Fly by Night (A Gracie Andersen Mystery Book 3) Read Free Page A

paper napkin. “There are a lot of negative feelings about D. B. right now too. He’s doing a great job of ticking off Toby and just about everybody else. No one wants to see those windmills ruin that property. But I think a congressman is coming tonight who is actually in favor of the wind farms. There’s a lot of government money for green energy out there.”
    “I hope it doesn’t get ugly. Are you sure you and Gracie should go?” Theresa asked.
    She was already clearing the table. Gracie knew her mother hated to be late for anything. She took her mother’s cue and began to collect napkins and silverware.
    “The sheriff’s department will be there because of the congressman. It’s just some people blowing off a little steam,” Jim assured Theresa.
    “It’s Wyoming County, Mom, not exactly a hotbed of political unrest.” Gracie teased her mother. “We promise to come home early and not get in any trouble.”
    Her comment was rewarded with the “look,” which hadn’t changed since she was in kindergarten.
    “All right, you two. Get out of here. We have our own plans. Come on, Bob. Are you ready? I don’t want to sit way down front for this movie.”
    “I’m ready, dear. Let me get my keys.”
    “We’re outta here, Mom. See you later.” Gracie kissed her father’s cheek and hugged her mother, who was wiping down the counters.
    “Your dad and I will be over tomorrow. He’s mowing, and I’m going to get started on that mess in your backyard that’s supposed to be a flowerbed.”
    “Great. Thanks. The fence guy’s coming tomorrow too.”
    Gracie could only hope the fence guy and her mother would take a shine to each other.
     
    *****
     
    Jemison Road was lined with vehicles for at least a half-mile. Pickups, cars, motorcycles, and even a tractor were parked along the dirt road. Everybody was apparently getting involved with the Greerson’s Meadow issue. Three sheriff’s cars were strategically placed and a deputy was directing traffic. Jim drove slowly, searching for a place to park. Four other vehicles crawled ahead of them, looking for a spot too.
    “I guess we’ll have to walk back from the old Everett place,” Jim complained, shaking his head. “I can’t believe this crowd.”
    Gracie nodded in agreement. There had to be at least a hundred people already gathered in the large alfalfa field. More people with signs piled out of cars. It promised to be a stimulating evening.
    “Isn’t there a lane that goes down into Toby’s woods? People might have missed that.” Gracie scanned ahead, not seeing a break in the line of vehicles. Toby’s woods were only a few hundred yards farther; it beat walking a quarter of a mile from the abandoned Everett farm.
    “Good idea. Looks like these folks will just park in the field. It’s pretty wet out there in some spots. I don’t want to chance getting stuck.”
    The narrow farm lane that wound back into the thick woods hadn’t been snagged by anyone. It was easy to miss, camouflaged by massive sugar maples. Jim backed in for an easy exit. Tire tracks showed in the soft ground and then disappeared over a rise in the narrow road. About a cord of firewood stood stacked at the crest of the hill. Toby must be cutting wood to sell for the next season already. The smell of fresh sawdust hung in the evening air.
    When they reached the Meadow, a representative from the wind turbine company loudly extolled the benefits of renewable energy sources. Unenthusiastic applause went around the crowd. Congressman Streeker then gave an impassioned speech about the local economy and the importance of green energy. The chintzy sound system snapped and squealed, giving the congressman’s aide fits. She whispered incessantly to the sound person, who shrugged and kept adjusting the small soundboard without much success. There were a few cheers from the bunch nearest the platform, but a lot more booing from the west side of the crowd. Gracie shaded her eyes to check out