"He's been doing this around the region," Hunter Simmons added, sliding through the crowd with the easy movement that made him such an effective detective. "Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Newport News. Youth sports, churches, boys and girls clubs."
"Tax write-off." Scott Redding shrugged. He was an accountant in town, and Terry had a feeling Scott was right.
Mitch moved to the front of the room and stepped onto the small stage, standing behind the podium. The members quickly found their seats, and the chatter came to a stop. Mitch rapped the gavel on the podium. The sergeant at arms closed the doors of the meeting room, and with another three raps of the gavel, the members stood as Mitch called out, "The Color Bearer will advance the Colors." The American flag was carried in and then set into the floor stand.
"The chaplain will offer prayer." The Methodist minister, a member of the American Legion, stood and prayed as the group bowed their heads in unison.
The POW/MIA Empty Chair Ceremony followed. A chair was designated as a symbol of the thousands of American POW/MIAs still unaccounted for from all wars and conflicts involving the United States of America. The POW/MIA flag was placed on the Empty Chair.
The eclectic assembly included men and women, ages running from about twenty-five to almost ninety. At the moment, there was unity as all faces turned toward the Empty Chair.
After the Pledge of Allegiance and the Preamble to the American Legion Constitution were spoken in unison, the gavel was rapped once more to indicate that everyone could take a seat.
The post-adjunct read the minutes from the last meeting and checked for any changes or additions that needed to be made. The finance officer reviewed the treasurer's report, and a brief discussion ensued about the upcoming fundraisers.
Terry watched Harrison during the formal proceedings, noting that the man's expression remained appropriately respectful throughout. But even during the POW/MIA moment, he caught the man’s eyes making quick assessments of the room, probably seeing who was here, who seemed most influential, and who was watching him.
Mitch stood and smiled at the group. "We have some exciting news for our youth baseball program. As many of you know, we've been making do with equipment that's seen better days and uniforms that've been passed down more times than my grandmother's china."
Chuckles rippled through the room. Terry smiled, thinking of Toby's practice jersey with the faded number and mysterious stain that no amount of washing could remove.
"Tonight, we're fortunate to have Harrison Blackwood here, owner of Blackwood Luxury Custom Homes, who's made an incredibly generous offer to our program."
Applause filled the room as Harrison stepped up to the microphone. He moved with practiced ease, clearly comfortable being the center of attention. Terry noticed how Blackwood paused for just a moment, his eyes sweeping across the audience with a warm smile that seemed to include everyone.
"Thank you, Mitch," Harrison began, his voice warm and commanding. Terry observed how several people in the front rows immediately leaned forward, drawn in by something in his tone. "I grew up on the Eastern Shore, and even though my wife and I now live in Virginia Beach, the Shore will always feel like home."
Terry caught the subtle emphasis on "home." It was a word that would resonate with this crowd of locals who valued roots and community connections.
"And, as many of you know, Blackwood Luxury Custom Homes continues to build homes out here on the Shore, so we still feel part of the community." Blackwood's gaze found several specific faces as he spoke, and Terry watched those individuals nod along as if he were speaking directly to them. "I've seen firsthand how important the American Legion youth programs are to our communities. Every child deserves the chance to play ball, regardless of their family's circumstances."
Nods and murmurs of agreement came from the audience. Terry had coached in years past, but this year, he was a spectator at the games, and he'd seen kids from all backgrounds playing together.
"Sports teach our children teamwork, perseverance, and character," Harrison continued, his voice taking on the cadence of someone who truly believed what he was saying. Terry noticed how the man’s passion seemed to build naturally, drawing the audience deeper into his message. "These are lessons that last a lifetime, and I'm honored to support that mission."
Terry had to admit the man was good. Harrison had mentioned universal values of community, children, and fairness, making them feel personal and urgent. Around the room, Terry saw heads nodding and faces brightening—the body language of people who were not just listening but believing.
Harrison gestured to the oversized check behind him at the perfect moment, letting the dramatic pause build anticipation. "Blackwood Luxury Custom Homes is proud to donate fifteen thousand dollars to the Baytown American Legion youth baseball program for new uniforms and equipment."
The room erupted in applause. Terry found himself clapping along, genuinely moved by the gesture despite his professional skepticism about people who seemed too good to be true. But as he applauded, he watched Harrison's face carefully. The man's smile was perfectly gracious.
Members exchanged wide smiles. Fifteen thousand dollars would transform their program with new bats, helmets, gloves, and uniforms that actually fit properly.
"Furthermore," Harrison continued, raising his voice slightly to regain attention, "I want you to know that this isn't just about baseball equipment. This is about investing in the character of our young people, ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed both on and off the field."
Mitch returned to the microphone, holding up the ceremonial check. "On behalf of every child who'll benefit from this incredible generosity, thank you, Mr. Blackwood. This will make a real difference in our community."
After that, he pronounced, "If there is no further business to come before this meeting, the meeting is adjourned."
As soon as the formal meeting ended, people swarmed toward Harrison like he was a celebrity. Terry positioned himself where he could observe the interactions, noting how Harrison seemed to have an endless supply of personal charm.
"That man could charm the spots off a leopard," Colt Hudson murmured, appearing at Terry's side as they watched Harrison pose for photos with the oversized check.
"He's good at it," Terry agreed, noting how Blackwood seemed to instinctively know exactly how long to spend with each person… just enough to make them feel important, but not so long that others felt ignored.
After Harrison and most of the gathering left, the American Legion leadership gathered around one of the folding tables to discuss logistics.
"So who's going to handle ordering all this new gear?" asked Grant Wilder, the program coordinator, looking slightly overwhelmed by the prospect.
