“That’s not how the game is played!” Ida hollered.
“I call this meeting to order,” Susie said, banging her gavel on the lectern.
My brother and all the younger Svenssons squirmed in their seats as they filled out the cards.
“Thank you all for coming to tonight’s town hall. And a big thank-you to Sebastian and Thalian Biotech for sponsoring the food and drink tonight.”
“What?” I asked, frowning.
“Relax,” Hunter told me. “Meg was giving me a hard time about sponsoring food every meeting, so I lied and said you were doing it. We have a development we’re trying to push through, and I need everyone good and marinated.”
“Sounds like a great way to start a marriage.”
“Says the person who dated a woman with a dead-possum purse.”
I turned to him. “How the hell did you know about that?”
“Small town, mate.”
Meg banged the gavel on the lectern. “Before we get into the meeting, we have open forum items; god help us.”
People jostled and clambered up to the microphone.
“I want to reiterate my support for free-range camels in town.”
“Archer, sit down,” Hunter barked at his brother.
The next person went up to the microphone. “I want to know what the itinerary is for the mayoral wedding.”
“Who is that?” I asked Hunter.
He shrugged. “I think she works at the train station.”
“I want to order a dress, depending on what the events are,” the woman continued.
“You got an invitation?” someone demanded.
“I should,” the woman shot back. “I want an invite.”
“How come I didn’t get an invite?” other people demanded.
Meg banged the gavel. “Invitations have not gone out.”
“Who’s getting one?” another townsperson hollered.
“Not everyone can be invited,” Ida said to the crowd. “Only important people are going to be invited.”
That set off all the drunks in the audience.
Hunter elbowed me sharply. “Do something.”
“Me?”
“You’re the best man.”
I wiped my hands and pushed through the crowd to the front of the room.
“Good evening, everyone.”
