Miranda's War Read Online Free PDF Page B

has brought to my attention. I don’t agree with all of them. I don’t see us losing control of our town. But I’m convinced we need to send a strong signal to the larger community, the developers, that we will enforce our code to the letter even if it means litigation. We haven’t done that in a long time. So I will vote for the resolution, keeping in mind that this is one vote in one case and that my mind will always be open in future cases.”
    Karl looked nervously at the other commissioners for any signs of solidarity. The next to vote, Henry Gerstenzang, an ally of Karl’s, voted no. Karl passed, as was customary, and then it was up to sixty-year-old Nathan Griswold, a management consultant, who Miranda knew had spent time with Julia over the last week. And he too tentatively voted yes. Then Karl cast his no vote and reluctantly declared that the resolution of Commissioner Dalton had passed.
    Karl stared at Archer, in a way he had not done with anyone else. Archer responded by closing his eyes and looking down.
    â€œThe Notice of Intent to Fine shall be issued forthwith,” he stated.
    Professor Hull jumped up and went back to the microphone.
    â€œI’m being singled out because of my viewpoint. We all know this wouldn’t be happening if I had a plain green barn with no peace sign.”
    â€œProfessor Hull, you’re not recognized,” said Karl.
    â€œIs Commissioner Dalton going to be on Fox News tonight talking about how she took on the left in Lincoln?” he blurted anyway.
    â€œSit down, Professor,” Karl said sternly.
    He turned around and slowly walked back to his seat.
    â€œYou have thirty days to rectify the color-code violation. And you have the right to take this up to the Zoning Board of Appeals, though since the violation is admitted, I don’t see any real chance you will prevail. I suggest you consider your options with a lawyer before you do or say anything further.”
    Miranda typed an email to the Fox News affiliate in Boston: “I am on the Conservation Commission in Lincoln and we just forced the owner of the famous peace sign barn to repaint it. I’m available for an interview.”
    â€œWe will,” said Professor Hull. He and his wife got up and left before the meeting was adjourned.
    Miranda forced herself not to rejoice. She had won round one. They were all on their heels.
    â€œWell, how about that?” she said to Rebecca as the meeting ended and people dispersed. “The smug professor loses his cool.”
    â€œYou were very commanding up there, but I want to speak to you alone.”
    They walked over to the side of the room.
    â€œKarl gave Archer a signal. I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but there’s something going on between those two.”
    â€œWhat kind of a signal?”
    â€œVery subtle stare when the vote was over. I was watching his face the entire time. I can tell these things. Karl looks directly into people’s eyes from time to time. He’s a very manipulative fellow, a control freak in today’s vernacular.”
    â€œCan you talk to Archer and find out what’s going on?”
    â€œI intend to—at the right time. Not now.”

Chapter Six
    Stephen Rokeby returned to his listless campaign office after another day of speaking engagements. Today it was a Rotary luncheon followed by a Western Suburban Coalition of Finance Professionals and Women’s Republican Club. Each day bled into the next like a summer in a Cape Cod beach town. It seemed to make absolutely no difference how many appearances he made, whether the audience was fifteen or fifty, or whether the handful of checks collected met the daily target of $10,000. His Congressional campaign was way behind in his polls, unfocused, and on a day like this, pointless. His primary opponent, state Sen. Ann Cronin-Reynolds, had jumped into the race a week after him and immediately taken the lead. She was a