Mandy brandished the coffeepot. “Are you all set for your big day? Don’t be nervous now. By the way, I left the envelope for the chief on the hall table.”

“I’m a little nervous. I didn’t sleep much wondering what kind of reaction I’ll get from my old friends. I don’t know why, but I don’t think any of them are going to be happy to see me. I hate it when I get feelings like this because there’s no explanation for what I’m thinking. I hope I’m wrong.”

The old ladies stared at her intently, so intently, she felt like a bug under a microscope. Absolutely, the two of them were up to something.

“I think they’re going to be shocked to see you. Shouldn’t you be getting ready? It’s almost nine o’clock,” Lola said.

I’ll be damned. They’re trying to get rid of me.

“You’re absolutely right, ladies. It won’t hurt me to do a little primping. Enjoy your…cornflakes.”

“I don’t think she likes cornflakes, no matter what she said,” Mandy fretted.

“Give me these damn cornflakes again, and you’re fired,” Lola said. “When you call the courthouse, ask for the mayor. He’s the only one with any brains in this town. The offer is only on the table for ninety minutes. Be sure to say that.”

“Since you’re so good at this, why don’t you do it yourself,” Mandy sniffed.

“Because you have to pay for this breakfast, that’s why. It’s nine o’clock, start dialing.”

Lola listened to Mandy’s end of the conversation, her head bobbing up and down in agreement with everything she was saying. When she hung up the phone, she glared at her. “Well, what did the old fool say?”

“He said he would call the council members personally and get back to us in the allotted time. That means we have until ten-thirty to get ready.”

The phone rang. Mandy picked it up and mouthed the words, “It’s the mayor. He wants to know what you’re going to do with the property.”

“Tell him it’s none of his damn business and the clock is ticking.”

“Miz Jor Dan said it’s none of your damn business and the clock is ticking,” Mandy said, repeating Lola’s response verbatim.

Lola held out her cup for a refill when Mandy hung up the phone. “I’m excited, Mandy. This is what’s been missing in our lives, excitement. Cady coming here was the best thing that could happen for us. Maybe I won’t die after all. Not just yet is what I mean.”

With tears in her eyes, Mandy wrapped her arms around Lola’s neck. “I’m blubbering because I’m finally seeing that old spark in you. I wish you could see yourself. You have color in your cheeks, and your eyes have a gleam. You’re in a fighting mode, old girl. I like that.” Lola reached up to pat her old friend’s hand.

An hour later, the phone rang.

The two women looked at one another. Lola nodded. Mandy picked up the phone after the third ring. She nodded for Lola’s benefit to let her know it was the mayor. She listened intently. “I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Mayor, but the price is carved in stone. Who is the board member holding out for more money? Cyrus King. Oh well. Tell Mr. King he just cost your town a million dollars. Good-bye, Mr. Mayor.”