Page 103 of Wolf Roulette

Chantel leaned closer as Margaret wrapped up the second discussion. “We open to the public now.”

We rearranged our tables into a single row facing the empty chairs. There had to be at least two hundred seats. Thinking of the questions I just copped from the council, I braced myself, checking my hair and outfit in the reflection of the kitchen window.

Rose and Wilson opened the doors and four members of the public entered.

“That’s it?” I whispered to Terrie.

Her lips twitched. “Not many people turn out for sewage proposals.”

Fair enough. My proposal was submitted last minute and there wasn’t time to put it on the council’s website.

The four locals occupied one-fifth of the front row. I briefly outlined the airport proposal again and answered their questions within ten minutes. The locals seemed more shocked than anything. Poor things came here expecting good ol’ normal sewage.

Chantel had coached me in the next part.

I faced the nine people on the stage. “I move for the council to enter negotiations for a final binding contract to develop and build the first Deception Valley Regional Airport.”

Terrie leaped in. “I second the motion.”

To my surprise, we entered into a second round of debate for the public’s benefit.

This time, the council members only talked through Margaret in the middle of our row, and I mimicked their behaviour when I spoke.

A buzzer went off after thirty minutes, and I peered around until Margaret announced the conclusion of the debate.

What’s going on?Booker asked.

No fucking idea.

There was no hint of frailness in Margaret’s voice as she said, “The Deception Valley Council will now vote on the motion.”

I balled my hands under the table. The timeline would probably put people off. We just needed the majority.

Margaret stated, “Raise your hand if you support the opening of negotiations between the council, Ni Tiaki, and Deception Valley Exports toward a final, binding contract to develop and build the first Deception Valley Regional Airport.”

Heart thumping, I raised my clammy-ass hand in the air.

Gabriel and Rose kept their hands down.

We had the majority.

I nearly sagged into a heap on the floor.

Yes!

You did it,Booker said, a smile in her voice.

We did it.

The meeting concluded.

“No hard feelings.” Rose shook my hand. “I just prefer more information.”

“Of course. We won’t start anything without ticking the boxes we need to. I assure you of that.”

Margaret winked at me. “Well done.”

I took her hand. “Thank you for helping me.”

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