Dearest Enemy Read Free Page A

artists will choose Blue Sky?"
    "The town will provide inspiration for them. Its place in this state’s history and the surviving ruins afford wonderful possibilities for the creative mind. And we'll make them feel welcome. In addition, we can piggyback on the success of other former mining towns that have found a way to bring in new business. Like Madrid has done, or Cerillos.”
    "So you think you can get the public to stop, look and stay awhile," the mayor said.
    "If we can capitalize on what's already here I believe we can bring new life to the town. And with a carefully planned advertising campaign we can attract the public. That's one of the things I did successfully in my other life."
    Callie looked from face to face with a tiny sense of relief. The blank stares had been replaced by something more like interest. Only one woman seemed unmoved.
    "Before we vote, I have something to say."

     

     

 

     

     

     

     

    Chapter Two

     

     
    Callie leaned forward to listen to the woman introduced as Mercedes Gunn. Hard faced and haughty in demeanor, the black-haired woman had stared at Callie with cold gray eyes while she'd described her plans. The very lack of expression had spoken eloquently of her disapproval.
    “I’ll be brief. We already have plans for developing the valley, plans that would make your project untenable. Our focus here is different from that of Madrid."
    "But it doesn’t have to be," Elvira said, winning Callie's gratitude. "As you all know, folks back there have bought buildings and fixed ‘em up. Now they’re studios and boutiques and the town’s been revived. Why couldn’t we do the same thing here?" She gave Mercedes a look loaded with unspoken meaning. "We can make sure it don't interfere with plans already in the works. Which, by the way, will cause more damage than what she’s got in mind. "
    Mercedes seemed about to speak. Elvira held up a hand to stop her. “And just suppose our plans don’t work out. Her idea would make a good alternative. In fact, it’s more practical than the pipe dream you all are so eager to go after.”
    Mercedes sniffed. “You’ve never been in favor of the project,” she said.
    “Because I want to protect what we have,” Elvira countered. “That project of yours would do just the opposite. I’m thinking hers is more in line with what I think should happen here.”
    Callie glanced at Mrs. Gunn. Had Elvira's plea changed the woman’s mind? From her stony expression, Callie didn't think so.
    Mercedes drew herself up in her chair. "This is fruitless. We have agreed on a course of action and we need to see it through." She rose and glared at each of the people at the table.
    The mayor removed the cigar from his mouth and peered up at Mrs. Gunn. "What about her idea to turn the place into an artists' colony?"
    "She’s a stranger here. My forefathers helped settle this town. I'll not have any part of what she’s touting."
    In keeping with Gram's instructions Callie would disclose her own "forefathers" when the time was right. It occurred to her she played a waiting game on more than one front.
    "So you abstaining, Mercedes, or what," Dexter asked.
    "Only a coward abstains. You may record my vote as a resounding No ." She looked around the table again, then picked up her purse and left.
    "Despite Miz Gunn's opposition, I'm gonna suggest a compromise, Miss Patterson. You start by getting the building and grounds in shape. If the repairs and such are up to code, we'll give you a multiple occupancy permit. Let's first see how your artists work out. Leave the rest go for now." He took one final draw on the cigar and ground out the ash in a tin pie plate. "How's that strike you?"
    His approach wasn't quite what she’d in mind, but…. “It's a reasonable place to begin,” she said. “And those other plans I've been hearing about?”
    "That's one of the things we need to discuss." He looked around the table. "A show of hands, please. In view of a lot