"We were going to open one near Spartan Field, and another on the border of the warehouse district. Both are in areas that, while not exactly as bad as Filmore or The Playground, do need their fair share of assistance. Also, not to put too fine a point on it, it makes for good press for the Spartans to have a center close to their practice facilities. They can send over players almost weekly, which I'm sure looks great when it comes to those spots they put on TV."
"Nice selections. You'll also get a good mix of kids there. I hate to spin everything politically, but you'll be able to get a center in a lot of the different ethnic groups there. I hope you have a plan in place to prevent them from becoming racialized gang centers?"
"We're working on it. I'm following Marcus' advice, and am going to hire some very good center directors, and trust their voice. I feel like we're digressing from what is causing you trouble though. What does the Bishop want?" I asked, sipping my tea.
Joe took a moment to finish his tuna salad before answering. "He wants me to more or less throw every challenge I can in your way, starting with your building permits. He figures if I frustrate you long enough, he might be able to position himself as someone who can step in and smooth things over, providing of course that he gets lots of publicity and his own stamp on things. I suspect he isn't the only one who might be wanting this, as I've heard that Francine Berkowitz also is not exactly happy with the way you've decided to hand out the contracts on this."
"I've decided to not put up with her corrupt bid rigging bullshit," I said bluntly. Joe half choked on his tea, and coughed a few times before he got his cup set down. "Come on Joe, you and I can speak honestly here. The Union has had a stranglehold on this city's finances for decades. You oppose the Union, then you've got building inspectors finding excuses to shut you down. I've spent the past week driving two miles below the speed limit or taking the RIST to work simply because I don't want a Union cop pulling me over and giving me a four point ticket on my license. Who knows what the hell I'll do if Mount Zion blows a water main in the next few weeks.
"But it doesn't matter. What these guys have to realize is that I'm not against the unions. Hell, if a union shop gives me a fair estimate for the labor on the centers, then I'll hire a union shop. They've got the exact same chance and opportunity as a non-union shop. But what I'm not going to allow is the sort of bid-rigging and sloughing off that the Union has allowed for far too damn long."
Joe brushed a few crumbs off his shirt and folded his hand on his lap. "I support you, privately. In public, I'm not going to make any major announcements one way or another. I did want to just warn you, and to offer my private support. And, if you ever do get those centers open, I'm going to be right there congratulating you. If I'm still in office I'll even give you the key to the city. But you've got a fight on your hands."
"Thank you, Joe," I said honestly. "But I think I know just how to handle at least one of those issues."
Heading back to the office, I waited until I was there to call up Mark on his cell phone. "Hello Marcus," I said, just to be safe in case anyone heard me.
"What's up, Tabs?" he asked me. I could hear a burring noise in the background which quickly shut off, and I knew he'd been riding his new favorite toy, the riding tractor he used to maintain the lawn. And yes, in true Mark style he'd had the thing supercharged. He could cover the entire property in an hour if he wanted, which considering the size of Mount Zion, was saying a lot.
"You think you still have some pull with your friend Bennie?" I asked, careful not to use his full name. Bennie Fernandez had technically never met Marcus Smiley, nor did he know for certain that we had been the source of his information that led to the arrest of Owen Lynch. But still, we could use him.
"I might. Why?"
"Seems our friend Bishop Traylor made a visit to the Mayor, and might be trying to work an alliance with our favorite Union leader," I replied. "Think we might need a hand?"
"That could work. Also, I've got a few anonymous connections with the media as well. Let me see what I can do this afternoon and tomorrow. So, how was the rest of the meeting?"
"Just fine. Joe says hello by the way." I took off my coat and sat down in my chair, closing my eyes and massaging my temples as the long day started to hit me. "He also says if we can get these centers open, he'll give me the key to the city. He knows we're in for a fight."
"Glad to know it. And did you stop by to see your new favorite member of the city council?" he asked, a clear joking edge to his voice.
"No, Dad," I joked back. "We're seeing each other tomorrow night. Besides, he was interviewing potential assistants today, and I’m sure we’ll talk on the phone later tonight."
"Okay. That'll give me and Sophie some free time at least. Anything else?"
"Nah, just wanted to keep you updated. Thanks."
"No problem Tabs. See you later."
* * *