Free Easy Bake Coven: Book One of the Vivienne Finch Magical Mysteries by J.D. Shaw

community who have taken time out of their busy schedules to
attend tonight. We look forward to hearing your valuable input this evening.”
    “We
need to defend our businesses.” Someone shouted from the crowd to which Mona
banged the gavel three times in response.
    “Please,
I must ask that all comments and concerns be raised at the appropriate time.”
Mona scanned the room with her eyes, defying another outburst. Satisfied with
the quiet, she set the gavel down and continued. “As I said, I appreciate
everyone’s time and I’m sure that you’re all going to agree that our plan will
benefit the entire town.”
    Clara
gave Vivienne a slight poke with her elbow. “Do you think Julius Caesar started
his last speech that way?” She whispered.
    Vivienne
smiled and gave her a wink. “Et tu Brute?”
    Over
the next half hour, Mona proceeded to explain her plan for the refurbishing of
Main Street. She utilized a computer and projected several artist renderings of
what the building style would look like onto a large screen behind the board
members. “As you can see, our design will give all the businesses on Main
Street a cohesive look that will entice shoppers to explore and discover. Our
inspiration for the design started with Market Street in Corning, New York.”
She displayed a series of images as she spoke. “Which when combined with
elements from downtown Salem, Massachusetts and the coastal charm of Ogunquit,
Maine, will add up to a unique locale irresistible to tourists.”
    Vivienne
had to admit, the drawings certainly did make Cayuga Cove look like one of the
picturesque seaside towns that dotted the New England coastline. The colors and
styles were uniform and pleasing to the eye, as were the decorative wooden
signs for each of the businesses. The artist had even produced four images of
the street decorated for each of the seasons and several oh’s and ah’s came from the assembled audience.
    Just
as she had done in the bakery with Vivienne, Mona went on to explain how the
cosmetic changes would entice tour bus companies to make the town a stop on
their lucrative wine trail runs and how the increase in business would bring
much needed tax money into the local economy. “By investing in the future, you
are helping not only to create a beautiful town to call home,” she paused for
dramatic effect, “You are going to create a stable tax base that will help keep
costs to taxpayers at a manageable level.”
    Her
remarks were met with a smattering of applause. “It’s a win-win deal for
everyone.”
    There
were quite a few disgruntled moans afterwards and a low murmur began to stir.
    “I
move we open the floor for discussion.” Mary Ellen Bryce spoke up sensing the
energy of the assembled crowd. As assistant principal it was second nature to
use her voice to command attention. Vivienne half expected her to flip the
lights on and off as was the norm at so many school assemblies.
    “I
second the motion.” Suzette Powell spoke into the microphone a little too
closely which caused some feedback. She cupped her hands around it which only
made more noise.
    Victoria
pulled Suzette’s hands away and the feedback disappeared, much to the relief of
the room.
    “Discussion
is approved.” Mona tapped the gavel. “There is a microphone set up on the far
right of the room, please line up and speak clearly.”
    Several
patrons jumped to their feet and created a line along the right wall. “Excuse
me ladies.” Kathy grabbed her purse and hustled over to the end of the line.
    First
to speak was Raymond Meeker. He cleared his throat and tapped the microphone
with his right hand. “Testing?”
    “The
microphone is working.” Mary Ellen replied, her voice taking a more harsh tone
than before. She squinted at the long line of questioners. “Given the length of
the line, I suggest we limit each person to one question.”
    “I
agree.” Mona gave her approval. “Please proceed.”
    “My
name is Raymond Meeker of