Conquer

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

“You just collapsed?” Linda said worriedly.

“I just started screaming and collapsed in the sand. It was all overwhelming. Watching these people just show up to help or just support John, it was too much. I realized that this is what they do around here. I have an idea, two actually. Suppressing my outgoing side became a habit because of having to deal with Andrew. I can get as involved as I want to now. I think Father Green will still be up. John has insurance, but you know what dealing with insurance companies can be like.”

“Like pulling teeth without novocaine,” Linda snorted.

Lilian took out her phone and dialed. Father Green answered on the second ring.

“Father, it's Lillian,” she said, “I have an idea. I would like to rent out the ParishHall for an event. John has insurance but you know what insurance companies can be.”

“Well,” Father Green said, “In the week the Hall is used for Bingo every night. I don’t think the Bing addicts around here will take very kindly to it being cancelled.”

“How about a charity Bingo,,” Lillian asked.

“That could be done,” he answered, “In fact, we could hold a charity Bingo every night this week.”

“Okay, great,” Lillian siad gleefully, “I would love to make the Hall special looking for the event. Can I be there early tomorrow?”

“I’m up before 7 every morning,” FAther Green said.

“I’ll be there before 9. Tonight I will get an announcement on a few of the radio stations in town and do up some fliers so everyone will know what the proceeds will be for.”

“See you tomorrow Lillian,” Father said.

They hung up and Lillian and Linda spent the night either on the phone or working on the computer to make the fliers.


Lillian, Linda and Father Green spent the next morning posting fliers all over town. Every pole, every door, every store counter held the news of that night's Charity Bingo.

Jeffrey Dollard, he owned the Bluebird Bar, did grin, but happily put a flier in his window.

“It’s already for Charity, Father,” he said, grinning, ‘It’s for the Church.”
“Read it Jeff,” Linda said.

Jeff’s eyes widened when he read, “Yeah. I got there just when the firetrucks did. I’ll be there guys.”

“Thank you so much Jeffrey,” Father Green answered.

When they left the bar, Dawn Fleming was standing outside of the door. “I saw you putting up fliers for some kind of Charity Event, I think. Did you get a permit for the fliers?”

“Unless the by-laws changed, we don’t have to,” Linda said.

Dawn snorted. “Well, you’re right and they haven’t. I misspoke,” she said and stocked off.

“What’s eating her?” Lillian asked nervously.

“Not sure,” Father Green said, “ and we don’t have time to worry about it. “

All the fliers were out and so many had already said they would come. “I guess we will be using all the Bingo cards for a change,” Father Green said happily.

After the fliers were out, Linda had to go and relieve her replacement at the Gym. Lilian and Father Green started off to the Parish Hall.

They got out various decorations that had been used for different events in thd past.

It was a challenge to decide what would be appropriate. “I think we should keep it up beat and festive. Let’s not concentrate on the sadness of the fire. Let’s concentrate on the hope this brings to the Motels' future.”

“That sounds good,” Father Green said.

They decided to use some decorations from the last Easter Pageant the Parish had held, minus the bunnies and eggs. It turned out looking so colorful and uplifting. The Grand Rock’s Bingo for The Motel was born. They broke for lunch and spent the afternoon setting up the tables.


Lillian, Linda, John, and Father GReen sported wide smiles as the place filled up.

“Thank you all for coming,” Father Green intoned to the crowd,”It looks like I was right and we got to use all the Bingo cards.” The crowd chuckled.

The night was a bustle. Linda and Lillian manned the Canteen as John and Father Green took turns calling Bingo. Father had used some of the money in the Parish funds to purchase some simple, household type prizes for the people that won each round. They happily spelled out things like generous, hope and help. Their night certainly did turn out to be festive, and they ended up making plenty of money for the Motel rebuild.

John looked at The other three when everyone loft. He was nearly in tears.

“Thank you so much, guts for pulling this together. This will help a great deal. It turns out the main problem was in the office. I have to find out what the Insurance will get me, but I should have enough to get the renovations done. “

Linda smiled, “You don’t have to worry about labor, Some of the boys at the Gym are going to help you be doing at least some of the work themselves.”

John hugged Linda and Lillian. He shook FAther Green’s hand. It was a success as far as they were all concerned. And there was more.

“All of the Bingo’s this week will be to get money for the Motel, John,” Father Green said.

John’s look of astonishment was almost funny, “Really? I don’t know what to do.”

“Say you’ll be here every night,” Lillian said.

Lillian had to attend the Parish Council meeting after the first Bingo. It was held the next night before the next Bingo. So they could get the tables set up, the meeting was held in the dining room of the Rectory. The Members of the parish council lined one side of the large dining room table. Father Green called the meeting to order.

“First I must apologize for not holding a meeting before the Charity Bingos began. There was just no time.”

The co-chairperson nodded, ‘That’s no problem Father. We all feel so sorry for John.”

The rest of the Council nodded in agreement.

“And I have decided to give all the proceeds of the week’s Bingo’s to John as well,” Father decided, “Unless there is some pressing need to put the funds elsewhere.’ He stopped and waited for a response.

The treasurer looked up, “I don’t think so Father, It doesn't look like these funds would put us any closer to being able to afford the Eustace Estate, so they may as well be used to help someone else. That would make me feel better about the whole thing, anyway.”

There was a general clatter of consent.

Father spoke up, “It would make us all feel better, I think. Let’s put it to a vote then. All in favor of using this week’s Bingo funds to help John repair his motel, say Aye.”

A cacophony of Aye’s rang out. It was a unanimous vote. Lillian's heart soared.

On the way out the small, the birdy looking treasurer took Lillian’s hand. “I heard that the charity bingo’s were your idea, dear. Good job, Lillian right?”

“Yes. I couldn’t see John lose everything he and his father worked to build. The decision was an easy one in the end.” Lillian said.

As Father Green and Lillian walked out someone behind them cleared their throat. Both of them turned and sat Mayor Fleming stood there, her arms crossed in front of her.

“Why wasn't I asked to take part in this meeting, Father,” she asked.
“It was Parish business, Mayor,” Father Green said.

“About the Eustace Estate?” she asked,

“No. It was about the charity bingo for the Motel, Mayor Fleming.” Liallian said.

“Well. I would have loved to be of help then,” she said, acid dripping from her voice.

“Tuesday to Friday there will be more, Ms. Mayor, “ Ather Green said, “ You can come to those and help out to volunteer or play. We certainly would love your input. All are welcome, of course.’

“Of course,’ Dawn said and walked off slowly.

“Agan, what is eating her?” Lillian siad.

“She’s keeping her eyes on things. Don't worry about her,” Father Green said.

The rest of the week was extremely successful. Mayor Fleming was at every Bingo, playing and even winning a few times. Lillian did keep an eye on her just as Dawn kept an eye on everything else.


Lillian tossed and turned, though. She has to see what she could do about the Town Council.