Page 154 of The Texas Sterling Collection
They met with Sam and shared Mitzi’s recent antics and the connections she had made to reach them. Sam got everything he needed and assured them the mayor would have a copy before the meeting.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., Rod and Wyl sat in the City Council Chambers. Sam sat with them, ready to do battle if needed.
Rod glanced around the room. It took him by surprise to see Janice Cartwright on the City Council. Janice was a colleague when he was at a WBCC. He also noticed Alfonso Ortega sitting next to Mitzi. Perhaps Alfonsowasinvolved in the barn fire incident. Rod tensed. No good could come from the team of Mitzi and Alfonso.
The council meeting was called to order. The council addressed all agenda items except the public forum, the last item on the list.
“Mrs. Sterling, I believe you wanted to address the council,” the mayor said.
“Yes,” she said. “I have with me a gentleman who has information supportive of my purpose here. May I ask him to speak first?”
“Who is this gentleman, Mrs. Sterling?” the mayor asked.
“He is Alfonso Ortega, formerly employed by WBCC as a science instructor.”
“Very well. Mr. Ortega, you may speak.”
Alfonso approached the podium. “Mr. Mayor. Honored Council members.” Alfonso turned and pointed to Rod and Wyl. “Those two and their deviant lifestyle are responsible for my dismissal from the college!” His loud, angry words echoed through the room.
The mayor banged his gavel against the desk. “Mr. Ortega, this is not a forum for your personal issues with these two gentlemen.”
Janice Cartwright spoke up. “Mr. Mayor, if I may?”
“Miss Cartwright, you have the floor.”
“Mr. Ortega, is it not true that you manufactured a story to discredit Dr. Rod Bonner in hopes of having him dismissed from the college?”
Mitzi jetted up from her seat. “Mr. Mayor, if I may speak now? Mr. Ortega was merely pointing out a lifestyle at odds with the fine, conservative atmosphere Blackfield has come to represent.”
“Very well, Mrs. Sterling. You may approach the podium. Mr. Ortega, please be seated.”
Mitzi walked to the podium. “Mr. Mayor, Council Members, I appear before you today to make you aware of questionable conduct by two Blackfield citizens. Not only are they engaged in a homosexual relationship, but they also sullied the name of Blackfield across the country by being featured on the cover of a leading gay magazine.”
Mitzi held up a copy ofThe Advocateso the council members could see the cover.
“I witnessed them appearing before a large audience in San Francisco, where their relationship was shared in great detail, including details of their sex life.”
The mayor interrupted. “Mrs. Sterling, may I ask how you came about this information?”
“I prefer not to reveal my sources, Mr. Mayor.”
“Mrs. Sterling, I possess a detailed record of your contact with the two Mr. Sterlings. It appears you made it your mission to discredit them.”
“Mr. Mayor, I assure you that was not my intent.”
“Mrs. Sterling, do you see the Sheriff over there?” he pointed to Jack Johnson.
“Yes, Mr. Mayor.”
“Mrs. Sterling, the evidence shows a clear intent to stalk and harass Wyl and Rod Sterling. Are you aware that stalking and harassment are illegal and are grounds for arrest and possible conviction?”
“Mr. Mayor, I assure you no such intent exists.”
“Mrs. Sterling, let’s not add perjury to the list.” Jack moved toward Mitzi, reaching for his handcuffs and ensuring she saw him.
Alfonso glanced nervously between Jack and Mitzi.
