glanced at my watch and decided that I’d head back inside and check on Jess. Maybe I can convince her to provide me with an oral distraction. She might knock me out of bed for waking her up, but it’s worth the risk ...

JESSIE

I heard the muffled sound of Lachlan’s crutches thumping on the carpet in the hallway outside our room before he came back inside. He hasn’t been sleeping well over the past few nights; his body’s dealing with the unavoidable aftereffects as he weans himself off the painkillers. He’s been restless and jumpy, but I know he’s also excited about the house. It was important for us to buy an older home; I’ve always dreamed of living in a big sprawling Victorian, and Lach likes the comfort of things that remind him of his own time. In spite of his old fashioned tastes, he’s taken to technology like a fish to water; any new gadget on the market catches his attention, whether a stereo, cell phone, iPod or digital camera. He’s forever taking things apart and putting them back together again; just yesterday he fixed my blow dryer and the day before that he rewired one of the flickering lamps in our room here at the Inn. I think he’s going to be like a kid in a candy store when he starts working on the house. 

He headed straight for the bathroom after he came in and I could hear him brushing his teeth from behind the closed door. I rolled onto my side and smiled, knowing what was about to come next.

Between bouts of morning sickness, I’m discovering all the joys of being in love with Lachlan Curry. I had the surprise of my life just yesterday afternoon when Lachlan announced that we had to meet with the realtor and sign the Grant Deed for the Fuller house the following morning.

We were eating lunch in the green house dining room and I had just finished the last bite of my mushroom quiche and was about to snatch a French fry off of Lachlan’s plate when he made this announcement. “But it’s too early – we have to go through escrow first.”

He got to the fry before I did and jammed it into his mouth with a teasing grin. Taking a sip of his coffee, he swallowed hard and gave me a wink. “We don’t need one. Mrs. Fuller owns the house right out, and it’s a cash exchange.”

I looked at him, not fully understanding. “A cash exchange?  What do you mean? “

He looked so pleased with himself and I wanted to know what he’d been up to. I made a grab for his last fry.

“We’re paying her up front for the house. No escrow, no mortgage; by noon tomorrow, we’ll have the keys in our hands and the house will be legally ours.”

“Did we win the lottery or something?”

He looked a little embarrassed for a moment, as if he realized that he should have told me something very important before we began this conversation, but somehow had forgotten. “Um, no lottery. I just have the money available and I prefer to do it this way.”

“Babe, we’re talking a LOT of money here. Is there something you’re not telling me?” I didn’t know what to think, but then I recalled how Lach had paid for our moving expenses, refusing to accept any of my money when I had offered. I didn’t question it then, but now my mind was imaging all kinds of wild ideas.

He actually blushed. Reaching into his pocket, he handed me an envelope. “It’s my bank statement. Maybe this will best explain things.”

I looked at the return address on the outside. “Goldman Sachs?” I still didn’t know what to think as I removed the statement, but my eyes went right to the account balance and my jaw dropped open. For a moment I was speechless.

Lachlan grinned and his dimples looked about to pop.

“Babe, I had no idea. You never told me …”

He scooted over closer and put his arm around my shoulder, placing a kiss on my forehead. “I guess I could say you never asked, but it never came up and I don’t make a habit of discussing my finances much.”

“Lach, I’ve always paid for myself ever since I had my very first job. I can’t let you spend all this money …”

He kissed me again, this time on the lips. “This is our home now, Jess. Both of our names are going to be on the deed, and it’s my gift to you. You’re marrying me and having our baby … I’d say that’s more than payment in kind.”

My eyes started to tear up and I knew I was about to start bawling right there in the restaurant in front of everyone. “Are you sure you wanna do this, babe?” 

He pulled me close. “Very sure, sweetheart. Save your money for the baby if you really feel the need to spend it on something worthwhile. Put it away in a college fund or blow it all on designing the nursery. How about a year’s supply of nappies?”

The bathroom door popped open and a moment later Lachlan curled up behind me, his hands caressing over the swell of my hips and along the length of my thigh. I smiled and turned to face him, careful of his leg and all too aware of the warmth coming off of his body.

“Do you know how much I love you, Lachlan Curry?”

His mouth found mine and he pulled me in closer.

“Please show me.”

Like he really has to ask.

ANTONY

Claudia proclaimed that all she had was the sniffles but I have seen substantial men brought down by such things. She explained immunizations and fluoride in water, over-the-counter remedies and the various specialties in medical training, but in my experience nothing can cure better than concern. Brutal, caring concern. One bleeds out a bad muse and sweats out a fever. Needless to say, I was more than pleased that these practices no longer prevail, especially as I recently suffered the pox. To swallow a small tablet and find such relief was a gift from the gods. But as I cared for Claudia, I was forced to face the fact that simply handing her two Tylenol and a glass of water was not nearly enough.

As Claudia snuggled in my arms and whispered her gratitude that I have taken a few days to sit with her … I felt something larger is at play. Is it perhaps that I am becoming a man of these times?  Most of what I see of this is good. My questionable brothers of this general time have a far different approach to life than I or the General Maximus have had. But Pullo, vicious and brutal on the field of battle, had always harbored a soft place in his heart for friend and family. The standard role models I compare myself to are Biebe and the grounded flyer, Lachlan. Broken and injured, he is a standard of integrity and tolerance. Like Biebe, he takes responsibility quietly and follows through. Good soldiers all … but what of us Generals? Becoming a man of this time may strip from me the things that have protected and defined me.

“Take me to bed, Antony,” Claudia sighed, interrupting my thoughts and I lifted her from the sofa. Laying her gently, I pulled the blankets to her neck and kissed her warm brow. I sat there and watched her sleep. Perhaps love is too small a word for what I feel for this woman?

I have loved many women, loved them fully and extravagantly, with my body and my mind but never before with my heart. Riley once told me that she was drawn to Biebe, that even in that freedom of loving many and changing beds without consequence, she was always completely drawn to him. Was that an element of this mysticism I am now so deeply entrenched within? Recalling the relationship between Maximus and Sophia … between Aubrey and Natalie … between them all, I see something extraordinarily unique.

In my life I have loved women to a fault … but never with unconditional sacrifice. In a beat of a bird’s wing, the gods had set it all in motion … answered what is most important. Claudia is here for me and I for her. The sacrifice is nothing and nothing can change my commitment. When she is well, we will marry. Quickly and quietly. In a way that confirms a stability I already know to the depths of my soul.

I once more gently kissed her brow then carefully lay at her side. I would die at her side. There is a profound reason I am alive and an even larger blessing that I will not be sucked back to the Egyptian palace with a blade in my chest. And she is … Claudia.

CORY

Every day’s a new adventure and man, I found one hell of a ride with this one. I did some research on those two guys talking shit on Wade and thinking he’s a man to be easily manipulated. Both are as ugly and unscrupulous as they come and I was starting to wonder if Biebe knew about them. Hell, did anyone know about them? Stowe’s a small town with all that quaint small town crap … but I’m betting my bottom dollar these people ain’t so stupid.

I jumped out of bed, showered and dressed, leaving Daisy to get her z’s. Poor doll works late at the pub, needs her beauty rest.

Been getting carried away with these vintage clothes. But that shop in town had a shit load of it, most of it fit and I looked damn good. Got myself a few jackets, hats, cool shoes, nice shirts and several pairs of grey, tan or brown slacks. Last night I looked online and located several vintage 1950’s ties, they’d be arriving tomorrow. ‘Til then, the tie with the hand painted blue heron will do just fine. Least it ain’t fuckin’ pink flamingos.

So, maybe it’s weird, maybe I am channeling my granddad, but I will tell you this much; people respond to me differently, answer and talk with respect and even smile different, hell … people look at me different.

But nothing like this morning in the breakfast room. I popped down for a cup of joe and two eggs over easy. Snagged a donut, too, from the buffet and went to sit at the table in the far corner so I could watch the door. Beside me Biebe was sitting with Riles and you’da thought they saw a fuckin’ ghost.

“Cory?” Riley almost choked.

“Fuck,” snorted John. “If it wasn’t for those goofy earrings, I could’ve sworn …”

“You don’t like the new look?” I chuckled. “Listen, John. I need a few minutes later today. We gotta talk, buddy.”

“Is it important?” he crunched bacon.

“Fuckin’ A, it’s important.”

He coughed, pushed back that nancy hair and shrugged. “Okay, I’ll change my plans. Come by the apartment around eight.”

“Nah. Meet me in the pub. Eight.” And I left.

RILEY

Well that was weird. With that haircut, those clothes and that typical Bad Ass attitude it’s real hard to believe Cory isn’t Bud himself. But before I could take in the possible psychological ramifications of this odd manifestation, my cell rang. John had headed off to his issues with security; seemed Claudia’s cold was spreading.  As for me, I wanted to get together with Chef Chris to discuss the details for a fiftieth anniversary booked at the Inn next week.

I swallowed my last gulp of coffee and answered the cell. “Queen Biebe.”

“Feelin’ particularly empowered today, Gamer?”

“Terry! You sound like you have a cold. Everyone’s getting a cold. Are you resting? Lots of water and juice remember,” I slithered around the lobby to the back stairwell and the only privacy, peace and quiet that can be found on the first floor. Sitting on the bottom step I closed my eyes. It was Terry … and he never, ever calls unless it’s something big. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. Well, got the flu. No big deal. How’s everyone there?”

Typical Thorne evasive move. “Talk to me Terry. How’s it going? Really?”

I listened to him sigh. His voice was raspy and a little weak, like he was worn to the bone. “Rehab has gone as far as it can, love. Looks like this is as good as it’s gonna get.”

“Oh, Terry,” I whispered.

“It’s fine, I’ll be fine. Just gotta well, rethink things a bit.”

“Are you still in pain?”

“Some. Nothin’ I can’t handle. Doin’ what I gotta do, ya know.”

My heart was breaking and lifted at once. Why was he telling me all this? Did he know it was all I ever wanted to hear from him? That he’s putting himself first, admitting he’s human, limited? Does he have any clue how much stronger he is for it? As if he was reading my mind, he chuckled softly.

“Wanted to call and thank you, Riles. A thousand times you’ve given me reasons to thank you and I never have.”

“Thank me for what?”

“Listenin’ to the toughest words I ever had to say. Life’s gonna be a lot different now, ya know.”

“What are you going to do?” I propped my head in my hand and listened hard, his poor voice was drying up.

“When I’ve kicked this bloody flu, I’ll go into the office and take a good look around, see where I fit in.”

“No, buddy. You make it fit around you. There’s no Thorne and O’Leary without you. Hey, maybe you should come down here for a while.”

“No more hiding at the Inn, Riles. I got work to do.” He coughed miserably and sniffled. “And I’m thinkin’ about taking a holiday. Maybe a trip through Europe. Do you realize I’ve been everywhere in Europe and never once saw a bloody thing?”

I blinked back a tear. He really was owning this new existence. “That sounds perfect. Where will you go?”

“I dunno, Rome, Spain, maybe Morocco.”

“Oh, I shipped you some cookies this morning.”

“Chocolate?”

“Brownies.”

“You’re a love, Riles. Listen, I’m fuckin’ fading here. Gonna get some sleep. Give my best to everyone and kiss my godson for me.”

“I love you, Terry. Rest and get well.”

“Thanks again.”

I sighed, sat and felt a wash of comfort come over me. Strange to say it, but Terry is probably the toughest egg of them all … and I always worried more over him than anyone else. Now, without his dehumanizing armor, I finally felt he was going to be fine and my mind began to wonder what lovely woman would discover all that sweetness he’s been hiding.

Yeah, yeah. I know. I’m easily distracted. I headed toward the kitchen and Chef Chris again when bam, another distraction. Jessie.

I kinda accosted her in the lobby. “Hey Jess! How are you feeling?”

“Um,” poor thing was startled. Guess Terry was right, Queen Biebe was on the roll. “Fine. A little morning sickness.”

“Come on, sit in the breakfast room, it’s almost empty by now. We’ll get you some tea and toast and have us a little chat.”

She looked like a deer in the headlights. “Chat?”

“Yeah, just a little talk. So,” we sat at a table far from the luscious smells of the kitchen. I do remember morning sickness. “I hear you guys are buying the house today.”

“Wow, news travels fast.” She sipped steamy tea, not looking at me.

I felt so bad, realizing I was being a little aggressive. I put my hand over hers and talked quietly. “Of course news travels fast. It’s just like any other functional/dysfunctional family on the planet. I’m so excited for you. New house, new baby, wedding.”

Finally she looked into my eyes, smiled. But this cookie is astute. “You don’t want to talk about the house, do you Riley.”

Busted. “Ah … well … not really. Listen, let me just get this out, okay. This is not an accusation or even a statement of suspicion. But I just want you to know that Lachlan is very precious to this family. He’s precious to me. I just … well, I’d hate to see him hurt. I know, it’s hard to get past his great smile and that great attitude, but underneath is a very tender heart.”

“I know that,” she said kindly. Amazing since in retrospect, I just said things I had no right to say. “And I agree, those dimples are divine, his voice, his work ethic, his traditional way of looking at things, well, how wonderful is all that? But it’s his heart that attracted me. I swear, I was pulled right to it the moment I first laid eyes on him.”

“Pulled?”

“Yes,” Jess said quietly, leaning over the table, our heads close like conspirators. “Drawn, like a magnet.”

Well, that was all I needed to hear. All those years alone for Lachlan and finally the pull worked for him. He just needed to find the right woman, that’s all. I squeezed her hand and grinned. “Welcome to the family, Jessie.”

“I made the grade?”

“Ah … sorry about that. Lach’s kinda special and I … well … I was being stupid. Have you found a good OBGYN yet? Nat and I both used Doctor Conklan, he’s wonderful. And hey, when you guys move just call, I’ll be glad to help anyway I can … and …”

She started to laugh. “Chill, Riley. I understand. And I’ll take that doctor’s phone number.”

Yeah, I think Jessie will fit in just fine.

JEFF MITCHELL

I wasn’t settled on sticking around after finishing up with the plumbing project at the Inn, but when I tried to come up with a good reason not to stay, I couldn’t find one. Perhaps it’s time for me to think about making a major change to my life and seriously consider staying a while. Hell, I’d already promised Curry that I’d oversee any plumbing matters he’s gonna have with that great sprawling home he’s just bought, and I kind of like the idea of being back with the family for a bit and watching this new generation of nippers that seem to be popping up everywhere. I was a little afraid that I wouldn’t fit in after being away for so long, but already little Nathan is calling me Unkoo Jeff, and Daisy’s been giving me the names of all the bars in town where I can meet men. Fancy that?

Not that I’m interested in jumping into any romantic entanglements; I guess I’m just feeling my age lately and just don’t have the energy I used to; or maybe my heart’s just had enough of being broken and needs a nice long rest. Vermont is beautiful, and Riley tells me that I simply can’t leave until I see a real New England autumn. John said that I can’t leave until after Christmas and Pullo’s mentioned that he’s looking to have the sprinkler system overhauled at his vineyard expansion next spring. It certainly looks that if I do decide to make my stay permanent, I’ll have plenty of financial opportunities coming my way. The idea of settling in does have a certain cozy feel to it when I think about it in those terms.

I’m thinking that as long as I can keep busy working that I’ll just take a wait and see attitude. Vermont may be for lovers, but I’ll just be satisfied with Vermont being for me.

DAISY

Okay, so we’re not in LA anymore. Cory doesn’t need to look like the hip, young filmmaker on the scene anymore. But, his new look is so different from anything I’d ever seen on him. And who would’a thunk he’d look so hot dressed in slacks and a button down shirt? We spent a couple of days role-playing; I’d be the pretty housewife waiting for my man to come home from work and he’d be the important businessman arriving after a busy day at the office. I’d greet him at the door dressed in an apron and hand him a martini; he’d greet me with a kiss and a hello, doll. Definitely some fun times.

But … now I getting a little worried. It’s been a week and he’s getting deeper into this 50’s vibe. He’s been cleaning out every thrift store in town of their stock of vintage clothes and the other night, he ordered a bunch of ties on-line. And he’s not acting like himself. He’s more direct, gruffer, less talkative. It’s almost like the clothes are taking over and he’s not Cory anymore. He’s becoming someone else and personally, I think his grandfather is behind it. But, I wasn’t sure. The only thing I knew about Bud White was what Cory had told me and what’s in LA Confidential, which I admit I’ve watched more then like ten times.

I happened to run into Natalie this afternoon in the garden. She was sitting on a bench with the twins in their stroller. Since she was one of the women who knew Cory’s granddad, I sat down and asked her about him. “Was he really as grouchy as everyone says?”

“Bud? Oh, yeah, he was a grouch,” she chuckled, “but, not like you think. He was a lovable grouch. He was a man’s man. Strong, Protective. Didn’t take any nonsense from anyone. He was definitely a product of his times. But inside, he was such a softie, a big heart.”

Yeah, that sounds like what Cory’s turning into. A grouch with a soft heart isn’t a bad thing, but it wasn’t Cory and frankly, I’m beginning to miss the old him.

JOHN

Eight sharp I went down to the pub. The place was hopping and Daisy was handling the bar like a real pro. I slipped behind and grabbed a beer.

“Cory here?”

She nudged her chin to the far dark corner booth and continued making drinks. I leaned over and kissed her cheek.

“Have I told you what a Godsend you are, Daisy?”

“Not today,” she grinned and punched the register keys. Hell, she was bringing in people we’d never had at the Inn pub, even locals came to banter with the prettiest bartender in all of Stowe.

I pushed my way back to the booth and slid in, glared at the glass in Cory’s hand and grunted. “What the fuck you drinking?”

“Scotch, straight.”

He was sitting there, slouched forward, his big hand cupping the class, that silly tie and jacket. I shook my head. The resemblance was fucking uncanny. I swear his shoulders even had the bulk of the Bad Ass. “I stocked this place with fancy imported beer for California kids like you. Don’t drink that shit.”

“Nah, I’m starting to like it.” A Bud White snort followed.

“Are you trying to freak everyone around here out or what?”

He laughed and finally I could see the youthfulness of the Cory White I knew. He loosened the tie and shrugged out of the jacket. “Listen, I wanted to talk with you. You’ve been living here what, five years?”

I nodded, guzzled beer.

“What do you know about Frank Water and Mickey Slade?”

I cleared my throat. “Water is slime, one of those ambulance chasing lawyers, makes a mess of money. Slade’s trouble. He’s been pushing for a mall right on Main Street. The parking lot alone would wipe out half the town. Why?”

“I kinda overheard them talking last week.”

“Overheard them? What are you doing, playing detective?”

“I am now. They were talking about Ben, about what an easy mark he’ll be when the town elects him. I did a little research. The zoning commission is made up of five men. Slade, Waters, the sheriff, the mayor and a man named Giarasucci.”

I nodded, starting to see where this was going.

“Seems Slade and Water got no real respect for the mayor. I talked to the old fart, he said he wants to retire, but if no one steps up, he’ll just serve out another term.”

“Mayor Joe Williams has always thwarted that mall issue.”

Cory shrugged, sipped scotch. “Maybe they think they’re breaking him down?”

Fuck if I knew.

“I got a question, John. Do you think we can count on Ben? Or will he be on the take when these issues come up, ‘cause sure as shit, from everyone I talk to in this town … he will be sheriff and he will be on that zoning council.”

“On the take for what?” I grunted, looked around at the crowd. “What’s he need to take? The man’s a millionaire. And in his mind, a million bucks is more than it really is. Nah, he wouldn’t be on the take. But he might not really understand what’s going down either. Fuck, maybe he shouldn’t be doing this.” I pushed my hair back and groaned.

“Ben ain’t stupid, Hockey Puck. He’ll figure it out. What I’m asking is, can trust him to do the right thing?”

“We can,” I spat, but I wasn’t all that sure myself. “Well, that decides it for me.”

Cory eyed me closely. “Decides what?”

“I’ve been thinking about this for weeks, haven’t talked to Riles yet but … I think I’m gonna run for mayor.”

“Yeah?” Cory’s brow rose then knotted thoughtfully. “You register for your candidacy and that could put a kink in Slade and Water’s plans. Mayor Williams would have to insist the petition be tabled until after the new mayor takes office, wouldn’t he?”

“Yeah, that’s standard procedure.”

“But then we got that variable,” Cory raised a hand for Daisy to bring refills. “Aldo Giarasucci.”

He flipped opened a small notebook. Yeah, he was freaking me out. He huffed and continued. “Aldo Giarasucci is an ex-con. Busted trying to scam a Vegas Casino back in 1972. He’s lived here since he was released. What’s his story?”

I was being interrogated and it didn’t feel so good but I answered, thinking maybe Cory was really onto something important. “Aldo’s a good egg. He’s lived in Stowe for over fifteen years, married his wife here. He’s fought hard to protect the town and preserve it. I think he’s the hold out against Slade and Water’s proposal.”

“Yeah, but he also owns a construction company.”

“He does. Kevin uses his men often. They did the bulk of the work on the Inn and are doing the construction for the addition. What’s your point, Cory?”

He shrugged, real cool as he sipped his fresh scotch. “Doesn’t anybody think it’s a conflict of interest that the owner of a multimillion dollar construction company is sitting on the zoning commission board of directors?”