Page 16 of Hot to Trot

"They're split," Rayne said.

Brent nodded. "Very splintered, and with some throwing religion into the debate, it's become very polarized with neither contingency giving the other a chance to change minds. It's been frustrating as an author to see people decide the worth of a book without even bothering to read it."

Scarlet had nearly forgotten Brent was an author. When Rayne had revealed Brent's secret career as an author of middle-grade sports books, Scarlet had been as shocked as anyone else who'd met the hunky, all-American former football player. It wasn't as if she didn't think him capable. Okay, she hadn't. So it was -baseball-bat-against-the-head shocking. "What's going to happen?"

Brent shrugged. "A few people have talked of staging a peaceful protest in front of the library. I belong to several writers' loops online and there has been a lot of chatter about the censorship of the book, with some news networks covering it. Surprised me that a small county like ours would receive so much attention. But something about an award-winning children's book being ripped from the shelves and unavailable to countless children has many people angry and ready to do battle over the issue. And not just in Oak Stand."

Something rushed up inside Scarlet. She loved a good fight, and ever since she’d watchedNorma Raeon the rented VCR when she was twelve, she got amped when it came to protests. Something about the spirit of fighting for one's convictions and of banding together against wrong made her blood sing. She'd participated in dozens over the past few years.

The last one had been over the destruction of historic storefronts in order to build a parking garage. A picture of her,openmouthed, toting a protest sign had made the front page of the city section of theTimes.John had obtained the original photo and had it framed for her. Pain struck swift and hard as it always did when she thought of John. She shoved her hurt away and focused on the task at hand.

"Has anyone tried a town hall style meeting? They've been pretty successful in many communities when there is serious contention on a subject."

"I don't think anyone has thought of it," Rayne said.

"That's actually a good idea, Scarlet. Not sure if we have time, though. They're removing the book this Saturday. I'm sure Harvey will have something dramatic planned." Brent studied Scarlet. She could sense his thoughts.Maybe this chick has a brain.

Yeah, cowboy, she did.

"I participated in one when they were going to tear down some buildings in the Bronx. Of course, it did little good. Seems parking was more important than Saturday-night bingo. We held a protest, too, but if you could arrange a town-hall meeting, it may help people in Oak Stand see another side of the issue."

"Do you think we can make that happen? I don't see a church wanting to get involved, and the library surely won't encourage something like that." Rayne shoved another piece of asparagus in her mouth and chewed thoughtfully.

"A local business place might work if there is room for people to gather," Scarlet said, turning to the tea at her elbow for morning sustenance. She'd have to scour the kitchen later for something normal to eat. Pop-tarts maybe.

"I'll talk to Nellie Darby. She worked at the library several years ago and has been pretty vocal in her opposition. She just had a baby, but I bet she'll be willing to help. She's definitely got pull with the mayor." Brent picked up his plate, dropped a kiss atop his wife's head, and pushed open the breakfast-room doortoward the kitchen. "I'll drop by the Darby ranch later, but first I have work to do. Deadlines don't care about weddings or town-hall meetings. They wait for no writer."

"See you later, honey," Rayne said. Henry managed a wave.

Scarlet said nothing, but she had good reason.

She was caught in her thoughts.

''I think I'll stick around for a while." She pushed her chair back from the table.

"Cool," Henry said, swatting at the milk mustache above his wide smile. Darn, he was charming... and growing up. How long had it been since she'd spent quality time with her nephew? Too long. "You can come to my football game. We're playing the Horned Frogs this Saturday. Horned Frogs is a funny name, ain't it?"

"Isn't it," Rayne corrected, before leveling her gaze at Scarlet. ''And you're not fooling me. You're staying because of the potential protest. You love the drama."

Scarlet ignored her sister's barb and looked at Henry. ''I'd love to see y'all whip up on the Horned Frogs this Saturday. And it is a funny name. Ain't it?"

Rayne punched an asparagus-ladened fork toward her sister. "Watch it."

Scarlet slid her gaze to her sister. ''And for the record, I'm sticking around to visit with my family, who I haven't seen in a while. I can stay away from trouble."

"Yeah, right. I know you. You missed out on disrupting my wedding. You're itching for a fight. And then you'll be gone before the fallout. Gone like the wind…”

Scarlet snorted. Rayne loved to play upon the name Scarlet had chosen as her stage name. So she liked drama. Shewasan actress. Besides, she knew her sister's words were partially true. She did hate injustice and was quick to jump in where she felt she was needed. Case in point, drove over eight hundred milesto stop her sister from making a mistake. Hadn't worked out, of course, but she would never admit to thinking with her heart above thinking with her head. Even if it were true.

The fact was she needed to spend some time with her family. Thanks to Rayne's wedding, both her parents, along with Aunt Frances, Henry and assorted other relatives, were all staying for the next several days within a ten-mile radius. No time like the present for cramming in hot tea on the porch, sifting through old family photos, and playing UNO into the wee hours of the morning. She had several weeks' vacation and Aunt Frances had told her the inn was closed for the next few months while they filmedSouthern Kitchen.Scarlet had a new car, a room in which to sleep, and time on her hands.

The French Riviera would have to wait.

"Whatever," Scarlet said, grabbing the plate and following the path Brent had just taken.

"Hey, Sum-Scarlet," Rayne called.

"Yeah?"

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