Page 1 of Too Close To Call

CHAPTER 1

CASE

“Hey, little brother, just where do you think you’re going?”

I slow my exit from the garage, but don’t stop. If my brother Bode wants to chat, he’ll have to follow me. My plans are to grab a pizza and head home.

“Out.” My one word answer should give Bode a hint that I don’t have time for whatever drama he has going. If I listen to one more precious baby achievement, I’ll… Nah, I love the stories about my new nephew. Liam is perfect, and the best part is I’m his favorite uncle.

“But it’s the first Thursday of the month.” Bode thinks he’s being helpful by reminding me. I didn’t forget.

Putting a bit more speed in my steps, I reply, “I’m well aware.”

“Ah, so you’re ditching the town meeting.” Bode slaps me on the back, coming up with the surprising realization all by himself.

“And, see, I thought old age was making you forgetful.” I can’t pass up a dig at his age, which is well past mine.

Adan is the oldest Murphy boy. He’s a real estate developer and lives off-island in Wilmington. Bode is next in line and owns a fishing and air charter business on-island. He’s married to Kimberly, and Liam is their adorable new baby. Then there’s Gage, who chose to serve his country as a Marine and is currently deployed. The best and most handsome Murphy, and the youngest, is me.

“Boys.”

My dad’s voice halts us both. When Blake Murphy speaks, you listen if you know what’s good for you, especially when using that familiar chastising tone.

Bode throws both hands up in surrender. “Wait a minute, Dad. I was heading to the meeting when I saw this one ditching. Of course, I felt it’s my civic duty to redirect my brother. You know, set a good example for the young children.”

With my hands braced on my hips, I cut my eyes toward my traitorous brother. “Really, Bode? You’re going to throw me under the bus like that? Where’s your wife? Aren’t you supposed to be with her, or did Kimberly finally wise up and kick you to the curb?”

Bode frowns and opens his mouth, but before something stupid comes out, Dad puts an arm around each of us. “Let’s go, boys. I don’t want to be late, and you know how Hershel likes to start on time. Your mother is saving us all seats.”

Giving Bode a piercing glare and getting a smug smirk in return, I grumble and complain to myself the entire way to Town Hall. I’d been so close to freedom. Town meetings are for everyone, but business owners are expected to attend. As a garage owner in town, that means me.

The double doors of Town Hall stand open. Dad goes ahead of us as Bode leans back and whispers, “Suck it up, buttercup.”

I try to fight it, but my lips curl into a grin. I love my family. Even that asshole and all the other Murphys taking up an entire row of chairs.

* * *

A man I’m unfamiliar with walks to the podium, raps the gavel for attention, and then announces, “The Faire Island town meeting will now come to order, the honorable Hershel Young presiding.”

Bode and I look at each other with identical incredulous grins on our faces. Hershel has a new assistant, secretary, guy Friday, whom I’ve heard likes to do things by the book. Little does the guy know, but Faire Island doesn’t have a book—or if we did, it was lost years ago. And the suit he’s wearing is totally out of place and probably hot as Hades, but whatever.

“Thank you, Nick,” Hershel says with a nod and then addresses the assembled citizens. “We have lots of successes to celebrate tonight. One, in particular, fell into place just this afternoon and I know you will be as excited as I am when I tell you that, due to our population explosion, there will once again be a school on our island.”

The cheer that goes up is deafening. The school had closed down years ago when no students of age were left. My brothers and I graduated from Faire Island High, mine was a class of fifty, and not too many years later, the doors closed. Having a place for my nieces and nephew to attend school on-island will be great.

Hershel raps the gavel and uses his hands to regain control. “Over the years, we’ve maintained the buildings, both the elementary and upper school, but we do need to make a few upgrades to meet today’s codes.”

Applause sounds and dies out as Hershel continues. “As in the past, the schools will be divided as kindergarten through fifth grade, and sixth through twelfth. We’re planning to open with the new school year in September.”

Hershel fumbles through his notecards and Nick rushes to the podium and reshuffles them. “We’ll form a school board, which will be tasked with hiring both principals to have on site as soon as possible. I’m hoping you young men with new babies will step up and take a seat. If that’s not clear enough, Bode, David, and Rod, I’m talking to you.”

Rod Murphy calls out in response, “We hear you, Hershel.”

A rumble of laughter travels around the room.

Hershel grins and nods, delighted he’s solved that issue so easily. “Good. Good…”

I check my phone and frown at the time. The meeting is creeping along. While I’m glad the school is back, it has no bearing on me personally. Now or probably ever. Kids are certainly not in my immediate—or distant—future. At one time, I’d thought…

---