The Most Famous Illegal Goose Creek Parade Read Online Free PDF

tobacco barn around the same time as the water tower.
    Norman reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a cell. “I’ll jist give Little Norm a call. See when he can squeeze the job in. He’s stayin’ right busy these days, ya know.”
    Norman began to punch numbers on his phone while everyone else shot cautious glances at the mayor.
    Jerry’s eyes fluttered shut while he sucked in another breath and cleared his throat. “Of course he’s welcome to submit a bid, same as everyone else.”
    A scowl descended over Norman’s face, and his finger paused mid-punch. “Whaddya mean, a bid?”
    â€œThe town council’s announcing a request for bids for the job of painting the water tower. At the April meeting we’ll consider the ones we’ve received and make a decision on who gets awarded the contract.”
    Norman’s spine stiffened. “Are you settin’ there tellin’ me that you’re thinkin’ a hirin’ somebody ’sides Little Norm?”
    â€œYes, we are.” Al gained new respect for their mayor when the man met Norman’s gaze without flinching. “When it comes to spending the town’s money we need to avoid the appearance of favoritism. So we’re taking bids, and the council will vote on them.”
    The silence with which Norman received the news set Al shifting in his chair.
    â€œWell.” Norman pocketed his phone and slid off his stool. “We’ll see ’bout that.”
    The bells gave an extra-loud jangle when he slammed the door behind him. A collective sigh was expelled from those who remained.
    â€œSorry, Jerry,” Jacob muttered.
    With a final glance after Norman, the mayor picked up his orange juice. “Had to happen sooner or later. At least now it’s over and done.”
    Al refrained from answering. Judging by the look on Norman Pilkington’s face, the matter was far from over.

Chapter Four

    A l gritted his teeth as his tires bounced through a pothole in the long driveway leading to the Updyke place. The blacktop had so many cracks it looked like a jigsaw puzzle. Jagged lines of weeds pushed through the gaps, some over a foot tall. This disaster of a driveway was a total loss. No amount of patching could repair the mess.
    â€œOh, Albert, look at that lovely old tree!” Millie turned from the passenger window to fix sparkling eyes on him.
    He glanced at the object of her admiration, a giant oak near the corner of the house. The thing had to be at least fifty feet tall. From the looks of it, it hadn’t been trimmed since it was planted. Twisted branches poked out from the trunk in all directions, and gnarled roots as big around as his leg crept across the ground toward the porch.
    â€œIt’s too close to the house,” he commented. “See where the branches are rubbing the roof?”
    â€œThose can be trimmed. Just imagine what it will look like in a few weeks when the leaves come in. It’ll shade that whole side of the house.” She grinned. “That will keep the electricity bill down.”
    Al ignored her, warming instead to his dire prediction. “Look how it’s leaning. It’s so old it’s probably rotted out inside. At the first strong wind it’ll come crashing through the roof.”
    She gave him the steady look that always preceded a sharp retort,and he braced himself. Her lips tightened but remained still, and she turned back to her window.
    So, that’s how this would go. She had determined to blithely ignore any rational observations he made. Did she think that attitude would temper his comments? He’d warned her of his intentions last night, and his resolve had not changed.
    A car turned into the driveway behind them as Al rolled to a halt near the boarded-up bay window.
    â€œThere’s Louise, right on time.”
    Millie unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the car door the moment he cut the engine.