*** Bear with me I like to publish chapters that may not yet be complete***

James arrived at the Mayor's home shortly after five o'clock and was greeted at the door by the a man of slight build that wore a gray wool coat with tails and a vest to match. At his neck was a silk scarf with black gradient stripes. James guessed that this man was the butler.

"James Wescott, to see Mayor Albrecht" he said to the man.

"My name is Harold" the man spoke in a soothing monotone "The Mayor is expecting you."

Harold pulled from his vest pocket a gold watch, snapping open its case and looking down at the hands he said "Dinner will be served shortly. Please do come in. May I take your coat?"

James removed his coat and handed it to Harold who took it from him with a short bow and left the room.

The foyer of the house was immaculate, the golden oak floors were polished to a shine that rivaled any jewel that James had ever seen. To his left was a staircase carved with magnificent undercut acanthus scroll. The balustrade between square newels was wide with neatly arranged oak leaves serving as the molding below. Atop of the corner posts were pine cone finials which reminded him of crowns. A large golden chandelier was aglow with its 15 ivory candles burning bright. Across the room from him was a rectangular archway which lead into the dinning room.

The room was large and very open. The walls were painted a light sage which was offset by the stark white smooth paneling below. The niches in the walls were home to various statues which the Mayor had acquired from Italy. There was a fireplace on the south wall that was framed with marble with a smooth hearth to match. From the ceiling above the table hung a crystal chandelier that was larger than the one in the foyer. The dark wood of the table and chairs were a good contrast to the rest of the room. The table was set for eight people with the finest china and silver James had ever seen. This caused James to question who else would be attending this dinner.

"Mr. Wescott" came a voice from across the room "How nice of you to accept my invitation to dinner." the Mayor said. "Please do forgive my coldness earlier today at the jailhouse. It was just that I was not expecting anyone else to be there. The events of last night have many of the townsfolk shaken, myself included. Please have a seat while we wait for the others to arrive."

"Others?" James asked

"I have invited several of Ashton's most prominent citizens, who wished to share their concerns."