“You are coming of age in a world that wants you to believe it’s okay to be mediocre,” Arch said. “There are no really great men left, the world tells you, so why bother trying to be one? I believe there are bigger things—harder things; things that must be done by the people who are capable of doing them. Our city needs the right kind of leadership to carry us into the new century, so that we can build a better future without giving up the best parts of the culture and traditions that define what I like to call ‘the spirit of Nashville.’ So I’m making it official, right here and now. As of this morning, I’ve resigned my position at Chadderton Dobbs. I want to be your next mayor.”

Before he could say another word, the whole assembly was on its feet, cheering. You would have thought someone had paid them. Maybe someone did.

I was on my feet as well, my eyes damp with tears of awe and admiration. No one had to pay me. I believed it all; I still do. Some people are exceptional. And without a doubt, Arch was the most exceptional person I ever knew. But no one, however exceptional, transcends the bitter fact of his humanity. Like the man says in that old book they made us read back in senior year: “There’s always something.” And no great temple was ever built without a few bodies buried beneath its foundation.

nine

Arch set up his campaign office in an old storefront at the edge of Germantown, on the north side of downtown, west of the river. The location provided easy access to the bypass and the interstates, and put some distance between Arch and Belle Meade. He went to a different church every Sunday and started sprinkling conversations with references to scripture. He visited schools and scout troops and civic organizations. There were fish fries and softball leagues, potlucks and neighborhood block parties. There were also private donor dinners and gatherings at country clubs and the lavish homes of Arch and Vanessa’s neighbors.

Arch had the right side of the spectrum locked up. The only other conservative candidate in the race was Justin Jeffs, a certifiable kook whose campaign promises included a plan to require all Tennessee state flags be shorn of gold fringe “so they’ll fly right” and a proposal to refurbish the infamous statue of Confederate hero and Klansman Nathan Bedford Forrest on I-65 between Nashville and Brentwood.