Page 32 of Shiny Things

“We certainly didn’t get a say in you,” my father said snidely. It was no secret that the two men did not get along, family or not. “They can speak for themselves. But if as a group we wish to elect interim representatives, then I would like to nominate Clarence Grimes and Diddy Pierce.”

“I have no objections of either,” Reese agreed.

“I’m fine with them,” Preston agreed.

Castor nodded.

Malachai reluctantly agreed.

“Why don’t Elias and I talk to them? It was his idea after all, and my motion called,” Reese said.

“Well I’m sure as hell not going to,” Malachai mumbled. “I suppose today’s agenda can wait a few days. Make it happen quickly. This meeting is adjourned.”

Dad clapped me on the back and nodded. He was proud of me. It was a rare and odd acknowledgement, but I was certain of it. I’d seen that look on his face beamed at Ryan enough times to recognize it.

Reese hung back as the others left.

“Okay, together or divide and conquer?”

“Whichever you prefer.”

“I know Diddy pretty well. Why don’t I talk to him while you hit up Clarence?”

I was embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know Clarence Grimes.

“Just ask around the fire station. They’ll point you in the right direction.”

“Okay,” I said.

This was my doing. I could man up and see it through.

At the station, I recognized only a couple of faces and couldn’t recall any of their names.

“Hey, I’m looking for Clarence Grimes. Is he in today? I was told I could probably find him here,” I said to the first man I saw.

Ravenden was a small town, so it seemed ridiculous that I didn’t know these people. I lived here my entire life, yet there was a class system in place that had shielded me from too much. Aside from the few that attended school with me, I reallydidn’t know many of the Grimes or Pierces. Being with Kim was opening my eyes up to so much more and so much wrong within Ravenden.

“What’s this about Davenport?” the man asked.

“That’s between me and Clarence.”

He scowled at me. “Come on,” he finally said. “He already left for the day. I’m headed over to his place now.”

“Great.”

I had my bike, but he insisted I ride along with him.

“Give me a heads-up here. Is this bad? Did he do something wrong?”

“No.”

“I know you’re working for the Congress now. Is it official?”

“It is. I’m on official orders of the Council.”

His jaw locked and for a moment I feared he was going to stop the car and kick me out.

We pulled up in front of a small two-story house with a big front porch. It was nice and well kept. As I followed the guy, whose name I still didn’t know, inside, a strange calm came over me. The place was homey and comfortable.

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