Chapter 8
Andrew could not believe what the regional ICE office representative had told him about the illegal aliens or undocumented workers as they referred to them. They had made quite clear the illegals out at the mill had a RIGHT to be there.
Andrew had argued with them, but they had made it clear there was nothing he could do. They had gone on to say that if he or anyone else in authority tried to move them out, they would face prosecution.
“Damn, what’s happening in this country? I understand if someone wants a better life for themselves and their family, but there is the right way to do it. Breaking the law by sneaking across our border isn’t a way to begin your new life in this country,” Andrew said aloud.
He was about to make another call when Maggie buzzed him that Silas had arrived. “Good, let him in, Maggie.”
“Come on in, Silas, and have a seat. We have a lot to talk about.” Andrew motioned for him to take the seat across from his desk. “Would you like something to drink; coffee, or coke?”
“I’d love a coke. I’ve already had plenty of coffee today. If I have anymore, I won’t get any sleep tonight.”
Andrew buzzed Maggie and asked her to bring each of them a coke. He then turned to face Silas, trying to think of the best way to break the bad news to him.
He was about to speak when Maggie opened the door and walked in with their beverages. “Here you go, gentlemen. Is there anything else I can get for you?”
“No, thank you, Maggie, that’s all for now.” Andrew looked at her, letting her know that he did not want to be disturbed again.
“I’ll be at my desk if you need anything.” She smiled at both men, and then turned and left the room.
Silas twisted the cap off the bottle and took a long swallow. “Damn, that’s good. Nothing beats a cold coke.”
He twisted the cap back on the bottle and was about to set it on the floor when Andrew held out a coaster. “Here use this.”
Silas took the coaster from Andrew and placed it on the desk, along with the bottle of cola. “Thanks, I didn’t want to ruin that fancy desk of yours.”
“I appreciate that. I cannot tell you how many times people have set a bottle or cup down on it. Rosie has a fit whenever she sees a new ring on it. After the last time she chewed me out, I brought in this set of coasters the very next day.” Andrew rolled his eyes and chuckled at the memory of how Rosie, the woman who cleaned the offices in the City Hall had scolded him as though he were a small boy.
“Yeah, I learned not to leave any uneaten food in my trashcan,” Silas snickered.
Andrew nodded his head in agreement. “I learned not to do that myself a while back.”
Both men looked at each other and laughed, knowing that it was best to keep Rosie happy.
Each man took another swallow of their beverage, trying to decide how best to explain what he had learned about the new residents in town. Silas was the first to break the silence.
“I went back out there this morning.” He held his breath and waited for a response.
“You did what? Damn it, Silas, did they give you any trouble?” Andrew suddenly felt his stomach tie in knots.
“No, as a matter of fact, I had a nice little talk with the same guy I spoke to last night.”
Andrew leaned back in his chair with a suspicious look on his face. “Okay, so what happened?”
Silas had taken another swallow of his coke before he began. “I don’t know what made me go back out there this morning. After I had left the house, I was going to come straight here, but I felt compelled to go back out there. I pulled up to the end of the road to the mill and parked, trying to decide what to do next. I had been there for a little while when one of the Suburbans pulled up and the man I spoke to last night got out.”
Andrew wanted to speak, but he decided it was best to let Silas continue. “I was ready to catch some grief for being there, but instead, he invited me to join him for a cup of coffee.”
Silas reached for his drink and took another swallow before continuing. “He warned me that the whole thing was part of some backdoor deal and how those people were brought here to work in the plant.”
Silas closed his eyes, trying to control the anger burning inside of him.
Andrew slammed his hand down on his desk. “Damn it, now it all makes sense. I tried to speak with Mr. Timmons this morning, but his secretary said he’s out of town for a few days. I bet the bastard will be dodging my phone calls now that his workers are here. I can’t believe that I bought into the lie!”
Silas understood how Andrew felt. The entire town was thrilled to have the opportunity for the new jobs. For this reason, learning that a group of people who came illegally into the country would get those coveted jobs, was a difficult pill to swallow.
“Did he tell you anything else?” Andrew leaned forward in his chair, tapping his finger on the desk.
“Not much more. I can tell you that he agrees with what’s being done.” Silas thought back to the look on Frank’s face as he sat in the suburban, sharing the story of what he found himself forced to do.
Andrew rubbed his hand over his balding head, with frustration clearly showing on his face. “I wish I knew who negotiated that deal. I’m sure some politician worked a sweet deal for himself.”
Silas nodded in agreement. He knew how things worked in politics, and it made him sick. However, it now affected the town he loved, and its citizens.
“I understand why you’re upset, and I’m right there with you, Andrew. However, we have some important decisions to make shortly.”
Andrew looked at Silas and shook his head. “I know; I just hate the idea of having to tell everyone. Damn it, how did this happen? Whatever happened to the rule of law?”
Silas had to agree. Just the thought of knowing all those people were in the country illegally and that his own government had tied his hands made his blood boil.
Andrew stood and walked over to the window, and looked outside. The town was alive, as the people went about their daily activities. “I don’t know if we can survive this as a community, Silas. This could be the final death nail for Sandley.”
Andrew turned around to look at Silas, praying for an answer to this problem.
“I’ve wondered that myself,” Silas said flatly.
Andrew turned back to look out of the window. “How do I tell them? How do I tell the honest and hard-working citizens of this town the federal government chose those people over them?”
Silas did not have an answer. He knew the residents of Sandley would be angry and blame Andrew. “You’re just going to have, to be honest with them. Call a town meeting and tell them the truth. I know it’s going to be an ugly scene, but they deserve to know the truth.”
Andrew’s shoulders slumped, and he appeared to have aged ten years at that moment. “I know; you’re right. I’ll call an emergency meeting for this evening.”
“You’re doing the right thing, Andrew. We need to show the people of the town that we are still here for them and that we’ll do everything we can to see that this doesn’t cause any unnecessary problems.” Silas stood and walked over to the window and looked outside.
Andrew stepped away from the window and offered Silas, his hand. “I’m glad we’ve discussed this, and I’m also happy to have you on my side.”
“Andrew, I’m on the side of the townsfolk. They depend on us to do what is in the best interest of the town and make sure this is a safe place to live. I don’t know how we’re going to handle what is being forced on us, but damn it, we’re going to do everything we can.” Silas took Andrew’s outstretched hand and shook it vigorously.
“Thank you, Silas. Well, I guess I better get a hold of Sam at the radio station and have him make a few announcements, and I’ll have Maggie print off some flyers to put out around town.” Andrew walked over to his desk and sat in the chair then he reached for the telephone.
> Silas silently excused himself and left the office.
“Is everything okay, Silas?” Maggie watched him gently close the door as he left Andrew’s office.
“Oh, yeah, everything is going to be fine, Maggie.”
Maggie looked at Silas and could see the look of concern on his face. She narrowed her eyes and was about to speak when her telephone rang. She motioned to let Silas know to wait as she answered the call. “Mayor Sexton’s office, how may I help you?”
Silas decided to use this opportunity to escape the questions that he had no answer for at this time. He smiled and nodded his goodbye, and before Maggie could protest, he left the office and walked outside.
Silas looked around, and could not help but wonder what was ahead for Sandley and its residents. He had always thought it was a pleasant place to live. However, he wondered if he would be able to say the same thing from now on, or was it now facing an unwelcome change?
The old, red, and white barber pole hung by the door of the barbershop, spinning in circles as it had for the last seventy years. It was a familiar welcome for those needing a haircut, or just to catch up on the latest town gossip. Silas had decided to walk to the barbershop and inform Claude of the town meeting planned for that evening.
Claude had been the local barber for going on forty years, having taken over after his father retired. For this reason, if you wanted any news to get around town in record time, you only needed to tell Claude.
“Good morning, Silas, what are you doing here? You aren’t due for a haircut for another week or so.” Claude said as he waited for the next customer to sit in the barber chair. He then spread the haircutting cape over him and snapped it behind his neck.
Silas walked over and sat in one of the chairs along the wall. “I’m just here to let you know that Andrew has scheduled an emergency town meeting this evening at 7 o’clock at the community center. I need you to help spread the word. Will you help with that?”
Claude looked at Silas, as though there was something he wanted to say, but then he thought better of it. “Sure, I’ll help, but…”
“But what, what’s on your mind, Claude?” Silas had an idea of what it might be, so he said a silent prayer that he was wrong.
“Does it have anything to do with all those people living out at the ol’ lumber mill? You know the government brought them all here, don’t you?” Claude combed through the man’s hair and began to cut when he suddenly stopped and looked at Silas through the reflection in the mirror.
Silas swallowed, and thought a moment before he responded. “Yes, that’s true.”
Claude whirled around to face Silas, leaving the man sitting there with a stunned expression on his face. “Damn it, I was hoping that was all some sick joke. What are you going to do about it? How could you let them come to our town? Haven’t you watched the news? Silas, this isn’t good at all.”
“Claude, please tell people about the meeting, and I promise that I’ll explain everything then. I’m just as concerned as you are about all of this, believe me.”
The man sitting in Claude’s chair turned to face Silas. Having listened to everything said, he found himself beginning to worry about the direction of this conversation.
“Chief Greer, my name is George Beckham, and I live just west of town. I have two young children who go to the school here in town. I’m wondering how is the school going to handle the children of those people when school starts in a few weeks. We’ve all watched the news, and heard some pretty bad stories. I know those people just want a better life for themselves, but do my wife and I have anything to be concerned about as far as our children? I heard on the news that they don’t have to supply any shot records, and many of them are sick.”
Silas saw the fear in the man’s eyes, but he did not have any answers for him. “I’m sorry, George, but I don’t know any more than you do at this time. Please help spread the word about the meeting tonight, and maybe by then I’ll have some answers for you.”
George and Claude exchanged glances with neither of them convinced that Silas was being completely honest with them. “I will,” the two men said in unison.
“Well, I need to get going. I have a few more stops to make. I’ll see you both this evening.” Silas decided to make a hasty retreat from the barbershop before either man could respond.
As the door to the barbershop closed behind him, Silas heard a familiar voice from across the parking lot.
“Silas, Silas, I need to talk to you for a moment.” Sarah Millington was the principal of the Sandley Elementary School. She was a good woman but loved to talk.
“Hello, Sarah, it’s nice to see you.”
Sarah was in no mood for pleasantries. “Silas, is it true about those people? How could this happen and what are you going to do about it?”
“I can’t go into it right now, Sarah, but if you come to the community center at 7 o’clock this evening, all will be explained.”
Sarah’s eyes narrowed. “Alright, I’ll be there, but I want you to know that I’m not pleased in the least with this news. We cannot afford a sudden influx of children in the school. Not to mention the fact that most of them will probably be far behind the rest of the children in their classes.”
“I understand your concerns, and, to be honest, I’m sure that it will be an issue that will need addressing.” Silas knew her concerns, and he was sure that Jen would be as upset as Sarah.
Realizing that she was not going to get her questions answered, Sarah decided it was best to leave the subject alone at this time. “Okay, but I want you to know that I’m not happy. Is there anything you need me to do before the meeting?”
“As a matter of fact, there is. Please help spread the news of the meeting this evening. We’d like as many of the townsfolk there as possible.” Silas knew she would not feel better until she had the whole story, but even he did not have all the facts as of yet.
With nothing more to say, they both exchanged their goodbyes. Silas headed back toward the courthouse, and then he planned to go home and talk to Jen. He was sure that she had heard the news by now since it appeared to be spreading throughout the town like wildfire.
“What do you think is going to happen, and why didn’t you warn me?” Relieved that Silas had finally come home, Jen was waiting for him at the door.
“We’ve both watched the evening news and seen all the problems that other towns are having.” Jen had received a call from two other teachers, wanting to know what was going on and why it appeared that he was doing nothing about it.
“I’m sorry that I didn’t talk to you about everything sooner. I just didn’t want to say anything until we had more answers. Andrew has called for a town meeting at 7 o’clock, so hopefully we’ll have more answers by then.” Silas thought it better not to tell her of his conversation with Frank earlier that day, as it would only increase her fears.
“I’m hungry. Is there any more of those beans and cornbread from last night?” Silas hoped a good meal would help him think of what he needed to do next.
Jen looked at him and smiled. “That sounds like a great idea; I’m hungry too.”
They both walked to the kitchen when Silas’ cell phone began to ring. He looked at the screen and noticed the call was from Andrew. Realizing that it could be some additional news, he excused himself to take the call in private.
“Hello, Andrew, is there more news?” He held his breath; waiting for what he prayed was good news.
“Silas, things are getting out of control up here. I’ve had several upset, and extremely vocal people in my office since you left. The news of those people brought to the mill has spread throughout the town.” Andrew’s voice quivered with a mixture of fear and anger. It seemed as though this whole situation grew more out of control with each passing minute.
“I’m very well aware of the current state of things, Andrew. Sarah Millington broadsided me when I left the barber
shop and let me know her thoughts on the subject. Between her and Claude, I’ve had a classic ass-chewin’ since I left you. Please tell me you’ve learned how to get us out of this mess.”
The phone was silent for several moments before Andrew finally spoke. “No, I haven’t, I’m sorry. It looks as though we have no recourse, Silas. There is nothing we can do according to those I contacted since you left my office.”
That was not the news Silas wanted to hear. “Damn it, I was worried about that. Well, I’m at home now, and once I finish my lunch, I’ll come back to your office and we’ll get our game plan ready for this evening. I’ll be there within the hour.”
Andrew released a nervous chuckle while trying to steady his nerves. “That sounds fine. I’m getting hungry myself, but I think I’ll have Maggie go pick something up for me and bring it back here. I’m in no mood to face anyone else at this time.”
“I think that’s a good idea. I’ll be there as soon as possible.” Silas hung up and walked to the kitchen where Jen was preparing their lunch.
“Is everything alright?” Jen could see the worried look on his face.
Silas walked over to the table and sat in his chair. “As well as can be expected, I guess. That was Andrew, and things are beginning to heat up in town.”
Jen did not know what to say. She knew Silas was upset, but so was she. “So, what’s going to happen at this meeting?”
“I have no idea, to be honest with you. Andrew has to convince everyone that things will work out for the best, but I don’t know what to expect.” Silas wondered if he should tell her about his conversation with Frank, but he decided it was probably best to keep that information to himself for the time being.
“I heard that they have several children out there. Is that correct?” Jen looked at Silas, hoping she had heard wrong.
He knew that she was hoping the news was incorrect, but he could not lie to her. “Yeah, from what I saw there were a few.”
Jen set the pot of beans on the table next to the cornbread. She then sat silently in her chair for several moments before she finally spoke. “I’m scared, Silas. I’ve heard some real horror stories about the conditions these children came from. I don’t believe we’re prepared to handle anything they may have brought with them. Our town is hanging by a string as it is. Hell, we can barely afford the children we have enrolled at this time, let alone several more with special needs.”
Silas reached for the soup ladle and scooped up some of the beans then poured them into his bowl. “I’m worried about that as well. I wish I knew how we were supposed to handle any problems they may have brought with them. Nothing could’ve prepared us for this surprise.”
Jen took the ladle from Silas and filled her bowl as well. She picked up her spoon, but could not bring herself to eat. “Why didn’t the federal government let us know they were bringing them here? How is it fair to just drop them here without alerting us first?”
Silas looked at Jen and noticed the tears forming in her eyes. He understood her fear and doubt, and he wished that he had a definite answer for her. This entire thing was something he could never have imagined happening in Sandley.
“I wish I had an answer for you, but I don’t. I never thought we would live in a time where our government would consider people from another country more important than its citizens,” he frowned.
Silas took another bite of his beans, as his mind spun wildly. He knew it was his job to uphold the law, but he wondered if his heart would be in it. “I’m aware that we have difficult times ahead of us, but I need to focus on protecting the people of Sandley first. I will not sacrifice their safety for anyone, and I don’t care who they are or what the Feds say.”
Realizing what he had just said, Silas dropped his head, ashamed to look at Jen. “Damn, I can’t be that way. No matter what my personal feelings are I still must do my job.”
Jen looked at Silas and noticed the conflicted look on his face. “I don’t understand what you mean.”
He slowly lifted his head and looked directly at her. “I’ll even have to protect those people, should the need arise.”
The words were poison on his tongue, but he knew that he had no choice. Silas knew that no matter what was ahead for the town of Sandley; he was responsible for protecting everyone, no matter how he felt.