Chapter Sixty Seven. TOWN SQUARE at Tom Barkley's statue two weeks later——-
"Ladies and Gentlemen of Stockton, I am pleased to be with you today along with members of my family and business partners." as Jarrod waved his hand toward the audience.
"For several years, our town has been booming and we have not been able to keep up with all the travelers coming through Stockton and new families coming to the area——-Business has been good. The river port is at capacity; we need expansion," with a slight look toward the Mayor.
He narrowed his eyes at Jarrod.
"We are building a department store downtown for all of our lovely ladies to frequent with water closets and a tea room. It parallels the fine shopping in Sacramento and San Francisco I am sure. Gentlemen, hold close those wallet chains," the crowd laughed.
The mayor and city council were livid knowing they had manipulated the land from the casino deal and kept the hefty Taylor downpayment for the bid in their coffers. The department store was funded partially by Lisette's deposit. Their faces did not even disguise their anger at Jarrod. Most people in town knew the details by now and laughed at Jarrod's sarcasm.
"What does Stockton need? My family was one of the original settlers to this valley and we share the vision of this great city on the banks of the San Joaquin."
Some man in the back of the square yelled, "A casino that's what!"
The crowd either laughed or hissed. Jarrod played along with it.
"I have heard that suggestion before." and the crowd relaxed in laughter.
"We have roads now—-good roads. Minerals, crops, groves of fruit trees, timber—-all materials that need to be transported. We are at the interchange of three railroads lines——a river port that is at capacity. I plan to lobby in Sacramento for the dredging of the river for more barge traffic in the October session of the legislature. I also would like to increase law enforcement in the wharf area and will work with the town council to make all of Stockton safer."
The audience clapped.
The mayor looked like he was going to have an apoplexy. "Is he running for my job? Damn him. Building new warehouses, he is! I will fight him every step of the way."
"So what does Stockton need? After extensive visits with the community, and the owner of the Cattleman's," and he motioned to the smiling man on the front row.
"We are building a hotel, a resort on the banks of the river for travelers and city events."
"Ooooh, Ahhhh, Yes! " Approval came from the crowd.
The mayor relaxed his shoulders and immediately realized Jarrod had played him, "Son of a ——" he muttered. The men around him stared at his profanity.
Jarrod continued, "We shall have ten single rooms for travelers and twenty family rooms around a courtyard pond. The first building to be completed by the end of June is the San Joaquin Hall. For dances, parties, weddings for the whole community to rent. As the old hall was on Fifth street."
The crowd murmured its approval,
"In fact our own Audra Barkley and her lucky beau, Carl Wheeler will be our first reservation for their September nuptials."
"There will be a stocked pond, sea wall, boardwalk, gazebo,and stables on the acreage. Our restaurant and kitchen will be open in July for takeout and guests until the dining room is complete."
"A limited amount of cottages will be built for employees to live on site. Two have already been taken by our restaurant manager and family as well as a head groundskeeper."
"Applications for employment are available at my office."
"All investors are residents of San Joaquin County"
"Yippee! Hurrah! Good work Mista Barkley! Proud of ya investing in the town."
Jarrod concluded his announcement and was mobbed by well-wishers and congratulations.
Butch Jones stood nearby. He had cut his thick black hair and wore a brown suit with no tie. He constantly watched the crowd for any threat to the ladies.
Lisette stood to the side with Victoria and Anna. Many people were congratulating Anna on her engagement to Nick and honestly a side glance at her midsection to judge the quick wedding date. Lisette was very proper and was introduced several times to ladies at the church. She stayed completely away from Jarrod at all times.
Heath was at Grete's side protectively at the back as Kai and Henry played nearby. He and Butch would share looks as they scanned the crowd.
Several children were pushed away by their parents from Kai but two of Dr Merar's great-nephews came over tentatively. Soon the four boys were playing tag. Kai was moving quickly on his crutches and he was the counter for the game.
Lisette kept an eye on the boys as best she could while making her social connections as a resident of Stockton. She would be unveiling her business soon in Jarrod's front office space. An art gallery, calligraphy and advertisements. She wanted to become part of the community as best she could.
The mayor and several of the council members waited until the crowd dispersed and made their way to Jarrod.
Nick saw them and walked over leaning on his cane. He wanted to be there for the conversation.
"Well Jarrod, rook—- queen, king, and crown you—-you won." The Mayor spat.
Jarrod put an innocent look on his face and took a long drag on his newly lit cigar.
"Is that a compliment?"
"No," he retorted sardonically.
Nick raised his eyebrow at the same time as his brother.
"The Barkleys have always invested in our community." he responded.
"Is the casino lady involved?"
"Mrs Taylor? Why of course—-I was able to procur the materials for a lark. You might remember why——She is a resident here now. A business owner. I leased her office space myself."Jarrod steeped his voice in sarcasm.
"You didn't answer my question."
"No casino." Jarrod challenged back abruptly.
"What's her role?"
"Partner. Just like Nick and Heath and Audra and my mother and Carl——don't forget Gene. We tend to do that."
The men shared a look.
The mayor continued, "I am glad to have the hotel, Jarrod. I don't appreciate being misled about the wharf. But I will let bygones be bygones."
"I won't. For that to happen, I would need my client to get her father's deposit back on the land. Is it being used for town improvements? The new department store? Maybe another project close to your heart?"
"It's in the bank in the city's account." he said with disgust.
"Good. I will check on it regularly as a resident and property owner in the valley."
"You just do that—-Congratulations on the hotel. The town appreciates it." and they walked off in a huff.
Nick smirked at Jarrod, "Kinda insincere don't you think?"
"Just a bit," Jarrod took a long drag from his cigar. And his eyes scanned the crowd for his target; he relaxed, comforted by Lisette smiling with two ladies from church.
With Butch looking on——