Page 86 of Call it Reckless

“Thank you.”

Lex and I continued to talk about plans as we ate our pizza. When I’d come home to Sterling Mill, I knew I was coming home to my family, but I had no idea I’d become part of another family, one that I was growing to love as much as my own.

CHAPTERTWENTY-EIGHT

Reid

Idon’t think Bristol believed me when I told her the local people found coming to the monthly town hall meeting as much of a social event for them as it was to get information about the community. I knew by the time the meeting got started there would be standing room only.

We dropped Lex off at The Dogtrot where Em’s mom, Raelyn, would watch her and Iain. Zach, Emalee, and Cameron were already seated when we got there.

Bristol looked around in amazement, then leaned into me. “When my dad and I once attended a city council meeting in Charlotte, there weren’t this many people. Where did they all come from?”

“There are quite a few small neighborhoods tucked here and there once you get out of the downtown area.”

“Impressive, I guess.”

I chuckled. She might have lived several years here, but she didn’t really know the town. I was glad she was seeing it through a new set of eyes.

Finally, Mayor Bowen stood at the front podium, Sterling’s cage just to the side.

Rap. Rap. Rap.

It gradually grew quieter as the gavel knocked again on the podium.

Squawk!“This meeting will now come to order.”

“Thank you, Mayor Sterling. Welcome to tonight’s town hall meeting.”

“Lots to do. Lots to do,” Sterling said. “Someone has to run this town.”

Everyone laughed. It didn’t matter how long people had come to these meetings, they still thought Sterling was a riot. Everyone but Rich Bowen, at least. But if nothing else, Sterling was great at getting the townspeople to turn out for meetings.

I leaned closer to Bristol. “See your influence up there?”

She gave me a funny look. “Why, Deputy, I have no idea what you mean. Having a parrot for a mayor is an interesting touch, though, don’t you think? Other towns must be completely jealous.”

“If they’re not, they should be.”

“First off,” Mayor Bowen said, “we’d like to welcome Bristol Allen and Paige Hartfeld to town and congratulate them on the success of their opening of Head to Tow Salon and Spa.”

Paige and Bristol waved to everyone and thanked them. Bristol leaned in again to whisper to me after the clapping died down. “Wow. He actually said that with a straight face.”

“He’s not a bad guy, just a little straitlaced.”

Sterling fluttered around in his cage. “Bristol. Where the hell have you been?” His voice sang out from the cage, making everyone laugh.

“Anyway,” the human mayor went on, ignoring his feathered counterpart, “as you know, summer is fast approaching, and along with it our annual summer picnic. Anyone wishing to enter the cookoff must have their applications filled out completely and turned in to the town clerk by close of business tomorrow.”

Mrs. Seymour stood from her place. “And to be clear, we are only allowing pork, beef, venison, or chicken. No other meats will be accepted.” She glared at Hans across the room, who grinned back.

Rich Bowen went on with a few other small announcements before he called Sheriff Kirchner to the podium. Once Matt was there, the mayor continued. “Now, I have some sad news. Our beloved sheriff will be stepping down from his position, effective next week.”

There was a murmuring of surprise. Bristol looked at me. “Did you know about that?”

I nodded once, keeping my eyes straight ahead.

“Sheriff Kirchner has been asked by the governor to sit on a special council, so Matt and his beautiful wife, Debbie, will be relocating to Nashville, at least for the time being. Of course, we wish him farewell and Godspeed. Our loss will be the gain of the state as you continue to serve.”

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