The Christmas Shoppe Read Free Page A

news— you get the story.”
    “It seems obvious you’re miffed that this woman outbid you for the Barton Building.” Tommy stood too, shoving his hands into his jeans pockets. “If she really did get it for a song, why don’t you simply offer her a fair price? For all you know, she might be happy to make a few extra bucks and head off on her happy way.”
    “Hmm . . .” The councilman rubbed his chin as if seriously considering this option. “I suppose I could try to offer her a bit more. If nothing else, it might be interesting to see her reaction.”
    “By the way, Councilman, I’m curious what you planned to do with the building if you’d gotten it.” Tommy walked his visitor through the building toward the front door. “Was it for investment purposes? Or did you have a particular business in mind?”
    “I had a prospective client.” He coughed then cleared his throat. “Someone who’s wanted a prime piece of downtown real estate for quite some time.”
    “You’re not talking about that big chain discount outfit that got turned down by the planning commission for a development over on—”
    “Business is business, Tommy. And times are hard. I expect that some folks in town might’ve appreciated a store where your dollar stretches a ways further.”
    “Even if that particular discount chain ran some of our respected and longtime businessmen and retailers right into the poorhouse?”
    The councilman shrugged as they reached the door. “Whether or not you plan to do any investigative reporting on Ms. Honeycutt, I will continue my pursuit for the truth, Tommy. I will get to the bottom of this.”
    “If I see there’s a real story in it—other than an intro paragraph in Business Beat —I’ll be sure to cover it. It’s not like I’d intentionally overlook an actual news story. Not in a sleepy town like this anyway. Don’t you worry.” Tommy smiled and clapped him on the shoulder.
    “Good to know. I’ll be sure to keep you apprised if I learn anything of interest.”
    “Appreciate it.” Tommy watched Councilman Snider’s eyes light up as he told Helen goodbye. He wouldn’t be surprised if old George was thinking about asking her for a date, but he would be shocked if Helen said yes. Helen was a fairly sensible woman and like an aunt to Tommy. He’d known her all his life and was thankful when she came to work at the paper when his mom got too sick to come in.
    Fortunately, the councilman just politely tipped his head to Helen and quietly exited.
    “Is George bent out of shape over losing that Barton Building?” Helen asked as they watched the councilman look both ways before he crossed the street.
    “Oh yeah. You could say that.”
    “Are you really going to write a story?”
    Tommy chuckled. “There’s no story, Helen. Not unless I finally decide to take up fiction. As much as I’ve always wanted to pen that great American novel, I don’t see George Snider as the protagonist type.”
    She shook her finger at him. “You should write a novel, Tommy. For years I’ve been telling you that very thing.”
    “One of these days,” he called over his shoulder as he returned to his office. He went inside and just sat there for several minutes. Staring blankly at the clutter on his desk, he wondered what it would feel like to actually attempt a novel. He’d dreamed of it for years, but the tyranny of the urgent always kept him back. Like today. He still had several articles to edit and an editorial to finish, and he hadn’t even begun the piece on Coach Harper’s last year of football at PSHS.
    Just like he did every day, Tommy opened his laptop and told himself it was time to get to work. Although he still doubted there was much of a story regarding this Honeycutt woman, he did make a note to look into it later—after this week’s Spout went to press tomorrow evening.
    He made a note to first verify that the sale was firm and had actually cleared with the city, and then he’d