Official Town Business (Fox & Oakby Murder Mysteries Book I)

Bring It to a Dead End

Two months later

The Mayor's case travelled into Imogen's hand, and he walked up the stairs to the stage.

"Good afternoon, everyone!" he greeted the crowd. "Thank you all for coming today. I hope you're comfortable. Please, pick up your safety goggles and earplugs from the bags under your seats - but don't put them on yet, as tempted as you are to tune me out."

The audience of course laughed, and Imogen ogled the little wrinkles in the corners of the Mayor's eyes. A soppy loved-up sigh burst out of her chest. The man was a dream come true - a real, imperfect, wonderfully human dream, that is.

"I would like to start by thanking Mr. Arthur Dudgeon, our noble citizen, for his initiative to preserve the authentic Fleckney Woulds. He was the first person to bring the administration's attention to the dam, and to start the petition, which eventually became the beginning of the preservation project, the culmination of which you'll be witnessing today."

The old man cheered the Mayor from his seat, and an unenthusiastic round of applause followed. Most people were familiar with Mr. Dudgeon's 'initiatives' - and were hardly appreciative of them.

"I would also like to thank the Fleckney Woulds Nature Conservation Committee," the Mayor continued. "For their support of the demolition of Fleckney Woulds' dam, which gave space to the creation of the Fleckney Woulds Nature Conservation Area, where, by the prediction of Dr. Gisborne from the Highborough University, more than a dozen of protected breeds of our beloved British birds - including three breeds of grebes - will reside, hopefully in the next five years. The University has also financially contributed into the demolition and the follow-up management of the park, since it'll become the location of their research centre. I would also like to thank the Buric construction company for making today's event possible. They're the ones who will spectacularly blow our dam up for our entertainment."

The Mayor shot the audience a mischievous smile - and giggles and chuckles followed.

"I would also like to thank each and every one of you, who'd purchased the tickets to the main event. And now, without further ado, please, put on your gear."

The Mayor jumped off the stage - Imogen suppressed another sigh - and put on his goggles and earplugs. Imogen followed his example.

***

The blast was deafening, and Imogen's heart jumped up. She grabbed the Mayor's forearm and sank her nails into the jacket sleeve. She couldn't tear her eyes off the blasts, one following another, tearing the town's dam, cracks opening, and finally the water pouring through them. She hardly noticed how the Mayor picked up her hand, making her uncurl her clawing fingers, and then his warm lips pressed to the back of her palm. Imogen turned and saw him look down at her, with a warm smile on his face. His lips moved.

"I can't hear you," Imogen mouthed and saw his shoulders shake in his usual full-body laugh.

He then quickly leaned in and pecked her lips. Imogen blushed. They weren't exactly hiding their relationship - there was no point to try to in a tiny town that had already discussed it from soup to nuts - but they still kept their PDA to the minimum.

***

Later, Imogen was sitting on a picnic blanket, on a hill overlooking the now flooded location of the now never-to-happen American bypass. Those who couldn't afford to watch the demolition live had settled to watch the water advance and fill in the future conservation area. The Mayor was busy spreading smoked mackerel paté on a slice of toast.

"How soon do you think the Americans will suss it out?" she asked the Mayor. 

He handed her a sarnie.