“I was, yes.”
“Past tense. What happened? Wait, you don’t have to tell me.”
“It’s not a secret, H. But I’m touched that you don’t know. Just more bad-boy antics. Not on purpose. Just being stupid. I don’t do well when I’m not working. Anyway, then my granny called, and I came running. She owns the Starlight skating rink, and we need to save it.”
“The big hexagon-shaped place is a skating rink? It’s breathtaking. I can see the light from the sign shining in my bedroom window.”
“That’s the Starlight. It was built by a prince a hundred years ago. The same prince who built your house, by the way. A Prince Rein something, something Blue. Around here he’s just Prince Blue. He co-founded this town with freed slaves. Legend has it he landed on the beach after his yacht broke apart in a storm. The night was pitch black except for a single star cutting through the darkness.” Matt had a sincere way of telling a story. “He thought he was going to die, until this mysterious man walked out of that starlight and changed his life. Then Malachi Nickle, a freed slave, came along.” He laughed softly. “That was more than you wanted to know.”
“Actually, I love it.” She resisted the urge to touch his arm.“Sounds like the town has a special history. Who was the mystery man?”
“A man called Immanuel. I think it’s Lauchtenland folklore, but Granny seems to think it’s real—that he’s real. You should come to the Starlight. There’s a beautiful painting of him on the wall.”
“I will. But why do you have to save the Starlight? Sounds like a Matt Knight, Lieutenant Striker, heroic move.”
“The town wants to knock it down. Eminent domain. Dad says it’s futile, but you never know until you try.” His gaze lingered on her for a moment. “I’m really glad to see you, H.” His genuine tone nearly undid her. “What’s your plan while you’re here?”
“Same as you.” She looked over at the pizza box. “Attempt to do something futile.”
8
SEA BLUE BEACH
City hall is packed. Standing room only. A man in a white shirt, pleated slacks, and power tie enters with a large black portfolio under his arm. Everyone whispers that Luke Murdock will bring Sea Blue Beach into the modern era. A long line of folks study his drawings and nod their approval.
We like the look of him. Handsome in a stuffy sort of way, but will he have the town’s best interest at heart? Or merely his own?
Some folks whisper the Midnight Theater should be torn down and a new one built, but Dale Cranston sits on the town council, so his theater remains safe. And truth be told, the movie house doesn’t sit on the bedrock.
Tuesday Knight just left the rink for the town hall. We consider her one of our greatest citizens. A few of us watched her grow up from a sweet babe to an abandoned teen—oh, her mamaw, Irene Morrow, was an ugly soul—to a beautiful wife and mother, a fighter if ever there was one.
She watched the rest of us grow up. Taught us to skate. Everyone loves her. And the Starlight. Harry Smith does too, if he allows himself to think about it, but he has dollar signs for pupils.
From the sound of things, the meeting is starting. . . .
TUESDAY
She was nervous as she sat between son and grandson, with Spike on the other side of Dupree, in an overflowing town hall. By the time Harry banged his gavel and spoke into the microphone, she felt a bit faint. Was this it? The end of it all?
“It’s good to see so many in support of Sea Blue Beach’s future.” Harry introduced the council members, to which Tom Caster called out, “We know who you are, we voted for you. Move along, Harry.”
So the mayor turned everything over to Luke Murdock, the man of the hour, vice president of Murdock Development. He was young, handsome, and modern. Tuesday felt old, wrinkled, and from an age gone by.
Mr. Murdock gave a rousing speech about how proud they were to partner with Sea Blue Beach, the gem of the North Florida coast, with the white-sand beaches, blue-green waters, and inlets for fishing, kayaking, boating, and swimming.
He showcased the drawings of their future—condos and hotels, shops and restaurants—declaring that families, vacationers, honeymooners, and tourists from all over the world would be clamoring to visit Sea Blue Beach. The local business owners would see tremendous growth. Why, they’d all be millionaires by the year 2000. Lah-de-dah.
Okay, so he didn’t say that, but he sure implied it. Tuesday would be a hundred years old in 2000. What did she need with millions? She just needed her Starlight.
“If you want to be a leader in the new century,” Murdock concluded, “you must prepare now.”
The gallery burst into applause. Oh, this guy was good.
Tuesday glanced at Dup, who listened intently, then at Matt. She was losing them both, she could feel it. Spike, on the other hand, sat with his thick arms folded over his chest, frowning. He sniffed malarkey when it was being shoveled.
“So you bring in more tourists. How does this impact us?” Audra still wore her Blue Plate Diner apron and chef’s beanie. “Sea Blue Beach is run by mom-and-pops. We don’t even have a McDonald’s. Will the Sea Blue Beach of the future be littered with chain restaurants and businesses? That will kill us locals.”
“Great questions...” Luke glanced at Harry, who whispered Audra’s name. “Audra. As of now, Murdock has no plans to bring in competing businesses. As far as we’re concerned, the shops and restaurants of Sea Blue Beach will service all its visitors.”
