Chapter 4

After a full day of work, the sky had gone dark.

My assistant said to me anxiously, "Mr. Johnson, it's already dark out. The road out of the mountains is rough at night. We need to leave right away."

Mayor Barrett said too, "That's right, Mr. Johnson, we'll get you out at once—"

"No need, Mayor Barrett. I was wondering if we could impose on you for the night."

Mayor Barrett looked troubled. "That's... "

"Would it be a problem?"

"No, it's just, Mr. Johnson, the conditions in our town... "

I cut him off. "It's fine. As long as it's no trouble, I'd appreciate it if you'd arrange something for us."

That night we stayed in a dark, somewhat dirty house. Mayor Barrett told me it was the cleanest one they could find.

At dinner, they even killed a chicken for us.

I meant to have my assistant pay, but Mayor Barrett refused on the spot. "You came all the way out to look at investing in our town. We're grateful enough for that. How could we take your money?"

"All right."

That night, lying on the wooden plank bed, I said to my assistant on the bed beside me, "Eugene, the investment goes to Cottonwood Hollow."

Eugene surfaced from a half-sleep. "Huh? You've decided to invest in Cottonwood Hollow?"

"Mm. Tomorrow, once we sign the contracts with the townspeople, notify the heavy-machinery crew right away so they can come in and start on the road."

"Got it. The crew can be here tomorrow."

I'd just gotten up in the morning when I got a call from Brightvale. The mayor's voice came through. "Mr. Johnson, everything's ready over here."

"Ready for what?"

"The new investment assembly, of course. Bigger than last time, too. Your investment in our town blew up online last time, and Curt says a lot of people from the internet are coming out in person this time to see it and keep an eye on things."

"On top of that, the county TV station is coming to cover your investment. Mr. Johnson, you'd better make the most of this. It's a great chance to get some publicity for yourselves."

I had nothing to say to that. When had I ever agreed to attend another investment assembly?

Clearly they'd decided it on their own and put me over the fire.

They figured a little pressure yesterday and I'd fall in line today.

Their whole game was laughable.

"A publicity chance like this. You think I should treasure it?"

"What do you mean? Mr. Johnson, I don't follow. Our thinking is simple. We just want you to make us rich." Curtis let out a cold laugh.

"Making you rich isn't something I can do. Getting you out of poverty, that I can manage."

"Mr. Johnson, all you have to do is share the profits with us every year. The assembly starts at ten thirty. Everyone's waiting. Whatever you do, don't be late, or this ends up online again and people start saying you think too highly of yourself."

"All right." I hung up.

My assistant said furiously, "Mr. Johnson, they've gone too far. Do they really think we're easy to push around?"

"It's fine."

"Mr. Johnson, are you really going?" There was indignation on his face.

"Going where?"

"To the investment assembly in Brightvale."

"No time for that. Have Mayor Barrett gather the townspeople for a meeting right now. Get the contracts ready. Once they're signed, construction starts immediately."

Eugene brightened. "I'll go now."

He rushed out.

A short while later, he came hurrying back. "Mr. Johnson, quick, look at Brightvale's livestream."

I opened the stream and saw Brightvale already packed with people, the whole town decked out in bright colors, balloon arches, a red carpet, everything.

The stage was up too. They clearly meant to shove me onto it and make me put on a show.

"Mr. Johnson, streaming this fast, they obviously want to force you to show up."

I watched Curtis on the screen, playing it up with real flair, all animated and pleased with himself. I gave a faint smile. "It's fine. Then let the whole internet see with their own eyes who the real joke is."