Joseph explained he was in a hurry today and why. Her face became pinched with worry. She was clearly upset to hear about the other break-ins at the casino, but was glad he was heading the project. She’d always found him very efficient, and knew he would make a good addition to the council.
“You’ll bring some young blood into the meetings. It’s what we need, and I know you’re of like mind. You and your family have always expressed and shown your concern for the people. And you in particular, have shown your concern for our younger generation. This is important. This is why we need you. You’ll be thinking about them. They are our future and need good role models. It’s not just about money. It’s important to remember them. The people of all ages.” She was referencing his work at the youth center, and he accepted her compliments. He enjoyed his work there with the kids. It was a small sports complex and offered before and after school care for working parents. When he was young, he’d spent a lot of time at such places while his mother finished her schooling. Even as a teenager he enjoyed being there, playing sports with his friends and learning about his people from the elders who worked there or volunteered.
He followed her over to the reception area where she handed him the stack of promised papers she had ready for him. He thanked her, and they made plans to meet the following evening to discuss his campaign. He was grateful for her help and her wisdom. “You’re welcome, Joseph. Please call me if you need any help.”
With promises to do that, he left.
He’d been inside just twenty-five minutes, but needed to head back to the casino. He had a conference call at two with the head of the company that would be installing the video cameras. He’d also been able to order the equipment and it would be delivered the next day from their suppliers in Michigan. It had involved hiring an independent truck driver to bring it all so soon, but was worth the additional expense. A local man, Paul Hachey, was on his way there now to pick up the order.
Joseph also wanted to be sure he had not one, but three crews available to set up the cameras starting on Thursday. He hoped to have everything installed by Friday. He knew that would please his mother. He also had to put advertisements immediately in the local papers for new security guards, and let personnel know to begin conducting interviews and doing background checks on the prospective hires. He wanted the six new guards in place by the end of the following week and to begin their training. And he would update his mother after he made those calls.
As he rushed to his car, to his right, a wave of familiar dark hair caught his attention. Then he saw who the hair belonged to. It was Jewel. She was standing on the steps to the entrance of the local high school which was right next door to the tribal center. She was discussing something with two teenage boys, and she didn’t look happy. Seeing Jewel here disoriented him for a moment. He didn’t expect to see her hanging around teenagers. Though he felt like he was spying, he couldn’t look away. His curiosity had been piqued.
She didn’t see him, and so he climbed into his car and watched her from there.
He couldn’t hear what she was saying, but the look on her face spoke volumes. One of the boys handed her some papers, and she then pulled out her wallet and handed them what looked to be money. He frowned to himself wondering what was happening. The boys were identical. Twins. And he recognized them from the youth center. But he didn’t know them. He had been volunteering there for just over six months, but he worked primarily with the younger boys in the mornings. Most of the teens took advantage of the open gym and didn’t require as much supervision.
Jewel was speaking animatedly. She was using her hands, and both boys looked irritated as they listened to her lecture. Then to her dismay, she turned on her heel and left abruptly. He saw her walk down the block to her Nova parked a couple of yards away along the curb and got in. She sent up a dust cloud as she peeled away in apparent anger.
Joseph took that as his cue to leave. But he was very curious as to what she was doing with these two young men, and why she was giving them money. Perhaps, he needed to have another visit with Miss Diamante after all. Not that he needed an excuse.
He’d thought last night was the end of it, but now, he wasn’t so sure. Curiosity, a tad of jealousy, he wasn’t sure. He didn’t want to analyze his feelings, but he did want to know what that exchange had been about. This little incident had put her on his radar once more. His suspicious nature had been roused again. And he was also surprised that he wasn’t opposed to a repeat performance of last night. He pulled away going in the same direction Jewel had been headed. Perhaps she was working today, he thought, wondering how he could make their next meeting happen.
But work came first today. He headed directly back to The Mystic and pushed Jewel from his mind.
*