Chapter 21: The Morning After the Vote

Judith left the ballroom alone.

She went through the middle of the tables, between the great-aunts and the men from the boatyard.

Nobody stood. Nobody said her name.

At the door she stopped and looked back.

I saw her search the room for one face that would meet hers.

There wasn't one.

She went out, and the heavy door swung shut behind her.

The lead director cleared his throat.

He said the family would need a new trustee for the pier and the other trust properties.

The uncle raised his hand and was elected by a show of hands before he could object.

Brant walked out of the ballroom a minute later and gave his resignation to the director in the lobby.

He did not look at me on the way. I was grateful.

Ben and I did not stay for the sandwiches.

That evening the uncle came down the pier with Brittany at his side.

A dozen of the dock regulars trailed behind him.

He had the white lease notice in his hand, a copy from the file at the Inn.

"Mr. Corbett," he said. "I'm told this belongs to you."

Ben came out of the shed with his sleeves rolled.

"It belongs to the trust."

"I'm the trust. I've been the trust for six hours."

He tore the notice across, and then across again.

"The pier lease renews for ten years at the current rate.

"My wife wants me to add an apology, and I find I agree."

"Not necessary."

"It is to me."

One of the men on the bench began to clap, and the woman from the café joined him.

Ben looked down at his boots and did not know where to put his hands.

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