Pastor's Assignment Read Online Free PDF Page B

traffic?”
    â€œA few late shoppers.”
    Laney looked around the room at the group assembled. Her stomach tightened as she took in the sight of all her brothers seated in her father’s formal dining room.
    Thomas, Laney’s youngest brother, sat at the head of the table, tapping the keys of a laptop. As always, his light brown hair lay in perfect alignment on his well-shaped head. His designer suit hugged the physique of a former high school soccer captain.
    â€œI’ve called this emergency meeting because Dad has dropped another five points in the polls,” Thomas said. He extended a chrome-colored stylus to the computer-generated graph. “As you can read, we’ve been losing points ever since Ty Steele entered the race.” He tapped the wall. “We need to change Dad’s image.”
    The slide changed to an image of Ty Steele. Laney shifted uneasily. Even one dimensional, Ty’s presence made her stomach tighten. She supposed this was fair, because he never looked too comfortable around her, either.
    Thomas began reciting. “Hero at age nine when he saved his younger brother from drowning. High school valedictorian. Top ten of his class at Emory University. Law degree from the same school. Fifteen years of distinguished police work.”
    Her dad waved his hand impatiently. “This is old news, Tommy. Get to the point.” Against doctor’s orders, he scooped up a pile of potato chips and stuffed them into his mouth.
    â€œHe’s young and has a good heart,” Thomas said bluntly. “Two things you don’t have.”
    His father crunched a chip loudly. “I have wisdom and experience.”
    â€œThat and thirty cents will get you an operator on a pay phone,” Thomas said mildly.
    The older man slammed his glass on the table. “When I hired your public relations firm, the last thing I expected was insults.” He glared at his son. “I want results.”
    Richard, the oldest brother, stroked his hickory-colored goatee thoughtfully. “What about that wedding? There must have been something wrong with him for his fiancée to leave him standing at the altar.”
    â€œI looked into that,” Thomas said. “While he was at the church, his fiancée was at his house loading up the wedding presents. She pretty much cleaned out the house.”
    â€œSo why can’t people see he’s an idiot?” Richard asked. “To let someone take advantage of him like that.”
    Thomas shrugged. “All the world loves a fool for love, especially someone who looks like Steele. If anything it’s made him more popular.”
    Thomas narrowed his eyes at his father. “If you want to win this election, we have to showcase your strengths.” A smile lifted the corners of Thomas’s well-molded lips. “Luckily I have a plan.” All eyes turned toward their youngest brother, who drew out the moment with a long pause.
    â€œThink about it. Steele’s a single man, no local family ties. He’s a loner.” Thomas smiled at his father. “You’re a widower, and you’ve raised five children.”
    â€œThat’s yesterday’s news,” his father stated flatly.
    â€œAnd tomorrow’s ace in the hole,” Thomas said unruffled. “In one week you’re going to make a speech at the dedication of the new municipal building. All the community leaders are going to be there.”
    â€œAnybody in Destiny who gets a paycheck from the state of Texas will be there,” Rock said.
    â€œRight,” Thomas agreed. “That’s why you need to stand out. People need to be clear that you’re a family man.” He pointed his stylus triumphantly. “The person to convey that is Laney.”
    Shocked silence followed. Thomas’s smile widened. “Laney is going to be our secret weapon.”
    A cry went up from around the table.
    â€œYou mean our Laney is going