Angel's Rest(9)

“That’s why I said you need an angel,” Celeste responded as Mayor Townsend pounded his gavel in an attempt to regain control of the meeting. “Isn’t it lucky you have one?”

With talk of Cam Murphy’s misdeeds finally subsiding, Celeste Blessing rose to her feet. “Mayor Townsend? If I might have the floor for moment? I have a plan to share. My own plan A.” With a wink toward Nic and Sarah, she added, “A for angel, if you will.”

“I’m happy to hear what you have to say, Mrs. Blessing.” Hank Townsend waved her forward. “You’re such a little bitty thing, why don’t you join us on the stage so you can speak into the microphone?”

Nic watched in bemusement as Celeste made her way to the podium. The auditorium grew quiet, the air expectant, as the audience focused on the newcomer in their midst. Sarah leaned toward Nic and murmured, “When I grow up, I want to be like Celeste.”

“She does have a way about her.” Hope flickered to life within Nic as Hank Townsend adjusted the microphone for Celeste. Plan A for angel? Was Celeste Blessing Eternity Springs’ angel?

“Think maybe she’s more than just a retired schoolteacher?” Sarah asked, her mind obviously taking the same path as Nic’s. “Maybe she’s an heiress. Or … what has she said about her late husband? Could he have been a corporate bigwig?”

“I don’t recall her saying much about him. Plus I wouldn’t bet against her having been a corporate bigwig. Who knows, maybe Celeste landed in Eternity packing a golden parachute.”

Onstage, Celeste leaned toward the mike and said, “Thank you, Mayor Townsend, council members, and fellow citizens. I appreciate the opportunity to address you. First, let me publicly thank you all for the very warm welcome you gave me as a newcomer to Eternity. I just knew that a town built along Angel Creek had to be a special place, and you’ve proved me right. You’ve been kind and friendly and my move here has been everything I hoped for. I want you all to know that I have faith in this town, faith in the people who live here.”

“Hear, hear,” called Reverend Hart.

Celeste beamed at him and continued. “Here is the message I want you all to hear. Eternity Springs didn’t need the state of Colorado to build a prison here to save the town. Eternity Springs simply needs to free itself from the prison of its past and utilize the gifts a generous and loving God has bestowed upon it. Then, and only then, will this wonderful little town heal and thrive and fulfill the promise of its name.

“Now, we face a long, difficult winter and it won’t be easy to overcome our fears, foibles, and failings. Each one of us must reach inside himself and find the will to do what must be done. But know this: spring is within sight. Thank you, and God bless.”

Celeste stepped away from the podium and exited stage left.

For a long moment, nobody spoke. Sarah and Nic shared dumbfounded looks. Then the clatter of a metal door opening and swinging shut shook them from their reverie and the audience buzzed. Dale Parker groaned and buried his head in his hands. Mayor Townsend snapped his gaping jaw shut, then turned to his city council members. “That’s plan A?”

Parker moaned through his hands. “A for angel, she said. Lady is living in la-la land.”

“A for Alzheimer’s, more likely,” grumbled a council member.

“That’s not funny, Ronnie,” Sarah scolded, the remark having touched a sore nerve.

The council member had the grace to look sheepish as the mayor spoke into the mike. “Okay, then. Well. Anyone else want the microphone?” Without allowing a response, he rushed on. “For anyone who’s interested, some of us will be congregating at the Pub to further discuss our options. Anyone who wants to put his or her brain to planning … uh … well, our next move, is welcome to join us. This meeting is adjourned.”

He banged his gavel once again and the crowd slowly dispersed. Nic and Sarah both kept their seats, not speaking, but silently communicating in the way that old, dear friends do.

Finally Sarah spoke. “What just happened?”

Nic drummed her fingers against the armrest. “Do you feel it, too?”

“That something significant just took place?”

“And nobody noticed.”

“Yeah.” Nic drew a deep breath, and then exhaled in a rush. “No. We’re just being weird.”

“We do that often.” Sarah nibbled at her bottom lip.