Westerly

Clayton opened the council meeting with his usual rancor about the importance of guiding the community to prosperity and righteousness. He went on and on with the same speech he always made as though no one heard it before, and this meeting was no different. When Clayton finally ended his diatribe, he glanced around the room and met Taad’s eyes and said, "So, Thaddeus, I hear you have visitors." Taad wasn't surprised by Clayton calling him out with the use of his full first name. If Clayton expected it to be a barb in Taad's shoe, it just would not work. Taad loved his name no matter how others used it. Taad stood, and said, "Yes, I do. My brother and sister are here with their families. We're having a wonderful reunion." Taad remained standing. Clayton said, "Well, that's good to hear. Did you and your sibs get a chance to discuss harvesting the black walnut trees in your private refuge?" "Not that it's anyone's business here, Clayton, but we've agreed the subject is moot. It's off the table. Anything else you want to know about my personal affairs, Clayton?" "Farmed productivity is at an all-time high. Ethanol is in demand, and demand is likely to increase. That six-forty of yours needs to be productive and not just for providing you with recreation." "Yes, well it's my land and my recreation and certainly none of your business, but are you aware the Kansas Department of Agriculture officially designated that section as old-world forest?" Glancing around the room, Taad noted that no one was about to comment on his remark since Clayton had made it a personal issue. Eventually, another farmer-rancher, Francis Briggalo, Fran to his friends, commented that no one was suggesting he sell the land, only lease it, which he added, would substantially increase his leased revenues. "Yes," said Clayton. "Then perhaps you can trim your lease rates and cut us some slack based on volume." "My lease rates are the lowest of anyone within a hundred miles radius. And don't bother arguing the matter, you all know it's a fact, and you should know I get offers that would pay me more from others. So far, I've said no to those offers." Clayton retorted, "You came here to threaten us, Taad?" "No," said Taad, "I came here as a member of the Elders Council to conduct our business as we are accustomed, and not to discuss my personal affairs, which you Clayton, seem insistent on doing. I've heard all I want to hear from you about the Wood, black walnut trees, lease rates, or anything else about how I manage my affairs. So, that said, does anyone in this room object?" The room was still until Clayton spoke up. "Of course not, you have enough worries with the succession of the family name in this community to consider. I don't envy you that. So, when all that's done, what will become of the Lindenhall museum?" Taad didn't miss a beat for his retort. "And what becomes of your operation when it's known you're using undocumented immigrants as slave laborers?" Clayton was silent. "Of course," Taad continued, "understanding, yours is not the only farming enterprise doing such," and Taad turned his attention to another elder and slave master using Clayton's model, and said, "Isn't that right Theodore Gramble?" No one spoke. Taad was ecstatic with the banter, but he would not show it. Clayton publicly made his views known and Taad his. Two hours from now every elder's spouse would hear about the confrontation, and by this time tomorrow, everyone in town would know about it. Come next Sunday in the quad; it would be old news. Clayton had no move to make that would keep him clean with everyone knowing his motive. It did not bother Taad a whit concerning Clayton's quip about his and Lucy's inability, so far, to bear children. There was more than ample time to resolve that matter, or it would naturally resolve itself. Taad had remained standing throughout the dialog, and now he had the slightest smirk on this face. Looking about the room and making sure he made eye contact with everyone, Taad said, "If you gentlemen will excuse me, there are matters of procreation I must attend to." The room burst into laughter as Taad turned on his heels and headed to the exit.