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Their reaction restored his sense of humor. “I appreciate your asking that question, Cecil. My definition of the right type of business is one that gives back to the community. And I mean more than just during Operation Feed or United Way drives.”
“All right, I’ll bite.” Cecil crossed his arms over his narrow chest. “Gives back how?”
“With good jobs and services that benefit our clients. We need businesses that maintain their property, and participate in the community instead of just draining money from it.” Donovan considered Cecil’s brash manner. Did he realize the importance of this debate?
“These are adult men and women.” Cecil smirked. “Why are you so intent on coddling them?”
“It’s fine for you to talk about coddling people, Cecil. How far from your home is the nearest pawnshop?”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“Just take a guess.”
“I have no idea.”
“Is it five blocks, ten blocks?”
“I’ve never seen one in my neighborhood.” Cecil shrugged his narrow shoulders under his conservative black suit jacket.
“Really?” Donovan arched a brow. “Then someone’s coddling you.”
A murmur of agreement rolled across the room. Donovan glanced back toward Medgar, Kim and Salma. They smiled at him.
“I wouldn’t be opposed to having a pawnshop move into my neighborhood.” Cecil dropped his arms and glanced around the room.
Donovan sensed his opponent’s growing agitation. “Then perhaps you could invite Public Pawn to open a location there instead of in the shelter’s neighborhood.”
A few chuckles interrupted their debate. Cecil flushed. “Maybe I will.”
“For the record, I wouldn’t be opposed to having a grocery store, convenience mart or pharmacy move into the vacant buildings near the shelter.”
“Oh, ho!” Cecil threw his arms up. His grandstanding was an obvious effort to turn the tide back in his favor. “Now you want to pick and choose the types of companies that move into the neighborhood.”
“Communities have been doing that for years.” Donovan released the podium and stepped back. “You’ve put on a good show for this audience, Cecil. But this debate is not for entertainment value. The outcome of tonight’s meeting will impact the community we’re supposed to be serving and decide the vision for the shelter’s future.”
Cecil gave him a challenging smile. “Are you really going to do this?”
“Yes, I am. I won’t single-handedly decide the direction the shelter should take. That’s up to the board and I’m willing to let them have their say.” Donovan glanced at Medgar, Kim and Salma. Their wide-eyed expressions of shock didn’t bolster his confidence. “Do I have a motion for an emergency vote for president of the board?”
Cec
il cocked his chin. “I move that an emergency vote for president of the board be held tonight.”
Donovan nodded. “Do I have a second?”
Medgar raised his hand slowly. “I’ll second the motion.”
“The motion has been made and seconded.” Donovan caught the eyes of several board members. “Is anyone opposed?” No one responded.
The murmurings were picking up again. Excitement swept the room. Board members looked at each other with surprise and anticipation. Donovan was disappointed to have come to a point where he had to defend his presidency, but if this was what the membership wanted, he would respect their wishes and the outcome of the vote.
He gripped the sides of the podium and leaned toward the microphone. “All those in favor of terminating the current presidency and holding elections for a new president of the board of directors, please raise your hand.”
Cecil’s hand rose before Donovan had finished speaking. That was to be expected. What he hadn’t expected was the reaction of the rest of the board.
* * *
Rose answered her cellular phone as soon as she saw it was Donovan. “What happened?”
