The Homey

"Now, now, people," Mayor Flanagan pled, raising his hands in a symbol of resignation.
"We won't solve the problem by arguing."

A stocky curly haired man stood up, his hands still grimy. "Well, you all know me. I own Schaeffer's Towing down the road." A mixed chorus of cheers and jeers went up from the assembled group.

"This problem isn't going away until we do something about it. The gangs don't respect us or our property." Schaeffer pointed to his left, toward a grey haired,sickly looking man sat. "Why, they've hit Ol' Pete's shop three times in the last month. We've gotta do something."

Mayor Flanagan stood again, despite mild protests from his advisors. "I do understand your problem, Dan, and I assure you we are working on a solution."

A husky female voice responded. "Do we even want to know what your 'solution' is, Mayor?"

The couple hundred citizens of Clearview knew Holly Mendellsohn well. A former madame turned businesswoman, she'd become a pillar of the tiny community.

Mayor Flanagan sighed and hung his head. "What is your complaint this time, Holly?"

Holly stood, her five foot two frame barely noticeable in the crowd. "Your last few 'solutions' have been pathetic, Mayor. Those guys you brought in to assist the police, how many days did they last before the gangs chased them away, Mayor?"

The crowd cheered wildly at the question.

The mayor gave a crooked, self satisfied smile and replied. "This time it'll be different, I promise you that."

With that, the mayor's top assistant, Frank Henry, the only black man on the mayor's staff, took the podium.

"I'm afraid that's all the mayor has to say today, folks. We have another town meeting scheduled for next Thursday at this time. We'll answer more of your questions then."

Holly's distinctive voice could be heard above the din. 'You didn't answer any questions tonight. Why would we think you'd answer questions at the next meeting?"

Henry, a former Oregon State Trooper, held his composure. "Thank you for your interest," he said between clenched teeth.

Chapter Two

On the way back to his townhouse, Mayor Flanagan addressed his three aides. "That was very unpleasant. This guy better be as good as you claim, Sammy."

Sammy was Sammy Knight, who at twenty three, was supposedly the future of Clearview politics.

"He'll get this crap straightened out, Mister Mayor. He's tough."

Frank Henry shook his head. "I'm not sure about this, Mayor. I mean, we're putting alot of faith in a guy we haven't even met yet."

Turning to Sammy, Frank went on. "And did I hear you don't even know this guy?"

Sammy nodded. "He's got a great rep, though. He's done cleanup jobs before."

Frank rolled his eyes as the mayor's limo rolled on through the night toward the Flanagan's luxurious home.


Chapter Three