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“He wasn’t sure of that.”
She looked across the table at her mom. Her mom’s response was to shrug. “Gerard’s a good man. Liliana is a good woman. They’ll do what’s right, but they may not feel overthrowing Craig is right. They may simply work to limit him in some way.”
“Mama, there is no way to limit Craig. He’ll work behind their backs to countermand everything Gerard and Liliana try to do.”
Aidyn cleared his throat. “We have a meeting this afternoon at the Sheriff’s Department with Kent and Gerard. Tate, this is a great time to come up with some concessions for them. If they depose Craig, we’ll allow them to come down and work. They can live up there but come down and earn money to support themselves. They’d have to abide by our laws. But we may be able to find a peace with them and not force them into anything that will make them rebel.”
Tate nodded. “That’s a great idea, Aidyn. What type of work can most of them do?”
He turned to her. She glanced at her mom briefly before answering Tate. “They can farm. Believe it or not, we’re all hard workers. We’ve eked out a life up there with little. Most of the men are great builders. They can make the most intricate things from wood and supplies found in the forest and on the ground. The hunters would be great hunting guides. They can track deer better than the average man. The women right now are largely caretakers, sewers, and cooks.”
Tate nodded. “Those are great ideas. There are plenty of farmers here who need help. There are plenty of builders around here who need help. Our daycares are always in need of help.”
Tate took a deep breath. “I’m going to put together some ideas to amend the Treaty.”
Elena stood and began clearing the table of plates and silverware. When she came back for more, Aidyn placed his hand on her back. “After we’re finished meeting with Tate, can we talk?”
She studied his face for a minute. “Sure.”
ChapterForty-One
Tate tapped his pen on the sheet of paper in front of him. “I think we have a great list here. Let’s pray we can broker a deal. It’s for the benefit of all of us. I’ll call the mayor now and tell him what’s up and see if he’ll call an emergency session of the town council today to get some approvals and clarifications.
Aidyn stood. “It sounds like the best way for all of this to work out. But, of course, they’re the ones who have to venture down the mountain and change their way of life.”
“That’s true.”
“I’ve got to have a chat with Elena. Then I need a nap before the meeting.”
“We all should rest up a bit. Thanks for all your help, Aidyn.”
He nodded and left to go in search of Elena. He checked the bedroom and found it empty. He meandered out to the kitchen and found Lara making a grocery list. “Hey, I know you do so much for us around here and I hope you know we all appreciate it.”
She smiled. “I enjoy doing it. Honestly.”
“I was going to ask one more thing.”
She smiled and pointed to her list. “I’ll add it to the list.”
"Grace and Elena need clothes and shoes and...” He waved his hands. “You know, girly things. But I’m afraid it isn’t safe for them to go out right now. Things are uncertain.”
Lara nodded. “You know my bestie owns a dress shop, right? She’s all about clothes and girly things.” She waved her hands just as he had, and he chuckled. “Okay. Right.”
“I thought I’d invite her to come out this afternoon and take measurements and make a list of things they need. How do you feel about that?”
“I love it.” He clapped his hands and allowed himself to breathe a bit. “I wasn’t sure how to handle this.”
Lara giggled. “We’ve got you. I’ll call Shianne.”
He knocked on the top of the counter. “Thanks. Where’s Elena?”
“I think she’s in with her mom.”
He turned toward Grace’s room. He knocked softly and Elena opened the door.
“Hi.”
She smiled sweetly. “Hi.”
