Chapter 6: The Grange Hall

The Grange Hall had been decorated with paper pumpkins and a banner that said THANK YOU, BRIGHTWATER.

Under it, Jarrett stood at a head table in a navy blazer with a glass in his hand.

Delaney sat at his right in a green dress, glowing.

My father and Dale had the seats of honor on his left.

Forty growers filled the folding chairs, each of them holding a white envelope on their knee.

I stood in the doorway in the one suit my assistant had sent by courier at six o'clock.

The courier had also brought a black leather folder.

Joanna stood beside me with her hands in her apron pockets.

"Ready?" she asked.

"No."

"Good. Neither am I."

We walked in together.

Heads turned one row at a time.

Jarrett saw me and smiled brightly.

"Well, look who found the party," he announced. "Everybody, give a hand to the Kerrs' prodigal son."

A few people laughed.

Dale clapped slowly, and my father looked down at his hands.

"Mason, you can't be here," Delaney said, crisp and sweet. "This is a private thank-you for the community."

"I'm part of the community."

"You're an embarrassment."

"Then I'll be quick."

I walked up to the head table.

Jarrett leaned back, enjoying himself.

"Mason, buddy. Let me guess. You came to apologize."

"I came to hand out checks."

I set the folder on the tablecloth and opened it.

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