Authors: D. T. Jones
“Well, yes of course,” he said, his voice slightly less enthusiastic as it was a moment ago. “Hello, Sandy. How is life in Europe?”
“I said we need to talk, you can exchange niceties with my wife later,” Creighton intercepted, nearly causing Sandra to giggle with excitement and anxiety, but she bit her bottom lip instead.
“Anything you have to say to me, you can say here. I have no secrets,” the mayor said, puffing his chest out as if that would ward off the impact of the taller, leaner man’s approach.
“So be it, if that’s what you wish,” Creighton began. “First off, who gave you the right to tell your town that I had already signed the papers to bring
New Hope Technologies
to Kansas?” Nelson backed up a step, but was stopped when he ran into the photographer who was snapping pictures all the while Creighton addressed the town’s leader.
“Well…I…that is…” Nelson stuttered.
“I haven’t signed anything with you and I don’t think I will at this point,” Creighton continued; his manner authoritative and very intimidating, yet he held himself under control, never once raising his tone of voice. He held his hands at his side in a relaxed manner, but Sandra could tell he was fuming.
“When I brought my company to Hoisington, it was with the understanding that we were investigating the area, nothing more. The fact that we found this town charming and ideal for my factory has absolutely nothing to do with you.” Nelson glanced to Sandra as if to insinuate the whispers that were being echoed around town.
“Just because my wife is a former resident of Kansas, does not mean I decided to build here for her sake,” Creighton continued. “In fact, if I had to make a decision after my first visit, I would have chosen against building here. Save it to say, building a wind powered plant in the middle of an area constantly being torn up by tornadoes is illogical and irrational. It was a bad decision, which is why we returned several more times. My engineers finally came up with a plan that I believe will work, and one that will benefit the people of this community.
“Sandra living here was a personal bonus for me alone. She had no persuasion on my decision and if it were up to her, New Hope would build somewhere else. Like me, she is concerned about the area and the type of plant I plan on building. The land that you offered to me belongs to her grandfather, but it was simple coincidence; I had no idea there was a family connection
until just recently. When you offered up the Stevens’ property, it was an insult not just to me but to James and Mary as well. The price you suggested I purchase it for, and the fact that you were
throwing in
city land to sweeten the deal was obscene.” Creighton paused to take a breath and pull himself back under control, fully aware the reporter was writing down every word he was saying, and smiling the entire time.
“I don’t care if you were the president himself,” he continued a moment later, watching the man wipe his fat sweaty brow again. “My decisions would be the same, regardless of whom or what you were. I have signed a deal with James and Mary Stevens for their land, but after discovering exactly what a low handed politician you are, I am rethinking whether to build now or to wait until an honest man occupies your position. I will not allow my company to be an influence into anyone’s personal gain. This factory will allow four thousand new jobs for the area, which in turn will generate a very nice stiffen for the city in taxes alone. That fact is the only reason I am still standing in your town.
“As for this celebration you have planned for this evening, all I can say is that I am appalled that you took money from the city’s budget to put it on. That money could be used for far greater reasons; it could have been used to repair the roads or put back into the schools, or better still, as a rebate incentive to the residents to upgrade their properties to include eco-friendly appliances or cars. Neither my wife nor I approved this party of yours, nor will we be attending. I will not support the actions of a lying, conniving politician who is out to improve his own status in the community.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more,” a voice said from the door of the room, causing everyone to turn and see the tall, attractive brunette man standing just inside the barrier. He wore a dark grey leisure suit and a white shirt and grey tie. He was quite attractive and Creighton narrowed his gaze on him, when Sandra gasped.
“Michael Farnsworth,” she said, stepping to him and offering him a friendly hug. “What are you doing here?” She had forgotten all about what was going on around her when she saw the man and smiled returning her hug.
“I’m running for Mayor in the next election,” he said, glancing over her shoulder to the tall, intimidating appearing man who stared at them. “Hello, I’m Michael Farnsworth,” he said reaching his hand out and shaking Creighton’s. “Sandy and I are
old friends; well actually she is a friend of my little sister, Angela.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” Creighton said, forcing control back into his suddenly irritated manner. “So you are running for this man’s job? What prey tell is your insight into this matter?”
“I agree with everything you’ve said,” Michael continued, moving further into the room as Sandra returned to her husband’s side, slipping her hand in his and nearly grimacing when he tightened his grip.
“Hoisington is a great community, with really amazing people, including your wife,” he continued. “I have been against the idea of building your factory here from the beginning, that is, until your assistant sent over the plans your engineers came up with. I agree that this project of yours will be of great improvement to our town, and since you have taken into account the flat bottoms, and your factory will in no way be dumping toxic waste into our land, I now support the idea, but not so this braggart can boast about his success in bringing you here.”
“Nobody is responsible for bringing me here; the decision is one of mine and my company’s alone,” Creighton insisted, easing his hold on Sandra’s hand when she squeezed back. “I did not make it where I am today by being a jellyfish and allowing a local loud mouth to bully me into surrendering.” The room erupted in an awkward sort of laugh that was quickly covered up by a number of coughs and throats being cleared.
“I like you Ashford,” Michael smiled. “I look forward to working with you in the near future.” Creighton said nothing, but nodded and turned back to Nelson who was trying to regain his composure.
“Until I have the approval of your planning committee and inspections have gone forth,
Mayor
Nelson, NHT will not be moving to Kansas,” he said in a low tone.
“Well, we can take care of that,” Nelson suggested with a wavering voice as he wiped his brow again.
“NO!” Creighton snapped, this time his temper winning out. Nelson jumped back a foot, as the room fell into a dead silence, all eyes staring at Creighton.
“I will not have you pushing your influence into obtaining the permits needed for this project. It will happen in the appropriate amount of time and I will allow construction to begin, only if and when everything is ready. I will in no conceivable manner allow my company to become a side show attraction.”
“Then this is a real reason for celebration,” Michael said with a smile, patting Creighton on the shoulder. “The people of this town has been preparing for today’s festivities since we learned you were coming back. It would be a shame to disappoint them. Please accept my invitation as my guest. There are a lot of people who would love to shake your hand.”
“And what do you gain from all of this?” Creighton asked, turning his gaze to him, his jaw clenching when he finished speaking.
“Absolutely nothing,” he said with a shake of his head. “I am a part of this town and I too have been looking forward to your arrival. Your company will benefit the town in many ways and I support your decision to move here. I like the idea of dealing with an honest man; it’s very rare in today’s world to find anyone of authority who has pride in his work and a backbone to stand up against those who don’t.”
“We would love to come,” Sandra said quickly, once again being the recipient of a rather firm grip. “Creighton and I are still on our honeymoon, and I haven’t had a chance to show him around town. This would be the perfect opportunity for him to meet everyone in a relaxed atmosphere.”
“Great then we’ll see you there.” Sandra accepted the hug her friend gave her as the reporter and the photographer began whispering behind the group before hurrying out the door. Mayor Nelson saw them leave and went running after them, shouting for them to hold up, insisting that he had to approve any and all reports that had his name attached to them. Creighton shook Michael’s hand and forced a smile across his lips, though it didn’t reach his eyes and Sandra could tell he was pissed! Probably more at her, than the man in front of him.
James shook Michael’s hand and patted Creighton on the back, stepping out of the room with Mary to leave the man alone with Sandra and Cathy, who slowly walked up to them. Creighton drew a deep breath; after everything that had just happened, the last thing he needed was a confrontation between his wife and her sister.
“I have never been more proud to be witness to anything that has happened in this office, than I am today,” Cathy said with a wide smile. “Maybe you’re not as bad as I once thought.”
“If it’s all the same with you, I think I’ll accept that as a compliment,” Creighton said with a forced smile.
“As you should.” Cathy turned to her sister and smiled lovingly at her. “You look amazing,” she said. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look so happy or so beautiful before. I think you’re actually glowing.”
“I am very happy,” Sandra said, feeling her husband’s hand relax in hers. “Creighton is wonderful man who makes me laugh…and moan.” Cathy rolled her eyes, but laughed as Creighton cleared his throat.
“I have to go. I think I’m going to turn in my resignation today.”
“What? Wait, why?” Sandra’s voice was filled with concern and excitement, though she wasn’t sure which was stronger.
“I was offered a job with a newspaper in Valley Stream New York,” Cathy said proudly. “I’ll be on their investigating team, researching politicians their practices. I really don’t think Nelson will want me around much longer anyway. Seems the newspapers received an anonymous report with some rather sensitive information, concerning a Barton County business owner and a certain local leader’s involvement. There was a private deal that was struck that awarded our leader a hefty personal bonus which was used to purchase a hunting cabin and fishing boat. I think the mayor is going to be in some hot water for several months to come.”
Sandra and Creighton both laughed at this, as Cathy’s smile widened. She hugged her sister and kissed her new brother-in-law’s cheek before turning and leaving the room. Sandra looked up at her husband and saw that haunted, distant look in his eyes that he had been wearing since she woke up and she frowned.
“What is wrong?” she asked him, her tone slightly frustrated as she turned, her hands on her hips.
“What do you mean?”
“You have been acting like a stranger all day. I don’t know if I should try and hug you or just leave you to brood alone. Didn’t things go well with my grandparents?”
“No, in fact they accepted my offer with only the slightest argument. They didn’t care much for the amount I offered.”
“Not enough?” she asked, trying to figure out why her grandfather would refuse the money she knew was more than they were asking.
“Just the opposite,” Creighton said with a sigh. “He thought it was too much.”
“Was it?”
“It was fair for the land and the area.”
“So what’s the matter? You’ve been weird all day.”
“Why don’t we go back to the m
otel,” he suggested as the sound of a door somewhere down the hall shut. Sandra said nothing more, but nodded all the same and followed him out the door and back down the stairs to the waiting car.
James and Mary decided to stay in town and do some shopping, insisting that Cathy could take them home. The ride back to the motel was quiet and tense as Sandra sat next to her husband trying to figure out his mood. There was definitely something bothering him, but she couldn’t for the life of her put a finger on it.
Remembering her deplorable behavior the night before, she frowned. It had to be that. She had fallen asleep without their usual amount of playing and then this morning after their shower, when she thought things would get exciting, she found herself wrapped in his arms as they made slow love. It was pleasant enough, anytime she was in his arms she found herself succumbing to his charms and desires and eagerly reaching her climax. But that morning was different; if she didn’t know better she would swear he was deliberately trying to keep her at bay.
“Are you hungry?” he asked when they pulled into the parking stall of the motel.
“Not really,” she said softly, causing him to glance over to her. He stared at her for a brief moment in silence before drawing a deep breath and stepping out of the car. Sandra felt more frustrated than she could ever remember, including that night on the plane when she saw Eryn Jenkins’ hands all over her husband. This was different, this time it was he who was causing the irritation to build within her.
Creighton opened her door and held his hand out for her to take, but she ignored it. If he wanted to reject her affection, than she could play the same game. She took her snack bag with her and slung it over the shoulder, keeping it between them as they walked into the lobby. She said hello to Aunt Kissy and walked up to their room ahead of him and unlocked the door with the spare key. Sandra tossed the bag carelessly to the chair near the window before sitting in the one across from it, preventing him from joining her, though she doubted that he would attempt it.