You Only (Cameron Farms Book 1) - Melanie Jayne Page 0,53
for the next meeting and scheduled for vote at the following meeting. We might want to offer our citizens the ability to voice their concerns.”
Hale made sure that she did not shift in her chair nor change her facial expression. She saw right through the requests. Matt, and quite possibly Finn, did not want her on the team.
Wes cleared his throat. “I wish Finn were here, because I would like to explain this to him, too. In my line of work, the next two months are the second busiest time of the year. I spoke to Norm Fox and he laughed, he doesn’t want any extra work. Hale is local and quite honestly, she is probably the only one in the entire area who would work for the hourly rate that you set for me.” Wes was getting agitated. “Plus, I imagine that Hale is the most qualified accountant in the county for this type of work.”
Moe smoothly took over. “Regarding the chain of command issue, while Wes is in town, Hale is to report to and run any questions through him. When he leaves for vacation in December, she will report to me.” Moe gave the younger man a steely glance, daring him to question the plan.
Hale’s heart swelled with affection. Moe was not going to let anyone take a shot at her.
Cecily cleared her throat. “It sounds like Wes checked with another accountant that he felt would do a good enough job and came up empty handed. The chain of command concern had been addressed and outlined. I’m sure that Ms. Cameron understands its importance.” Cecily glanced at Hale.
“Yes, ma’am.” Hale nodded.
“Now, onto the talk of adding this to the agenda for an open discussion, frankly, Matt, that would be a waste of time at a meeting and an unnecessary delay. Plus, I again will stress that Ms. Cameron is doing all of us a huge favor. I don’t think opening the council floor to our citizen’s questions is a worthwhile use of time.” She directed a frown in the Press Secretary’s direction. “It is Ms. Cameron’s work that we are considering and it is stellar.”
Hale bowed her head and pretended to look at the notepad in front of her, as she hid a small smile. She liked Cecily’s style.
“So, I believe we are agreed.” Moe was wrapping things up.
“That is my understanding. Hale? Any questions?” Cecily started putting away her tablet.
“No, Ms. Newton,” Hale answered and started gathering her things.
“All right then, see you all on Tuesday night.” Cecily stood and strode to the door.
“Ms. Cameron, a pleasure.” Matt gave a brief nod while rising quickly and exiting the room.
Hale put her tablet in her bag and started to stand. “Thank you, gentlemen, for your support.”
“I don’t much like that Matt fellow, he doesn’t know his place.” Wes stared angrily at the door. “He’s Finn’s assistant, I don’t like the way he spoke about Hale.”
Hale looped her arm through her boss’ arm. “I think he is being protective of Finn. He doesn’t like me because of our past. He thinks it reflects badly on Finn. He worries that Finn will be perceived as weak if he appears to be softening toward me.” Izzy had shared that tidbit with Hale last week.
“Well, it’s not like you are bad mouthing Finn or making a spectacle of yourself. I think this town needs to move on from that old story,” Wes groused.
“I support Finn as mayor, and I don’t want to cause extra work or worry.” Hale said.
“Hale, you won’t. Matt is just being a jackass. I think that he even has problems with me,” Moe teased. “He idolizes Finn and sometimes I think he gets a little territorial. He’s young and enthusiastic, we’ll get him trained eventually.”
Hale parked in The Mug’s lot, she had a standing date with Jasmine every Thursday evening for dinner. In Jasmine’s words, it got Hale “off the farm.”
Jasmine was already seated in what had become their booth. She stood as Hale approached, giving her a hug. “I see that you were prepared for serious business—you broke out the Birkin.”
Hale laughed at her friend’s honest summation. “I thought the meeting called for the big guns, plus it adds cachet.” She took her seat, finally starting to relax.
“So, was it terrible?” Jasmine watched her closely.
Hale chuckled. “Yes and no.” She tried to choose the best words to describe her feelings. “I’ve been approved. I’m meeting Wes tomorrow at ten, to start the job.”