Chapter 15

Why?

Paul glared at the group and sucked in air. He spoke one word, "Why?"

He paused and continued, "Why are we trapped between crazy and insane?"

Bobby understood as soon as Paul began. Tension drained from his body. Relief relaxed his reasoning. His mind rendered an, "Atta boy."

Paul asked, "How did we get in this mess? We wanted to expand a little business using our talents to help the community. Maybe a plaza of six to eight stores. Our objective drifted, and we became obscured in our goals. The result shoved us to develop a monster mega-mall."

Bobby asked, "What are you attempting to say? I assumed you aspire to augment our ability to advance the concept of shopping."

Paul said, "I asked Dr. Westhammer here today, because I lost vision of what we wanted. I had a strange sensation modifying our work. We shifted fast without vision." Their gazes sloped downward.

Lois said, "We all have good incomes renting out our farms. Momma and I are tired of going to meeting after meeting. It is not worth it to us. We just wanted to support you and Robert."

Agnes added, "Amber and I desired to help our husbands. We did not want a full-time job."

Bobby chimed in, "It is not anyone's fault. My primary concern is my ranch, but lately more time is required at the plaza."

Paul said, "Dr. Westhammer may have a practical remedy. Doctor would you share whether it is possible to withdraw and save our reputations."

"Thank you, Paul. Part of your problem is my blunder."

Betzy said, "It isn't. I pushed you to make the gift and loan to appear like a hero in front of my friends and family. I apologize to all of you."

The gracious doctor continued, "Regardless of who is to blame there may be a simple solution."

Everyone scrutinized him.

"I have been in contact with Federated Marketing. They own some of the largest plazas, malls and stores in the world. They are interested in a buy out."

Paul said, "We have millions of dollars of debt.

"Most of what is owed is to Federated or their subsidiaries. Your settlement will give you enough money to pay me off and build a small strip mall or plaza. I plan on taking early retirement soon. Betzy, my son and I have sold our hospital. We are planning on purchasing a small clinic in your county which has one other doctor and a staff of four."

"My husband wants to slow down and go fishing, hunting and raise racehorses."

Bobby's eyes were bulging, and his mouth took a turn upward, "Tending to horses is a full-time job. Welcome to Boyd County."

All the gathered focused on Carl who executed a laidback grin. Carl said, "I am flexible. Whatever the family decides is OK with me."

Momma said, "Carl, you are family. Since the tenth grade you have been part of us."

Momma presented a penetrating gaze as she glanced from face to face. She noticed Carl tearing as his voice quivered. He said, "Momma, I love the family. All of you have embraced me as I am. You even scolded Bobby, Betzy and me when we got in a fight with a group of bullies. You acted like you were mad, but you were afraid we would get hurt."

Paul said, "Carl, your wisdom and decisions kept us on task. You saved us thousands of dollars and influenced every major decision we made."

Walt Sr. said, "Carl, Federated will need an interim manager to facilitate the transition. The change will take two or three months."

Carl responded, "I will be happy to fill in for a short time."

"Good, I will be honored to recommend you."

Paul and Bobby agreed that Carl would be a great choice for the interim position.

Bobby added, "I cannot imagine a better person. He has the experience and the heart needed for the job."

Paul said, "We have a plan. All in agreement say, 'Aye.' Those opposed say, 'Nay.' The 'Ayes' prevailed. Does anyone want to recommend we return to the smaller plaza concept?"

Bobby said, "I move that we consider the prospect of a plaza or strip mall."

Lois said, "I second the motion."

It was a unanimous vote in favor to investigate the project. "Unless there is any further business, I declare the meeting of the board adjourned."

All attendees assembled in the living room to watch the University of Kentucky play against the University of Tennessee in basketball. Walt, Sr. was the only one cheering for Tennessee. Paul goaded him into betting twenty dollars. At the half Tennessee led by ten points. The score was forty-three to fifty-three.

Paul suggested, "We can raise the wager to fifty dollars if you want."

Walt Sr. said, "I do not want to steal your money. Let's raise the stake another fifty for a total of one hundred dollars."

Paul said, "I have faith in my team. One hundred it is, but I believe I am taking advantage of you."

"Then make it two hundred."

"Two hundred will be fine."

Betzy said, "Both of you are acting like little children."

The women agreed with Betzy. Mrs. Mendez chuckled and said, "Hombres locos americanos." (Crazy American men.)

Carl frowned as he grimaced. His concentration faded then perked. His lower jaw jutted, and he shifted forward nodding as each person spoke. He raised his eyebrows in anticipation and eagerness.