Triple Diamonds (Mystic Nights Book 2) Read Free Page B

respected.
    “Well, it is something to think about. And I like it too. I think we should proceed with the research at least, and look at costs for development.” Those words came from Jason, the last of the tribal council members.
    Josephine interrupted once more. “Yes, I’d like to hear more, too, see more. See the research, a business plan, and a proposal, but let’s not jump the gun. I would love for this to come to fruition, but we really can’t do something like this and make this kind of decision until we fill the empty seat on the council. Even with a quorum, I’d feel better about doing this kind of project if all the seats were filled and it were a unanimous decision.”
    The elephant in the room was finally addressed, and Joseph cleared his throat preparing to speak. His mother looked his way awaiting his input on her latest idea. He supported the idea wholeheartedly, he just hoped she supported his.
    “I like the idea as well. All would profit, but more importantly our people would benefit by keeping our culture alive. And that brings me to an issue of my own, that I’d like to bring up.” All eyes were on him. He paused for one more instant before surging ahead. He’d wanted to speak with his mother first, but the issue had been brought up and he decided to surge ahead. “I’d like to be considered for the tribal council position.” He put his hands on the table and gazed around the room at the others present. “I have my degree in tribal law, and constitutional law. I’ve worked here for four years, and on the reservation volunteering with the youth group for the last six months. I’m involved. I care. And it’s what I’ve wanted to do since I can’t even remember.”
    Myrtle’s old eyes brightened. He saw her smile approvingly.
    He looked across the table. Jonathan looked shocked at first. He knew Joseph planned to pursue a political career one day, but he’d surprised him by bringing it out into the open like that. Perhaps, he should have told him and their mother first, but he really hadn’t wanted them to try to talk him out of it. He focused on Jonathan as he began to speak. “But you couldn’t serve here at the Casino on the board and on the council. It could be construed as a conflict of interest. Having two votes . . . Well. It could be construed . . .”
    “Not so,” it was Myrtle who spoke up. “We have other careers as well. As a council member he would be able to vote. He could relinquish his board vote. And he could still serve as casino attorney if he chooses. In that position he could continue to advise.” With those words, Joseph knew he had her support. But what about the others? He gazed across the table at Jason and Josephine still avoiding his mother’s eyes.
    “But he has to run.” Again, the always pragmatic Josephine put in. “We just put in the paperwork to have an election. You’ll have to follow protocol. An election will be held at the end of next month. In May.”
    “I just didn’t want there to be any surprises.” He glanced his mother’s way, and he saw the frown lines in her forehead increase. He knew he had surprised her. She had yet to voice her opinion, and he could tell from her expression she was biting her tongue. For now. He knew he would hear about it later. Her dream had always been to have her children work here, together at the casino. He hoped he could convince her that he could still do both. It’s not like he planned to pursue any other political pursuits. For now. But he wanted to help his people in his own way. Set his own path. Not just looking over contracts and ensuring the financial feasibility of business dealings.
    He cleared his throat once more. “I’ll get my paperwork in as soon as I can. This week.” He had made his decision. He needed this time to campaign as well. “I just wanted the board to know of my decision. And of course, I would love your support.”
    “You have mine, Joseph. You do good things for