CHAPTER 7: 4TH OF JULY FUN
The 4th of July had arrived and everyone was enjoying the day. The townsfolk had come down to the theater to see the performances that was happening there. One act did some magic, and another did some dancing. Backstage, Schroeder, Lucy, Sadie, Tate, Buck, and Ophelia were getting ready for their performance. Sadie, usually pretty calm, was nervous, as she hoped the theater could be saved.
"I hope we be successful," she said, as she paced back and forth.
"Don't worry, Stretch," said Schroeder. "We'll be great tonight. And the theater will be saved. I'm sure of it."
"I think it's time for us to go on," said Lucy. And the M.C. for the show walked up to a mic to announce the next act.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, "I would like t' welcome our next act, The Klimt Family Jug Band!" And everyone applauded as the kids made their way to the stage. Schroeder cued the band to start, and everyone started playing. Sadie went up to a microphone and started singing. Lucy was impressed by the tall teen. She wasn't as polished as Frieda was, but was still pretty talented. And the crowd enjoyed the performance, and even some started dancing in front of the stage. They had performed five songs. Once they were finished, the M.C. returned to make a big announcement.
"The fireworks show will commence soon," he said, "but first I have some good news, folks. We have made our goal to save the theater!" And the place erupted in applause and cheering. Lucy and Schroeder kissed each other and celebrated. Sadie also kissed Tate, making him blush in the process.
"We did it, Tatey!" she cheered. "We save th' theater!"
"Also," the M.C. continued, "we have managed to surpass our minimal goal of two thirds of the town to sign the petition to make this theater a historical landmark. The mayor of the town and the governor of the state of Oklahoma will sign this into law and this theater will be here for many generations to enjoy!" And the crowd cheered once again. Everything had been a success. Slick wasn't celebrating, though, but it didn't matter to him, because, as far as he knew, once everyone had left, the theater would be turned to rubble.
After the fireworks show had ended and everyone went back home, Slick was back at the theater laying out the explosives around the theater. He was by himself, as he thought he would have help in doing the deed. But when someone did show up, he was surprised to see a barrage of police surrounding him.
"Slick Riddle, you are under arrest for attempted arson, and attempted destruction of a historic building!" That was the voice of the sheriff talking to Slick. He gave up without a fight.
"Looks like I'll be joining Ted in prison," sighed Slick to himself.
The next day, news had gotten around about Slick's arrest and his attempt to destroy the theater just to get his strip mall. Schroeder and Lucy, in particular, was shocked but not surprised, due to dealing with his brother Tiki Ted back in Hawaii the year before.
"Look like the apple didn't fall far from that tree," said Lucy.
"At least the sheriff was able to stop him from destroying the theater," added Schroeder.
"That would've been terrible if somethin' had happened after all our hard work," said Sadie. "I'm jus' glad they stopped that awful Slick Riddle."
"Me too," added Tate.
"According to the news, the guys who were supposed to help in destroying the theater actually turned on Slick and made deals with the district attorney for lighter sentences," Schroeder stated. "Some of them are getting suspended sentences, which means as long as they stay out of trouble for a certain period, they stay out of prison."
"Some folks DO have consciences," said Lucy. And the kids continued to discuss the fallout from Slick's actions.
NEXT CHAPTER: TIME TO HEAD BACK