When other ideas were solicited, Hud said in his pleasant voice that he had a friend who used to play with Lamont Cranston, and that he would send a request via the friend that they play for this fund-raiser. “I’m sure they’ll at least come up with a good excuse for not doing it,” he said, with an air of confidence that promised better than that. Betsy wondered who Lamont Cranston was—it was a band, of course, not the man who was the Shadow—but what kind of music did they play? She also wondered what she should do if Joe Mickels said anything to her. He looked easy to offend, but should she let him know that of course she supported her sister in their quarrel?

Betsy was impressed at how Margot gave ideas and recommendations to the committee. She would ask a question or go halfway with an idea so that someone else would answer or complete her thought and so at least share credit for it. At first, Betsy thought nothing of it, but the third time it happened, she realized it was a deliberate and clever ploy.

Later, reluctant to break up, or perhaps just so caffeinated that going home to bed was not an option, the committee stood in couples or trios on the porch, talking and looking at the houses peeping through the trees that lined the lake, or at the restaurant down on the lakeshore. The Ferris wheel in the parking lot, trimmed in moving red lights, spun gently.

For all the summertime appearance of the scene, Betsy was glad for the shawl. The breeze was definitely chilly.

“I don’t understand the Ferris wheel,” she said.

Margot replied, “There used to be a big amusement park down there, years ago. It sort of commemorates it.”

Hud said, “I hear they found a buyer for the restaurant and the new owners are going to sell the Ferris wheel.”

Margot smiled at Betsy. “So things do change, even here in Excelsior.”

After a little silence, Betsy asked, “How did Joe Mickels get on this committee?”

Margot only shrugged, so Hud replied, “He’s turning into a big-time developer; he’s got pieces of land working for him all over the state. That ski lodge is his, for example. We can use his money, and his influence.”

“If he’s what Margot says he is, I’m surprised he’s interested in raising money for causes like this.”

“Oh, he’s a proactive vulture, all right,” said Hud, displaying that wicked grin. “But this is a relatively small community, and you have to play along to get ahead. People who don’t take part in things like this may find doors closed to them when they want to do business. But I’m surprised he got asked to be part of this fund-raising effort. How about it, Margot; will you be able to work with him?”

Again Margot shrugged. “At this distance, yes. But you could mention to George that he shouldn’t assign us to the same subcommittee.”