Hazel
That afternoon in the courtroom, Judge Edna perched on her chair, peering over the bench at us. Ida was there with Dottie. They were carrying signs for support for children in Harrogate.
"No protesting inside my courtroom!" Edna said, banging her hammer. "Remember, this is a preliminary hearing in the case of Svensson versus the city of Harrogate. I have drinks tonight with an old college friend. Lawyers, do not waste my time. Now, Mr. Svensson, come tell me why I shouldn't just toss this lawsuit out."
"Your Honor," Hunter said, standing up and buttoning his suit. "Meghan has a vendetta against my family."
Edna glared icily at him. "Actually, I think she has a vendetta against you personally, but go on."
"Objection!" Ida shouted.
"Ida, do you want to be in here or not?" Edna shouted. "I will throw you out even if you are my sister." She turned back to Meg and Hunter.
"There is a system to secure a permit," Meg interjected. "The Svenssons refused to follow the procedures."
"I know there's a system," Edna said, "but Harrogate just won the Art Zurich Biennial Expo. The news media has their gaze on our city. Harrogate cannot be known as the town that wouldn't let children sell popsicles."
"It's a public health risk," Meg insisted. "The Svenssons need an inspection in a kitchen that meets city health department standards."
"Can we come to some sort of agreement so that, God forbid, this doesn't end up in front of the Supreme Court and shame the Harrogate name forever?" Edna asked them.
"Please, for the love of God," Mace said more loudly than he probably intended. Josie shushed him and giggled.
I raised my hand.
"Yes, Hazel? Speak up! This isn't a classroom or a real court session. It's a preliminary hearing," Judge Edna said.
"I think I have a solution," I said. "Nate and Peyton can run their popsicle business out of the Art Café kitchen this summer. It's already passed the health inspection. If they want to keep up with it next year, which is doubtful because food service is a heck of a lot of work, they can work out something more permanent."
"Great. Sounds like a plan," Edna said. "Can you accept that, Mr. Svensson?"
"I have to ask my clients," he replied and turned to Peyton and Nate. They trotted up to the bench. "Can you accept making your popsicles at Hazel's restaurant?"
They nodded. "My clients are fine with this solution. We withdraw the lawsuit."
"Great. File it. I need a drink," Edna said. "It's too hot for all this drama."
"Who won?" Ida asked as we left the courtroom.
"I won," Meg said.
"No, you didn't," Hunter countered. "I withdrew the lawsuit, and my brothers are able to sell popsicles. I won."
"Let's take a vote," Ida said.
"Would you rubber-stamp my conference designs if I give you my vote and"—Archer gestured loosely to the group of Svenssons—"all of my brothers’ votes minus Hunter?"
"Not rubber-stamp but, let's say, grease the wheels," Meg said.
"Fair enough. All right men, all in favor of Meg?" Archer's brothers all raised their hands.
"Traitors," Hunter said.
Meg did a happy, wiggly little dance. Hunter almost combusted. Archer and I snickered.
* * *
"Since we're downtown,"Archer said to me when we were in his car with the AC cranked up, "there's the little matter of keeping my promise to you." He pointed to his hotel building down the street. "My office is free. I have a couch."
