Chapter 3: The Promise of Main Street

Clayton planned to set the base east of the river. Marcus and I spent all night working out a plan, and went to find him first thing in the morning.

He was a busy man—who knew when he’d be off again.

“Mr. Reed!”

We were in luck—even if he wasn’t there yet, Missus was setting out breakfast.

She exclaimed in surprise, delighted, and hurried us to sit. “I just sent Eli and Noah to look for you, and here you are! Perfect timing!”

Just then, Jack came in with Eli and Noah.

“Uncle Ben! Uncle Marcus!”

Eli ran over, scolding us like a little adult. “You’re grown-ups—how can you run off and make us look everywhere for you?”

I scooped him up, apologizing without much sincerity. “Sorry to make you run around, Eli.”

“No respect for your elders!”

Clayton walked in, hearing Eli’s words, and gently scolded him.

He took the bowl from Missus, helping out deftly, and when he caught Jack sneaking food, he tapped his head.

Once breakfast was set, Missus was about to leave, but Clayton stopped her. “Honey!”

He was careful of her pregnant belly, guiding her to sit at the table.

“Eat with us.”

“Oh, I shouldn’t—” Missus started to get up, but I quickly intervened.

“Missus!” I set a chipped ceramic bowl in front of her, saying loudly, “No need to be so formal! If you leave, Marcus and I will feel bad for mooching breakfast.”

She laughed and sat down, picking up her fork. “Alright, let’s all eat together!”

Marcus and I didn’t stand on ceremony, sitting down for a lively breakfast with everyone.

There was chatter and laughter, the clatter of silverware, and the warmth of family—even if not everyone at the table was related by blood.

“Mr. Reed, Marcus and I came up with a plan last night. After breakfast, could you and Mr. Sanford discuss it with us?” I asked, seeking his opinion.

He nodded, no objections. “Of course, I’ll have someone fetch him in a bit.”

Jack chimed in, “Big brother, I want to join too.”

But Clayton shut him down at once. “No chance. Finish eating and get to your studies!”

“Mr. Sanford will be around these days. If you don’t understand something, go ask him… And make sure you finish all your assignments—don’t skip a single word!”

Then came a string of nagging, clearly unhappy with Jack’s study habits.

“Eli writes ten big letters a day, Noah only five, but I have to write twenty-five!” Jack protested, sounding a bit wronged. “If I can’t finish… how is that my fault?”

“Still talking back?”

Clayton raised his hand as if to swat him. Seeing Jack shrink back, he didn’t follow through, instead tearing off half a biscuit and dropping it in his bowl.

“Eat up and get to work!”

Jack muttered “okay,” ducking his head to eat, missing the faint smile on his brother’s face.

Watching them, they looked less like brothers and more like father and son.

…

After breakfast, Clayton sent for Mr. Sanford.

He arrived quickly, almost at the same time as us. Marcus and I greeted him, and he smiled in return.

After a few pleasantries, we got to the point.

It was the same map from yesterday. I stood before it and explained my plan: “…Setting the base east of the river, the old Whitaker house is in Willow Creek. If we wait to fix it up after the handover, it’ll take too long and be too disruptive. I thought, why not move the base first?”

“Move the base?” Clayton repeated, puzzled. “Please explain.”

I looked at him and analyzed it in detail.

“When I get back, I plan to persuade the young mayor to use the pretext of a big push south to move the county office. On the surface, it’s about the campaign, but in truth, it’s to relocate. While the rival groups are unprepared, shift the office from Main Street to Willow Creek, use relief funds to restore the old Whitaker house, and get ready early…”

“Also, by making a move south, Maple Heights will force the rival group to pull back some of their troublemakers.”

Clayton said gravely, “Moving the base is no small thing. Will the young mayor and the council agree?”

Marcus and I exchanged a glance. He smiled, “Don’t worry, Mr. Reed. If it were any other mayor, maybe. But this is the young mayor of Maple Heights—there’s nothing to worry about.”

“Chris Sawyer is still young, but cruel and ambitious. He has no real strengths, but loves glory and is easily manipulated.” I shook my head, following up. “You don’t know—when my dad was away handling business, he was egged on by a petty clerk and tried to fire my whole family! He’s hopelessly stupid!”

Someone like that only sits in the office thanks to his family’s luck.

But he won’t have it much longer.

“Moving the base isn’t impossible—just takes some maneuvering.” I looked at Clayton, taking responsibility. “If you agree, leave it to me!”

“If it can be done, all the better,” Mr. Sanford said suddenly, looking at Clayton. “Sir, I think it’s worth a try.”

Clayton pondered for a moment, then nodded. “Let’s do as you say. Thank you, Ben!”

I assured him it was nothing, then we got down to the details.

By the time we finished, it was already past noon. Marcus’s stomach rumbled, and we realized we’d missed lunch.

“When you get busy, you lose track of time,” Clayton said with a wry smile. “Guess I’ll get scolded again.”

“I’ll go first and ask Missus for food—she’ll never say no to me.” I grinned at Clayton, gloating. “But—you’re on your own!”

Clayton laughed, looking helplessly at Mr. Sanford, who pointed at me.

Marcus and I, starving, said goodbye and went to find Missus. But Clayton called after me.

“Ben—”

I stopped and turned to look at him as he asked, “Is Main Street lively? Lots to do?”

It was the county seat—of course it was lively.

So I nodded. “Main Street is bustling—there’s plenty to see and do.”

Clayton’s smile faded a bit, as if hesitating, but he still spoke. “I want… to let Jack go back to Main Street with you.”

“He’s always been so sensible, suffered a lot with me, never seen much of the world… I want him to experience it, have some fun.”

I suddenly understood what he was really saying.

Clayton wanted Jack to have a few good years. Main Street would be much safer than here.

The Whitaker family would protect him with everything we had, and offer him a better life.

Real love plans ahead.

Clayton truly cared for Jack.

“As long as he’s willing—” I promised with a smile, “the Whitaker family will always welcome him.”

And as I said it, I felt a quiet certainty settle in my chest. In a world that was shifting under our feet, some things—like family, and the chance to start fresh—were worth holding onto with both hands.

I just hoped Jack wanted the same.