It Had to Be Him(79)
Josh started to speak, but nothing but air passed his lips. Shock that anyone would be so kind to him, offer him something so huge, rendered him . . . amazed. “What would your family think of that, Zeke? Me running your shop and keeping all the profits?”
He shrugged. “None of their business. And you might be surprised how much my shop brings in. All the equipment is paid for, so you’d make plenty for your new family, and maybe even some extra so you can help a few more kids like Eric.”
He’d love to run the shop as long as he could find a way to help kids like Eric too. It’d be the best of both worlds, but things were going to get complicated very soon. “Zeke, I don’t—”
He plowed on, cutting Josh off. “I’m not giving you the equipment, just letting you use it for as long as you like. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t share this next part because Meggy doesn’t know, but I’ve left everything to her when I die. Those lazy relatives of mine weren’t going to get anything anyway. But knowing Meg, she’ll give them something because she’ll feel bad for them. She talks a big talk, but deep down she’s just a big marshmallow who’d bop me over the head for telling you that.”
He knew that, but what Zeke didn’t know was Josh’s secret. The old guy might not be so quick to hand over his business once he found out Josh had been lying to Meg for years. Especially if Meg didn’t take the news well.
“Thank you, Zeke. I appreciate the generous offer. But how about we see what the next few weeks bring, then after that, we’ll talk about it again?” Josh held out his hand for a shake.
Zeke frowned. “What’s the next few weeks got to do with the price of eggs?”
“Time to get used to the idea. To think it through.”
“Okay.” Zeke smiled and shook Josh’s hand. “Enjoy the rest of the evening. I’m gonna sneak out before the mayor gets going. Heard all he has to say a time too many as it is.”
The rain continued to pound on the skylights above as the mayor went on and on about Anderson Butte and its long history. Eric was slumped over Josh’s phone, playing a game with the sound muted, when the speech finally ended.
The thunderous clapping probably wasn’t for the content, but because it was finally over. But one thing was for sure. Megan’s father had a true passion for his town. Be a shame if he had to spend the rest of his days behind bars.
Evans would have had plenty of time to get in and out, but he still needed to let her know the mayor had left after his speech. Just in case.
Josh nudged Eric’s shoulder with his. “I need to send a quick text.”
Eric frowned, but paused the game and handed the phone over. Josh had just finished tapping out the text to Evans when a text came in from Meg. Could you come get Haley, please? She needs to run around a bit.
He looked up at Meg where she sat on the stage, and nodded. “Eric, I’m going to take Haley out in the hall for a minute. Stay here, please.”
“Okay.” Eric reached out for Josh’s phone to continue his game.
After Abe, the fire chief, gave his usual speech detailing the need for more volunteer firefighters, Meg sat alone on the raised dais. Over the last half hour, after their father left, the rest of her siblings had found reasons to leave. She didn’t care to stay for Amber’s mystery presentation coming next. She’d done her duty and Haley was at her limit.
Meg gathered her things and stood as the lights went out and Amber’s voice came over the PA system, asking for everyone’s attention for a special presentation.
Perfect time to slip out.
A huge image of a smiling baby was projected on the wall. It took Meg a second to realize it was her up there.
What was Amber up to? Meg sank into her chair again.
Sending Meg a sneer, Amber stepped to the podium and grabbed the mic. “In honor of our town daughter’s recent return, I thought you’d all enjoy this little stroll through memory lane. It’ll answer some of your lingering questions, like who really egged Mrs. Beckett’s car that summer when she’d been away for three weeks so it sat in the hot sun baking away. If you’ll recall, it ruined her paint job.”
The image changed to a picture of Megan with pigtails and braces. Not her finest look. Not her finest moment either.
Amber laughed. “And here’s your culprit.”
All eyes cut to Meg.
Amber had been standing right next to Meg that day, encouraging the whole thing. Seemed Amber wasn’t confessing her role, though.
Before Meg could figure out what to do to make it stop, Amber said, “But let’s start way back at the beginning. Be sure to note in all of Megan’s family photos who she’s never standing by. That’s right. Our beloved mayor. Why do you suppose that is?”