by Chris Thelen

Created on: June 07, 2009

"This has always been Charlie's town," Rick said as he sat at the lunch counter with Gary, sipping his coffee.

"Don't remember a time when he hasn't been mayor," Gary said as he put the last bit of sandwich in his mouth.

Rick stared at the coffee cup cradled in his hands. "It just doesn't seem right."

"Well, someone has to tell him. We just can't let things continue like they have."

"But he's been mayor for 36 years. This town is his life. We can't just take that away from him."

"I know that, but I'm afraid we'd be in the minority if the town council found out."

"You can't just take away a man's livelihood. I mean, what would he do if he wasn't mayor?"

"It'd be better if he resigned. It would be on his terms. Then he could just step down quietly without all this being made public. "

"I know," Rick sighed. He sipped the last of the coffee from his cup.

"We've let it go for months already. I think the council is suspicious. I don't know how much longer we can cover for him."

The two sat silent for a moment at the end of the counter. The caf was empty. It was after 1 p.m. and the lunch rush was over. Suddenly a bell rang and two men in suits entered the caf. They looked around then sat in a booth along the far wall.

"Welcome," Susan the waitress said as she brought two coffee cups, a pot of coffee and menus. "You two want some coffee?"

They both nodded yes.

"Menus?"

"Yeah," they uttered as they took the menus.

"I'll be back in a few minutes to take your order," Susan said as she poured their coffee. Then she walked over to Rick and Gary. "You two need more coffee?"

"No, I'm fine," Rick replied.

"None for me either," Gary chimed in.

"Well, you two can pay at the register when you're ready," Susan said as she set their bills on the counter.

Rick grabbed the two bills, but Gary slapped his hand. "You let me get that," Gary said as he grabbed the bills from Rick.

"Ouch," Rick snapped. "Okay."

"You paid last time," Gary smiled.

"Say, who are those two guys?" Rick whispered as he rubbed his hand and took a quick glance at them.

"Kelly told me just before I came in here that they showed up at the town offices about an hour ago asking to see the mayor. They said they were from the State Department of Treasury."

"Treasury?"

"Yeah, Treasury."

Rick rubbed his forehead, "Sheesh. Now we really have to do something before this whole thing blows up."

The bell above the caf door rang again and in walked Charlie.

Rick closed his eyes, "Oh no!"

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