Font Size:  

There was a stunned silence, followed by noisy chatter.

John held up a hand. ‘I know the usual procedure is for nominations to be called for and a vote taken. But I think you’ll all agree there is no need to do that. I’d like to nominate Will Rankin to take my place as chair of this group. You all know how much Will has contributed to both the surfing community and the town, and I can think of no one better to lead the group through the next few years.’

Will was gobsmacked. This was the last thing he’d expected. Like everyone else on the committee, he’d assumed John would continue to chair it until he was no longer able to do so. Was he ill?

Seeming to read Will’s mind, John continued, ‘I’m perfectly healthy, if that’s what you’re thinking. But it’s time for new blood, for a fresh face at the helm. And I’m sure you’ll agree Will Rankin is the best choice.’

‘Hear, hear,’ someone called, and there was a loud round of applause plus a few catcalls.

Will reddened as Ted clapped him on the shoulder.

‘Well, Will,’ John said. ‘It appears you have the support of the meeting. What do you say?’

There was loud applause again as Will stood up. ‘I don’t know what to say. This is so unexpected.’

‘Say yes,’ came a voice from the far end of the table where another old timer was sitting.

Will felt Ted nudge him. ‘Yes,’ he said to a round of laughter. ‘Thanks everyone for your confidence in me. I hope I can be one fraction of the chair John has been over the years. Can I ask you all to show your thanks for his leadership and wish him well for the future?’

Everyone clapped and cheered.

John stood up. ‘Thanks, everyone. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll still be here to make sure you keep us on the right track, Will. But I’m sure you will, and under your stewardship, the carnival and the triathlon will continue to go from strength to strength. Thank you. Now it’s about time for the council meeting to begin. We don’t want to be late and cause a commotion as we all file in.’ He chuckled, and Will and Ted joined in, knowing John would like nothing better than for this group to cause a commotion at the council meeting.

The council chamber was almost full. Will slid into the seat beside Martin. ‘Did I miss anything?’ he whispered.

‘Not started yet. How did your meeting go?’

‘Tell you later,’ Will murmured, as the mayor pounded his gavel to call for silence. It occurred to him that, now he was to chair the other meeting, he should get Martin involved. If his friend hadn’t left Bellbird Bay and been gone for so many years, he could have been the one who’d been asked to chair the group, not Will.

The meeting progressed through the usual boring agenda until the development issue was raised and things became more heated.

It was a relief when Will joined Martin and Ted in the stream of people leaving the building. But he stopped short at the sight of a group of young people bearing placards and chanting ‘No more development in Bellbird Bay’

His heart plummeted as he sought to identify Owen among the protesters.

Twelve

Cleo was enjoying a glass of wine, curled up on the sofa with a copy of the latest book by Erica James. She was just at a crucial point in the story when her phone rang. Tempted to ignore it and keep reading, she glanced at the screen. Seeing Hannah’s number, she picked it up. ‘Han, is something wrong?’ Her stomach churned as it did every time she imagined something happening to her daughter. They’d only spoken that afternoon when Hannah had shared her intention to join a protest outside the council chambers that evening. Surely it hadn’t gone wrong?

While having taken part in many such protests in previous years along with Stan, Cleo had become more circumspect and counselled Hannah against it, reminding her that, as a teacher in the community there were certain standards expected of her. Of course, Hannah had laughed at her mother, said she was going ahead. But something must have happened to have her call Cleo now.

‘It’s Owen, Mum,’ Hannah wailed. ‘We were on our way to the protest when he tripped, and he seems to have done something to his ankle. Nate’s gone on ahead and I don’t know what to do.’

Cleo heard a muttered groan in the background. ‘Where are you?’

‘Halfway between our house and the main street. We planned to walk there, but Owen can barely stand.’

Cleo thought quickly. ‘Stay where you are. I’ll come and pick you up in the car. Can he put any weight on it at all?’

‘I don’t think so. He’s in agony.’

‘I’ll be right there.’

Thanks, Mum.’

Cleo slid her feet into her sandals, glad she hadn’t changed into her nightdress as she often did in the evenings, now she was on her own, and picked up her keys. She was soon on her way and, just off Main Street, she spied Hannah and Owen seated on the kerb by the side of the road under a streetlamp.

Hannah waved as soon as she saw the car, and Cleo drew in to the kerb and stepped out.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
Articles you may like