Town Meeting
August 26, 1874
 

From the main courtroom, Framingham smiles at the assembled people as he makes his way to the front of the courtroom. For once he wears his normal clothing instead of his judicial robes and, after he ascends the steps to the bench, he stands behind his chair rather than sitting down. "Can everyone hear me?" he asks in a voice that carries across the courtroom. Evan nods. Richard nods and grins. "You're all right from here." Werner nods to the judge. Madeline follows the Culvers and their trio of children, with Joshua balanced neatly on a hip. The boy appears fascinated by the other children, at the moment. Elizabeth holds baby Rebecca, while Benji carries both Adam and Eve, who squirm. "Come, find a place to sit, Benji, and you can put them down, no?" Lassiter wanders in and looks around, studying the people who've come for the meeting. Benjamin helps his wife settle the children on the bench. Toys are distrubted to keep them quiet. Evan watches people arrive, giving little smiles to the children. Werner sits out of the way, half-watching the room. From the main courtroom, Framingham picks up his gavel and holds it loosely in his hands, watching the clock on the wall. Richard, for his part, watches a little more openly. Not every day something so official happens. Lassiter has a seat up towards the front. Reardon slips in the back, sliding his hat off his head as he steps inside, in an almost apologetic manner. He takes a seat on a bench, and rests the hat beside him, then absently tugs his vest down with a sharp motion. From the main courtroom, Framingham surveys the audience with a pleasant, slightly distracted air, very different from his usual stern, courtroom demeanor. It is obvious that he looks forward to chairing this meeting quite a bit. He notices Reardon walk in and nods in greeting. Reardon nods in return to the judge, some amount of unease melting off his shoulders. Meeting hasn't started yet? Then he needn't feel quite as guilty. He even dares a smile. Greg enters quietly, and takes a seat near Reardon. Reardon shifts over on the bench, easily enough, turning his smile on Reverend Brandt, and offering a murmured good evening. From the main courtroom, Framingham clears his throat and raps the gavel lightly on the desktop. "Very well, then," he says loudly, but pleasantly. "Shall we begin?" He pauses only briefly and adds, "Assemblyman Garrett sends his greetings and his regrets. He has had to return unexpectedly to Virginia City, so he is unable to chair this meeting tonight. Therefore, I have volunteered to take his place...at least until the new Mayor is chosen and can take over." Greg nods politely to Reardon, setting his derby down on the bench beside him. Evan stays quiet. Called to order, and all that. From the main courtroom, Framingham pauses briefly to let his first comment sink in and then continues. "Before we start with the issue of the new town mayor, is there any other business to discuss?" Madeline nods approval, though it wasn't asked of her, while she holds Joshua in her lap, back straight in perfect posture, silently listening. Greg raises a hand. The Culver Clan are behaving themselves for now. Sitting quietly, listening to the judge. But it doesn't last at church, and probably won't last here. From the main courtroom, Framingham notices the hand and nods to Greg, "Yes, Reverend?" Greg rises gracefully. "May I ask what is on the agenda beside the election, Your Honor?" From the main courtroom, Framingham glances down at his desktop breifly and then back at the audience. "The first order of business is to choose a pro tem mayor, until full elections can be held. Then we need to install the new sheriff and finally take nominations for the main election." Greg inquires, "When will old business be taken up?" Darque has arrived. Greg smiles to see Darque arrive, but continues standing, pending the Judge's reply. From the main courtroom, Framingham shrugs. "Presumably at the meeting's end. Or we could have it earlier -- whatever is the assembly's choice." He glances around the room. Greg nods. "Very well, Your Honor. Thank you." He resumes his seat. Darque is hardly quiet about his arrival, calling out, "Please excuse my tardiness," before he sits, quite certain that he's already been forgiven. From the main courtroom, Framingham clears his throat, but otherwise ignores the outburst. "Well, then let us begin. According to the City Charter, when the office of Mayor is vacated suddenly due to the death of the officeholder, a mayor pro tem is chosen by town meeting. Are there any nominations for the position of mayor pro tem?" He pauses and looks at the assembly. Terral slinks in behind Darque and plops into a chair as that man speaks. With her is the toddler Helen. Lassiter glances around the courtroom, studying the newest arrivals for a moment. Greg surveys the group quietly, thinking to himself. Benjamin glances around, as if evaluating all the men present. Evan raises a hand. Madeline seems to have already thought this through, as her hand rises, as well. Evan lowers his hand. Ladies first. Miguel pauses at the threshhold, surveying the audience, then he and an entire herd of Mexicans sit. This isn't difficult because, as the Mendezes and Juertas begin to file in, the other townsfolk start shuffling together. Like elk, when faced by a pack of wolves. And if women don't get a say.. well, just tell that to Madeline MacClaine nee Quintan. From the main courtroom, Framingham starts to call on Evan and then sees Madeline's hand. He gestures toward her and says, "Madam?" Madeline rises, with as much grace as she can muster, propping Joshua on her hip again for the brief trip up. "Your Honor, I'd like to nominate Mr. Evan Randolph. I believe he's proven himself an important part of our community, and I can think of none more suited to the office." Down she goes again. From the main courtroom, Framingham smiles and nods. "Mr. Randolph, do you accept the nomination?" Evan blinks. Huh? Well, that's not who I had in mind..... Darque folds his arms across his chest, and leans back, making a thorough study of this Mr. Randolph. Evan coughs a little, clearing his throat. Is he a little pink? Then he nods and rises, to be heard. "Um, yes, your honor, I do." Whatever came over you, Madeline? Evan seats himself. Terral half-rises in her chair to stare over. Randolf who? She's spending way too much time out on the farm lately. Greg raises a hand now. From the main courtroom, Framingham nods in satisfaction. "Very well. Are there any further nominations?" Almost despite himself, he glances in Miguel's direction, fearing to see a hand. When he notices Greg, he looks slightly relieved. "Reverend?" Greg asks, "If I understand correctly, this is for the post of acting mayor, not for the rest of the unexpired term, is that correct? From the main courtroom, Framingham nods. "Until full elections can be held in due course." Greg nods. "In that event, I would like to nominate one of Maddock's longest-standing residents, Alexander Darque." From the main courtroom, Framingham nods and glances toward Darque curiously. "Very well. Any further nominees?" Evan turns and looks at Darque. Well, yes, hmm..... Darque's study shifts from Evan, necessarily, to Reverend Brandt. He sits up more properly, though his arms remain crossed across his chest, and allows a slow smile to filter into his expression. Greg is given a nod of acknowlegement, at the very least. From the main courtroom, Framingham waits patiently for a moment, watching for further hands. "Seeing nothing further, nominations shall be closed." Greg nods back to Darque, smiling. Not quite his normal smile, either. Adam Culver chooses this moment to hiss at Benjamin, loudly, "Pa, I gotta pee." Benjamin looks embarassed, but hustles his son out of the room, apologizing to everyone between them and the doors. From the main courtroom, Framingham glances over at Ben and grins despite himself. Clearing his throat to cover his amusement, he says, "The City Charter allows the vote to be by hand or by ballot." Terral smirks. That's why girls are better. Reardon chuckles, ducking his head politely, and lifts it again, once the moment's passed, attention on Judge Framingham once more. From the main courtroom, Framingham hesitates, uncertain whether to wait for Benjamin to return. After a moment, he says, "All those in favor of Mr. Randolph, please raise your hands." Werner has daughters, and they had the gift, too, of needing to go at the worst times. Seeing no one else speak up, Greg suggests, "With both candidates present, a vote by ballot might be more polite." Evan, of course, is all prepared to abstain. Richard speaks up. "They could.... just leave the room for a moment...." It'd be quicker. From the main courtroom, Framingham thinks a moment. "More polite, perhaps, but infinitely more time consuming, Reverend. But, I shall leave it to the assembly. What is your preferece?" He glances around the room. Greg looks around the room. Maybe Benjamin will be back in time to vote, after all. Evan looks around the room. "Um, we could just step out, if that's all right with Mr. Darque." And with everyone else, I suppose. Ballots are secret, after all. Reardon adds his two bits. "If the gentlemen wouldn't _mind_ stepping out, Judge, Reverend Brandt may have the right of it." Terral sits and looks around. She doesn' thave a say about it, does she? I mean, she can't vote yet. Darque nods. "I have no objections to leaving the room. Not at all." From the main courtroom, Framingham nods. "That seems like an amiable solution...if you gentlemen would not mind?" Female suffrage begins in Wyoming, but not for some time yet, I think? Evan nods and rises, to make his way out. No, no trouble at all. Darque rises, and follows Evan out. [Maddock County Courthouse] Your footsteps echo on the hardwood floor as you step into the hallway. Vaulted ceilings and whitewashed walls make the corridor seem stark and formidable. To the south, double doors lead into the large courtroom. To the north, a set of matching doors take you back outside. On the east side of the hall is an oak door with a frosted glass pane. A wooden sign suspended by two lengths of chain from the ceiling directly above the door reads: "The Honorable J. Terrance Framingham." Directly opposite this door, on the west side of the corridor, is the open doorway that leads to the County Clerk's office. Victoria moves in quietly, having left Manny at the door, and she tilts her head as she listens cautiously in the new place. Darque and Evan stand here, apparently studiously not speaking to one another. His gaze falls on Victoria, and he studies her, for awhile. Victoria, of course, cannot see his gaze, but she hears two people breathing a distance apart....and silence is a disturbing thing to a blind woman. So she stays where she is, needing some sort of sound to locate herself correctly. Evan smiles a little. "Miss Anigel? The meeting's right through here," he says, heading for the closed door, to the courtroom. Victoria smiles, recognizing the voice, "Ah, Mr Randolph. I had heard there was such a meeting. What is the topic, if I might ask?" Evan grins, embarrassed. "Um, choosing a temporary mayor, at the moment." Victoria ohs quietly, then smiles cheerfully. "Well, I know little about the people here. But I rather enjoy being a part of things." She tilts her head again, listening in the direction of Darque. /Too/ quiet over there. Darque was just looking. No harm in that, eh? "I'm certain they'd be pleased to have your company, madam. All voices are important, in Maddock." Well, no harm in it since she can't see it.... but she smiles faintly, "Few people know me here yet." Darque chuckles, smoothly. "All the more reason to make an entrance, madam." Victoria smiles, "Don't call me that, please. My name is Victoria Anigel." Darque chuckles again. "A pleasure, Miss Anigel," he returns, taking a step closer to the lady. "Alexander Darque, at your service, should you .. _ever_ have need of it." Victoria raises a brow at that, not sure what to make of it, but smiles and nods. Greg comes out from the courtroom. "Gentlemen, the balloting has been concluded." Greg nods to the lady as well. Victoria turns towards the new voice, unable to see the nod, "Balloting on what, may I ask?" Greg replies, "The post of Acting Mayor, after the tragic death of the incumbent." Evan ohs at Greg's announcement, then steps out of Victoria's way. Ladies first. Coming in just now, she should get a little attention with her entrance. Victoria ohs and turns her eyes down slightly, like that really does anything for her sight. Instead of returning to the courtroom, Greg gives both contestants a cheerful smile, and makes his way out of the courthouse. Darque, being closer to Victoria, turns 'round to stand beside her, and offers an elbow. Not that she'll notice. Still, the gesture remains. "May I escort you in, Miss Anigel?" Victoria smiles and leans her arm out slightly, since she cannot reach for him, "I would be honoured, Mr Darque." Darque takes the lady's hand, guides it around his arm, and gives it a pat, as an 'here we go' gesture. Then, he leads the way in. Evan opens the door for the pair, and lets them go in first. Victoria frowns slightly at the patronizing nature, but composes herself and goes in. [Meanwhile, in the courtroom...] From the main courtroom, Framingham waits for them to leave. "All in favor of Mr. Randolph, please raise your hands." Miguel raises his hand. Fram may or may not count it. Lassiter raises his hand. He'll vote for Randolph. He's seen the man in action. Werner raises his hand. He's met Evan many times. Reardon raises his hand as well. Benjamin returns, with a chattering Adam in tow. A quiet word from Pa is enough to stem the tide of words, and both male Culvers return to their seats. From the main courtroom, Framingham counts hands silently -- including Miguel's -- and picks up the pen off his desk. Dipping it quickly in the inkwell, he scratches a notation on a paper and then places the pen down once more. "Very well, all those for Mr. Darque?" Greg raises his hand at once, but he's already counted the votes. Richard raises his hand for Mr. Darque. From the main courtroom, Framingham counts votes silently once again. "Ben, did you wish to cast a vote?" he asks, after a moment. Greg glances over at Benjamin. It's academic, of course. Benjamin nods. "For Evan Randolph." Greg smiles. He just hopes that Karl Quintan gets wind of Darque having been nominated. From the main courtroom, Framingham nods at Ben's comment and makes one final notation on the paper. He glances up, "Will someone call in the candidates, please?" Greg rises. "Your Honor, I'll be glad to." Adam squirms off the bench. "I'll go!" Greg takes his derby in hand, and makes his way toward the door. Miguel watches Framingham, instead of the other men. He and Naco exchange a few words in Spanish, quietly. From the main courtroom, Framingham nods to Greg and then watches the doorway. Elizabeth is on her feet, and chasing Adam down, to scoop him off of his, quickly. She murmurs rapid-fire in his ear, as she carries him back to the bench. [Now that everyone's back together...] Darque returns, with Miss Anigel on his arm, whom he escorts to a seat. From the main courtroom, Framingham waits for Evan to return. Victoria removes her hand from Darque's arm once she has her seat, tilting her head to listen better. Evan returns, and walks forward to re-take his seat. Now the news. From the main courtroom, Framingham draws in a deep breath. "The votes have been cast and the pro tem mayor of Maddock is Evan Randolph. Congratulations, Mr. Randolph." He smiles and holds out the gavel, "Would you care to chair the remainder of the meeting?" Madeline smiles from ear to ear. Terral eyes cousin Maddie, then Evan again. He a widower - she just heard that from the lady next to her, and she a widow. And she nominates him. Hmmm. Rocket science, anyone? Victoria remains silent but smiles. Reardon applauds politely. Evan blinks again and straightens in his seat. Me? Huh? Um... He rises and looks around for a moment. Then he heads toward the front of the room. "I suppose so.... if you'll help out, your honor." Applause? From the main courtroom, Framingham gestures with his free hand for Evan to step up to the bench and holds the gavel out to him. "For you, Mr. Mayor," he says with a grin. [This is Evan's log, so the prefixes change now. :)] From the audience, One man clapping hardly counts as applause, Mr. Randolph. Darque joins in, calling out, "Congratulations, Mr. Randolph!" From the audience, Terral will applaud. Sort of. Framingham steps out of the way, to give the new pro tem mayor room behind the judge's bench. He stays nearby, however, to lend any support Evan might need. Evan takes the gavel and looks at it for a moment. Yeek. A quick embarrassed smile to the audience, and "Thank you. Thank you." Um, uh, right, the bench.... Mayor, huh? Okay.... He grins a little at Framingham. "Um, what was next on the list? The sheriff?" From the audience, Miguel's interest piques now. He leans back in the chair, tipping his too-sexy-for-words grey hat back, so he can better see Mr. Randolf. From the audience, Lassiter hesitates a moment. He supposes he should stand so he does. From the audience, Naco, unaffected by the too-sexy-for-words grey hat, continues to murmur to Miguel in muted Spanish. Framingham nods to Evan and shows him where the agenda for the meeting sits on the desk. "Yes, that comes next," he says quietly. From the audience, Victoria simply sits back, listening to everything, her brow furrowed as she tries to seperate sounds from each other. From the audience, Cousin Terral, there's absolutely nothing untoward going on between Widower Randolph, and Widow MacClaine. Not at all. She's pleased by the turn of events, that's all. That's why she smiles so widely. Evan ohs. Yes, a written list. Duh. "Yes, if Mr. Lassiter will step forward, the judge will swear him in officially as Maddock's sheriff." From the audience, Yeah right. Terral is watching Evan like a hawk now. That, and pumping the old lady next to her for gossip. From the audience, Lassiter steps forward looking a bit uncomfortable. This isn't part of the job he cares for. From the audience, Lassiter strolls off towards the aisle leading to the main part of the courtroom and the exit doors. Lassiter saunters over from the audience seating area. Lassiter has arrived. From the audience, Miguel nudges Naco and indicates Lassiter. A question muttered. Framingham takes the Bible from his clerk's desk and lifts it up toward Lassiter. "Sir, if you would be so good as to place your hand upon the Bible." Lassiter places his right hand on the Bible and looks at Framingham expectantly. From the audience, Benjamin watches the judge, with a reminiscing smile on his face. From the audience, Victoria pushes her hair behind her ears, to hear better. Framingham clears his throat. "Please repeat after me...I, James Lassiter, do solemnly swear..." Lassiter says "I, James Lassiter, do solemnly swear..." Framingham says "That I will faithfully fulfill the duties of Sheriff of the town of Maddock, Montana Territory..." Lassiter says "That I will faithfully fulfill the duties of Sheriff of the town of Maddock, Montana Territory..." Framingham says "...And I shall uphold the laws of the Territory of Montana and the Constitution and laws of these United States of America." Lassiter says "...And I shall uphold the laws of the Territory of Montana and the Constitution and laws of these United States of America." Framingham nods. "Thank you, Sheriff." Framingham places the Bible back on the clerk's desk and steps to the side once more to allow Evan to continue the meeting. Lassiter nods. Can I sit down now? He guesses so. That looks like a dismissal. He goes back to his seat. Lassiter has left. Evan smiles at Lassiter as he goes past. Well, I was gonna... oh, never mind. Okay, back to the list... "Next on the agenda..... Nominations for the mayoral election." Yes, this job is temporary. He looks out at the assembly. "Do we have any nominations?" Back to hands again... From the audience, Terral looks over at Maddie, rather expectantly. From the audience, Is it any surprise? Madeline's hand lifts again. Terral, put your eyes back in their sockets. Evan's brows go up. "The chair recognizes Mrs. MacClaine." Hmm. Who now? From the audience, Oh come on. Is this that hard? Terral looks up at Evan. Good actor, you. From the audience, Madeline stands again. "If there aren't any rules against nominating the mayor pro tem, I nominate Evan Randolph." From the audience, Terral falls over in shock. No. Really. No. Really. No. Evan blushes. Thoroughly. And turns to the judge. "Um, are there any rules against......?" She cannot be serious. Framingham shakes his head. "There is nothing to prevent it of which I am aware." From the audience, Honestly, who else was she going to nominate, Terral? Madeline nods. "Then the nomination stands." She sits. Evan clears his throat and turns again to face the audience So, um... right. "Very well... we have one nominee. Are there any others?" Looking for hands. Evan looks around the room. "Any other nominations?" From the audience, Miguel thinks. Nudges Naco. Makes a joke. Jack Transom? From the audience, Naco apparently doesn't think that's funny, judging by the -look- he gives Miguel. From the audience, Miguel thinks that's even funnier, then. Evan swallows and looks over the people. "Going once..." From the audience, Reardon doesn't look as if he has anything to add. Evan waits, then... "Going twice......" From the audience, Miguel glances around again. No one else he wants to make a permanent enemy of, is there. Evan taps the gavel on the tabletop. "Gone." Sold. Something. He looks over at Judge Framingham. "We have one nominee." Looks like a real exciting election. From the audience, Darque speaks up. "Doesn't seem that Maddock is much in need of an election then, does it?" Framingham nods to Evan. "I will hold nominations open for two weeks in case there are any others." Evan nods. "And if not.....?" What then? Framingham smiles. "Then I suspect it will be a very quick election." Evan nods again. "Yes, probably so...." Hmm. Well. That's the end of the list. "Is there any additional business?" he asks of the crowd at large. Framingham glances out at the crowd as well, looking for any hands. Framingham shrugs and says lightly, "Well, Mr. Mayor, I believe you have completed your first official course of business. Congratualtions." Evan nods slowly. "As there is no further business, this meeting is adjourned." And he knocks the gavel on the table. A quick grin to the judge. "Yes, I suppose I have." From the audience, Benjamin looks around, and sees that the Culver Kids are being so quiet because they've fallen asleep on the bench. Framingham grins back and says quietly, "Well, Mr. Mayor, if business is concluded, why don't we adjourn to the saloon. I will buy you a drink in celebration of your new office." From the audience, Darque climbs to his feet, and straightens his jacket. The faintest of nods, and he steps forward to offer Miss Anigel an arm home. Then he's gone. From the audience, Lassiter stands and begins making his way towards the door. Evan smiles. "Well, I suppose a drink would be all right...." He hands the gavel over to Framingham. "I believe this is yours...?" Or the court's, anyway. Framingham takes the gavel from him and places it on the bench. "Thank you. I shall have need of it tomorrow." He gestures toward the door, "After you, Mr. Mayor." From the audience, Miguel rises, clapping his brother-in-law on the back, "Drink, Senor Juerta? To see how the new mayor holds his whiskey." Miguel speaks in English, and that wit is taken up by several others, nearby. To watch Evan handle his whiskey. Evan isn't the world's best whiskey drinker, and he wonders how many people will take up the idea of buying a drink for the mayor. He heads up the aisle, to fetch his hat on the way out. Framingham sighs quietly, his pleased expression fading slightly. What Maddock needs is a private club... From the audience, Naco grins, agreeing. "A man who runs the town should be able to drink to the town, too."