Read Online Stay At Home Dad 03-Father Knows Death by Jeffrey Allen - Free Book Online

expected there to be some blowback—and a worthwhile replacement. Clowns climbing walls and jumping over water and racing one another in their big clown shoes seemed . . . an odd replacement.
    “That was lost revenue even before George’s death,” the man said, gathering steam. “Makes no sense.”
    “Thanks for your opinion,” Mama said, her mouth an ugly smile now. “We’ll take that into account when we begin planning next year’s fair.”
    “And that band you hired? Rusty Cow?” He shook his head. “My ears still hurt. I’m not sure that guy had ever sung a single day in his life.”
    Mama’s mouth twitched. “They came highly recommended.”
    “From who?” he asked. “Deaf people?”
    A few more nervous laughs floated through the air.
    Mama just stared at the man.
    “And the Ferris wheel hasn’t been open at all” he said.
    “Mechanical issues,” Mama said, drumming her fingers on the table. “That is beyond our control and we won’t risk the lives of the people in this town.”
    “Isn’t that the most popular ride every year?”
    She sneered at him. “I don’t know. Why don’t you poll the people in town and get back to me?”
    “I don’t need to,” he said, unfazed by her tone. “I already know. You also denied the elementary school permission to do the snow cone booth this year. Why was that?”
    “We are trying to create a healthier environment this year at the Carriveau County Fair,” Mama Biggs said.
    “Does she believe what she’s saying?” Victor whispered in my ear. “Because, I don’t.”
    I wasn’t sure if she did or not, but I was with Victor. This guy was pointing out a lot of things that weren’t adding up.
    “Right,” the guy said. “Because mini-donuts and fried everything are so healthy. People come to the fair to eat fair food.”
    The crowd again murmured, both in agreement and excitement.
    Mama Biggs, however, was definitely not excited.
    “Sir, I don’t know who you are and I don’t really care,” she said, staring at him with eyes like lasers. “Until you have run the fair for two decades and actually have the experience to know what you’re talking about, I’d suggest you shut your yap.”
    The man’s face went crimson, but he didn’t back down. “Well, maybe it’s time for some new blood on the fair board.”
    Mama’s face turned to stone. “Elections are at the end of every fair. You are welcome to submit your name for consideration.”
    “Maybe I will,” he said, nodding. “Maybe I will. Because nothing you people are doing this year is making any sense to any of us.”
    The murmuring grew to actual conversations and people were clearly surprised and excited and confused at what had just transpired.
    Mama smacked her hand down on the table and stood. “And now that we’ve covered everything, I move that we end this evening’s meeting.”
    Matilda and Bruce both offered a meek “seconded” and the board hurried away from their table and out of the room, Mama still glaring at the man who dared question her.

15
    The questioner of Mama Biggs stuck out his hand. “Butch Dieter. You’re Deuce Winters, correct?”
    We were standing outside the library, the crowd having moved out after the meeting but not in any hurry to disperse. Victor had disappeared to go talk to Matilda and I had sought out the questioner in the crowd.
    “I am,” I said, shaking his hand.
    “Then I should thank you.”
    “Why’s that?”
    “Because you were my inspiration,” he said.
    “Inspiration?”
    He nodded. “I heard about you standing up to her earlier today. Heard you didn’t take any of her guff, that you stood your ground with her and called her out for being so obnoxious. Soon as I heard about that, I decided I was gonna stand up, too. So, thanks.”
    “Uh, you’re welcome,” I said, unsure of how to respond. “That was kind of a show in there.”
    He shrugged. “I guess. I’m just tired of that old bag lying to