The Plantation - Di Morrissey [180]
‘Imagine having that monstrosity next door,’ muttered a neighbour.
‘What’s your point, young man?’ demanded a councillor.
‘I think you might know where I’m going with this, Mr Louden,’ said David affably.
‘I’m not staying. You have no right to use my home as some point of reference, and hold it up to ridicule. I’ll have you know that my house was designed by a top-notch architect, built by a master builder and featured in several magazines,’ snapped Fred Louden.
‘Is it your place, Mr Louden?’ asked Caroline.
‘Whatever you may think of the design, this is Mr Louden’s house, which was plonk in the middle of the original route for the bypass. And he didn’t want to see his home demolished for a bypass,’ exclaimed David. ‘Isn’t that so, Mr Louden?’
Fred Louden, red-faced and angry, glared at David. ‘You are right. Fortunately that route was changed and no houses were demolished,’ he answered.
There was a sudden murmur among the group.
‘Yes and no doubt very convenient for you. But may we know how you were able to avoid having your home demolished, while the heritage homes in this area are now earmarked for such a fate? Would it be because you used your influence to change the route of the bypass?’ asked David.
Fred Louden jumped to his feet. He could feel the open hostility directed towards him. ‘You can’t prove that! It’s outrageous for you to impugn my reputation,’ he began.
‘Before you threaten me with legal action,’ said David calmly picking up a sheaf of papers, ‘you might want to read the minutes and motions moved in Council two years ago when the bypass was originally mooted. It makes for some very interesting reading.’
There was now a surge as people grabbed the documents from David and shouted questions and sharp comments at Fred Louden and the startled councillors.
‘Outrageous.’
‘What a damn cheek.’
‘Were bribes paid?’
Fred Louden stood up and pushed his way through the group. ‘I’m not listening to this garbage. You’ll be hearing from me.’ He was hurrying down the steps into the night just as Paul pulled into the driveway.
‘What’s going on?’ asked Paul as he kissed Caroline.
Julie filled him in on the evening’s events and her father smiled.
‘Sounds like we should break out the good stuff. Well done, David.’ Paul pumped David’s hand as the academic joined them, looking rather pleased with himself.
‘I’ll see how the champagne stocks are going. Everyone will want a celebratory drink,’ said Paul as he and Caroline headed indoors.
‘Congratulations, that was quite a coup. A great piece of detective work,’ said Julie.
‘Thanks. I wonder how he assumed it would never come to light. I don’t think that we can prove anything untoward happened, but the fact his house was in the middle of the original bypass plan, which was changed and that he was part of the decision-making process puts a rather unpleasant cloud over him,’ said David.
‘So what will happen now? Do we get a reprieve and some other neighbourhood suffers?’ asked Julie.
David shook his head. ‘I don’t think so. I have heard, although it’s still unofficial, that the council is now considering a tunnel. Seems your campaign has stirred things up.’
‘You mean you and my mother! You’ve been doing all the stirring. Thank you, David,’ added Julie with feeling.
He nodded. ‘Least I could do. I like a challenge. And, it’s been nice to get to know your family. And you.’ He smiled at her. ‘Julie, I owe you an apology, I guess I blew it with you. Came on too strong. I didn’t read you correctly. I can be a bit of a bull at a gate. But I hope we can be friends.’
A great feeling of relief, and warmth, rushed through her. ‘Of course we can. We are friends. And my mother adores you.’
‘I think my stocks went up a bit after this,’ he said as Caroline came out bearing a bottle of champagne and glasses.
‘You were brilliant. Well done, David. I wish I had a photo of Fred Louden’s face when he saw his