Outfoxed

CHAPTER 58

“We could realize an annual income of $24,000 minimum. If we spent what needs to be done to rehabilitate the place, probably $40,000, then we could realize an annual income of close to $48,000, since we could charge $4,000 a month.” Georgia Vann, treasurer, spoke. She had taken the precaution of handing out these figures along with the bids for repairs at the beginning of the ad hoc meeting to announce Peter Wheeler’s generosity.

“Why can’t we hire someone to clear trails and build jumps year-round and house them there? They could make the repairs and it would save some money.” Betty Franklin was trying to be helpful.

“When would they have time? I mean, if they were properly doing their job for the hunt club? It’s better to hire professional roofers and painters. Look at what we’ve been through at the shop, hon,” Bobby, seated at a long table facing the membership, reminded his wife.

“You’re right.”

“Is she always that agreeable?” a male member called out.

“My Princess, sure.” Bobby laughed and the others laughed with him.

Peter’s gift, an antidote to Fontaine’s murder, had raised everyone’s spirits.

“Would the renter have to be a hunt club member?” Cody asked, wishing she had the money to rent it.

“We never thought of that,” Bobby responded, “but unless someone raises an objection I don’t see why membership would be a requirement so long as the renter accepts this is a long-standing fixture and will be hunted regularly.”

Walter stood up. “I would be willing to rent the place right now. I would also be willing to coordinate all repairs if the hunt club will pay for them. Naturally, I’ll keep up the grounds. And I’d pay $3,000 a month so long as I have full use of the barns and all outbuildings.”

A brief silence followed; then everyone talked at once.

Bobby banged down the gavel. “Does anyone wish to match Walter’s offer?”

Crawford stood up. “It’s a good solution for both parties. I move that we accept Dr. Lungrun’s proposal. The rent to stay at $3,000 per month for a five-year period, at which time the lease can be renegotiated.”

“I second the motion.” Martha beamed at Crawford.

“Discussion?” Bobby asked. When none was forthcoming he continued: “All in favor, say aye.”

“Aye,” came the chorus.

“All opposed say nay.”

One lone nay came from Cody.

“What’s that about?” her father asked.

“Just that I wish I had the money to rent it. I’m not really opposed.”

“All right, then.” Bobby smiled at her. “Motion carries. Is there other business to be discussed?”

Sister, who sat in the corner during business meetings, called out, “New doors for the kennel.”

Bobby scanned his list. “Forgot that. We need new interior doors. As you know, wooden ones last two years, if that. The tin-covered ones last about five years and our five years are up. If you’ll flip over your sheet you’ll see Georgia has itemized expenses and bids.”

As the discussion about replacing doors droned on, Jennifer slipped into the meeting. Still carrying her schoolbooks, she sat next to her mother.

“How was practice?” Betty strongly supported Jennifer’s field hockey efforts.

“Okay.” Jennifer whispered, “Mom, Dean Offendahl got busted at school for drugs. He says I’ve been buying from him but I haven’t.” Betty shot her a dark look and Jennifer hurriedly added, “He’s pissed that I don’t hang with him anymore. Honest.”

“We’ll talk about this later,” Betty whispered back. Inside she wondered if there’d ever be an end to this. If she’d ever trust Jennifer again.

Finally all the loose ends were tied up, the meeting was adjourned, and the members headed for the bar. Jefferson Hunt had no clubhouse. Meetings and events rotated among member’s homes and large meetings such as this one were held at a new country club, Dueling Grounds, built on the old dueling grounds. Since the club was competing with older, more prestigious clubs it offered better facilities and encouraged people to come in and see what was available.

The bar, paneled with wormy chestnut, old hunt prints on the wall, was inviting.

As was the custom in Virginia, paid staff did not attend membership meetings. Shaker and Doug didn’t mind, as neither man had much tolerance for the windiness that accompanies such gatherings.

“Sister.” Walter leaned over to speak to her. “I’ll take good care of Peter’s home.”

She smiled up at him. “You’ll fill up that barn in no time. Have you ever noticed people start with one horse and wind up with a herd? I think it’s some kind of progressive disease. You might want to do research on it.”

He laughed. “All right.”

She lowered her voice, which, considering the noise, wasn’t necessary. “Thank you again for dropping by the other day. Peter was a dear friend. I appreciated your sympathy.”

“He saved me after Dad . . . died. I wish I’d known him as long as you did. He used to call you his movie star.”

“He did?”

Before they could continue, Georgia Vann joined them and the conversation steered toward Thanksgiving hunt breakfast. The club needed to borrow utensils.

Crawford avoided Bobby, who did likewise. He told everyone that he and Martha were engaged. To celebrate his good fortune he bought a round of drinks for everyone.

Cody and Jennifer had Perrier as Jennifer told her tale of woe to her sister.

Sarcasm dripping, Cody said, “I’m so glad you’re preparing Mom and me but what’s the deal?”

“No deal.” Jennifer shrugged.

“You might as well tell me now because I’ll find out later and then, li’l Sis, I’ll really be mad. Like I don’t care how long you cry you ain’t gettin’ no help from me.” She sounded like a country-and-western song, which was her intent.

“He’ll say I slept with him.”

“Did you?”

“Uh-huh.”

“For drugs?”

Jennifer reddened. “Not exactly. I liked him. How was I to know he’d turn into such a butthead. When I stopped screwing up and screwing him, he—” She shrugged. “Getting even.”

“Mom and Dad are going to be really embarrassed.” She thought a moment. “Can’t you talk him out of it?”

“How? He got busted in the locker room selling a gram of coke. I can’t get him out of it.”

“Does he still want to go to bed with you?”

“Yeah.” She shrugged again.

“I’m not suggesting you comply but—” She shook her head, trying to come up with solutions. “Has he named other people?”

“Oh yeah. By the time he’s done half of Lee High will be tied and fried. Barbecue.”

“His dad’s a lawyer. I suppose that will help him but it won’t help you or anyone else.” She took in a deep breath. “Let’s talk to Walter. He’s a doctor. He’s smart. Maybe he’ll help us. If nothing else he can testify that you’re making every effort to keep clean.” She put her hand under Jennifer’s elbow, heading her in the direction of Walter.

“There’s one other thing. Dean knows I slept with Fontaine.”

Cody went white. “You idiot.”