He pulls out his phone, scrolling to a number he hasn't used in years. Someone on the town council who owes him more than he'd like to admit. Grant lingers a moment before leaving the study. Through the window, he watches Ryan's truck pass slowly by outside. Not stopping, not turning in, just passing like he used to every week.
Something small and uncomfortable stirs in Grant's chest, gone before he can name it. He pushes it down the way he's learned to push everything down. "You still here? " Everett asks, not looking up from his phone. Just leaving, Grant says and does.
The call connects after two rings. A tired voice answers on the other end. Everett, it's late. It's important, Everett says smoothly. I need a favor, Douglas.
Douglas Pratt, council chairman for 11 years running, sighs audibly. What kind of favor? The lease hearing. I want it moved up before that theft matter settles. Everett, I can't just move council business around because you ask.
You can, Everett says, voice still calm, still pleasant. You have before. A long silence on the line. Douglas remembers the loan that built his garage. Remembers the contract his brother's company got.
Two years running. No bids required. I'll see what I can do. He finally says quieter than before. I knew you would, Everett says.
You always come through, Douglas. He hangs up without waiting for a response. Already dialing the next name on his list. Leave the rest to me, he says. You've done enough for one week.
By midweek, the pressure starts to show. A council member quietly suggests postponing any decision until the theft matter is resolved. Another hints that a diner under investigation shouldn't be granted a lease renewal. Rosie starts hearing whispers around town. Subtle, but unmistakable.
People she's known for decades suddenly avoiding eye contact at the grocery store. Meg overhears two customers discussing whether Rosie's Diner will even be open next month. She doesn't tell Rosie not yet. She doesn't know how. Instead, she starts making calls of her own.
Quiet and determined, she calls Earl first, the man who leaves $2 every single day. He answers on the second ring. Gruff as always. This better be good. It's about Rosie's.
Meg says they're trying to shut her down, Earl. There's a long pause on the line, longer than Meg expects. That girl Earl finally says the new one. She still working there. She is.
Why? No reason. He says too quickly. I'll be at that meeting. Count on it.