It was 7 o'clock and the town hall meeting filled Abigail's Café to capacity.

Mayor Fiona tapped on the podium and asked for quiet. Judge Bill Avery stepped forward and addressed the crowd that there was a new owner of the Queen of Hearts Saloon. He explained that Lucas Bouchard sold it to Wyman Walden. With the news the crowd let out a loud collective gasp! He called Wyman up to the front. Walden grimaced as he sauntered up. Bill looked around and saw astonished faces.

One of the men in the back raised his hand, "Yes?" Bill asked.

"Did Lucas Bouchard say anything to you or to the town council that he was selling his saloon?" Jesse asked.

"No," answered Bill "none of us knew, but we did know that Walden was approaching establishments trying to buy them out."

At that point Walden spoke up, "I have a legal agreement with Lucas Bouchard and he explained there is no problem here, unless you make it a problem."

That is when Bill spoke up again, "What the townsfolk don't know is that you are intending to change the 'atmosphere', so to speak' of the saloon so I would like you to tell them what your plans are."

Walden shifted from foot to foot and looked around and said, "Well I don't have anything to add except that being that we all know there's going to be an oil pipeline built, and there will be more men coming here seeking employment yes? And so after a long hard day I'm sure they will look forward to some rest and relaxation," with that he smiled from ear to ear. "So I proposed that I would not serve food but keep the spirits, and open up the saloon for casino type games and live entertainment!

Bill interjected, "What entertainment are you referring to?" he asked with disdain.

Well, well you know the type of entertainment like we see in other cities. I've already made arrangements to have Ravenous Roxy and possibly the Dancing Dames to come perform for the enjoyment of all." he grinned. With that everyone in the café was whispering and talking and getting all excited about the trouble that could be happening and another hand went up.

"Yes?" Bill asked.

"Well, I was just wondering why we would have to put up with this? This is a family friendly town and we're not used to rough and raucous behavior Mollie pointed out.

Bill explained, "This is why we are called the meeting. We have zones, bylaws, and ordinances, and I have looked into them as well as Mountie Nathan and it seems to us that this type of business will not fit in our little town of Hope Valley. Rest assured that we will pursue any means to stop any lewd behavior intoxication late hours and loud noises."

"Oh, ho-ho", said Wyman, "you think you can stop me? Well I'll tell you, I doubt very much your little city ordinances will stop this from happening."

Nathan stepped up at the podium and said, "Now this is not a battle between us, this is just common decency. If you choose to come into our town you must learn to respect our town folk wishes and the rules and laws that have been made. Be assured if anything of these laws are broken people will be arrested and the business will be closed."

Wyman asked what ordinances are you speaking about?"

Bill replied, "You see when Lucas's bought the saloon, his entertainment was loud and late at night. Many people were upset and our mayor at that time, Abigail, made arrangements with a compromise to allow later hours on Friday and Saturday nights only and there were no live shows. It became a family friendly place."

Fiona spoke, "Before anyone can open a business there must be approval from the town council before we put any vote forward. I'd like to make sure there are no more questions. Does anyone have any other questions?"

Mike Hickam raised his hand, "Well since I am working for the oil refinery I know that eventually we plan on having a pipeline built and more employment offered, however we expect our men to most likely be hard working family men. We do not anticipate having anyone here temporarily just to make a fast buck. So I will say as far as the petroleum company goals we would prefer family men, therefore I see no need for this!" and with that he sat down and all the people in the cafe clapped loudly in support!

"That is just what we needed to hear,," said Fiona "thank you. Anyone else?

"Well I think," Flo just had to say something, "that there are just too many children in our town, so we wouldn't want any kind of bad manners and loud raucous behavior. So I for one, and I'm sure as I look around the room others that agree, this is not what we are looking for to join our wonderful community. I say as a council member that I do NOT approve of this business!"

After she spoke other proprietors spoke too and agreed this was not what they expected. The council voted and there was not one person approving of this business proposal.

Mr. Walden came up to the front again and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is not the last you will hear from me. I will not be dissuaded I promise you that!" and he walked firmly through the crowd and out the door as someone inside said, "Good riddance!"