Beauty Queen (45 page)

Of course Matt knew Tom was a proponent, but what surprised him was that his speech was suspiciously articulate, full of facts, and so unlike Tom that Matt had to wonder how hed done it. He looked at Gilbert standing off to the side, noticed the look of shock on his face, too, which bolstered his feeling that something wasnt quite right. And as he sat in stunned amazement as Tom actually made the argument (with percentages even) for economic growth Rebecca furiously tapped him on the arm.

Matt turned slightlyshe was holding up a thin magazine to him; he could see her manicured finger jabbing at something he was to look at. He took the magazine, glanced at the front Southwest Region Engineering and

Construction and then the article Rebecca was so rabid for him to see. It was entitled The Superhighway Gas Pipeline Boon or Bust? Granted, it was dark, and he couldnt read all of the fine print, but he understood what had excited her Toms speech advocating the superhighway was almost identical to that article.

At least it explained Toms sudden articulation.

As Matt was trying to scan the fine print, Tom finished his remarks by telling the audience he was the best man for the job and to vote for him in November. He got a fair amount of applause as he took his seat and the next candidate, Russ Erwin, the Independent, was introduced. Matt looked up, saw a lanky cowboy in jeans, blue blazer, and boots saunter to the podium, and had an image of him sitting on a split rail fence, spitting tobacco as he watched the ranch hands work the cattle. The man casually put one hand on the podium, one in his pocket, and said, Hello, folks. My name is Russ Erwin and I am running for lieutenant governor.

It was easy to see, Matt thought as the man talked, why Rebecca was taken with him. He had a down-home folksy manner about him that was appealing. He talked a little about government, how he didnt need any more of it in his life, a point with which no one could disagree. He talked about how he had gotten into this race because he couldnt find a government agency in all that huge bureaucracy that could help him, and he didnt think that was right, either. And how he was all for economic development, but that a superhighway and gas pipeline would displace ranchers and he reminded the audience that Texas was built on ranching and was therefore short-sighted in its economic thinking. The jobs would be around temporarily, and then what?

By the time Russ Erwin finished his speech, Matt was impressed. And wondering, like Tom had earlier, if there was something in his background that could derail his plain look and plain talk. Because it was a dangerously successful look and talk.

That night, after they had dropped Pat and Angie (having listened to Pat gripe about the seating, the lighting, and the fact that she couldnt hear anything) and were driving back to his place, Rebecca playfully poked him in the ribs. Well?

Well, what?

Did you look at the magazine I gave you?

Yes.

She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. Well?

Matt laughed. What is it you want me to say?

I want you to say that its odd Tom was making a speech that was almost identical to that article!

Okay, he said cheerfully. Toms speech was almost identical to that article.

And? she asked, sparing another look at him.

And what?

Gawd.. . Matt! Dont you think its a little strange Tom is spouting almost word for word what some huge construction and engineering firm says are the benefits of this superhighway and pipeline?

I dont think its uncommon to take information from a variety of sources.

Okay. Then dont you think its a little strange that Tom is suddenly taking information from anyone? I mean, you are the one who was so adamant he shore up his platform, and he wouldnt do it.

Yeah, that was a little strange. Hes probably one of those candidates who glad-hands for money first, and then decides what hes going to say, he said, voicing his thoughts aloud. Hes a procrastinator.

A procrastinator? Rebecca laughed. Is he that, or someone who stands to make a lot of money on the highway deal?

That observation startled Matt so completely that he jerked his gaze to her. Jesus, Rebecca, what are you implying?

What do you think I am implying? That perhaps Tom

stands to gain a lot from engineers and construction firms if hes elected and sees that highway project through? she said very matter-of-factly.

Do you have any idea what you are saying? he demanded, shocked that such a cynical statement was coming from Rebeccas mouth.

Yes! she shot back disdainfully. Do you think I speak without understanding my own words?

I wonder sometimes and I have to wonder whose words those are! Tom is a lot of things, but hes not a crook, he said, and instantly wondered why he was defending Tom. It wasnt as if he had such huge regard for him less and less all the time, actually. And hadnt he sat in the same auditorium wondering what the scam was?

Im not stupid, Matt! she said angrily. They are my words. I hope youre right about Tom, I really do, she said testily. I am just pointing out that it seems odd that a candidate who has not been able to put two words together before tonight suddenly comes up with a great speech. Thats all. You dont have to buy into my theory. You can just blindly follow where he leads, she said as she turned the truck into the garage of his building.

All right. And in the meantime, would you like to tell me where a former beauty queen managed to get her hands on such an obscure trade magazine?

Rebecca pulled into a slot, slammed her truck in park, and turned a heated glare to him. Believe it or not, this former beauty queen can read, you pompous ass! That magazine is all over the place! You can pick it up at any library or bookstore. But of course you wouldnt know that you dont need to go to bookstores to make snap judgments, do you?

So its in the bookstore, huh? Where, next to Cosmo?

Her eyes narrowed. I have to go now.

Yeah, me, too. Im going to go check out the trade magazines between the romance novels and fashion magazines.

Have a good time Rebecca snorted. Youll be surprised what you might find in a bookstore, Matt lots of

infonnation to help you make an informed opinion. Know what that is? Or do you think that law degree makes all your thoughts golden?

Good night, he said, and climbed out of her stupidly giant pickup and thought for once, he was glad he was going to bed alone.

Rebecca had just said good night to Jo Lynn and watched her drive away in her golf cart when the phone rang. Before you hang up, Matt said quickly when she answered, Im sorry. Youre right, theres something a little strange about Toms speech.

Okay, she said, nodding thoughtfully. But are you sorry for the thing you said about romance novels and fashion magazines?

Are you going to make me grovel?

Yes, I am. I love it when you grovel, she said, grinning.

That is exactly my problem, you know, Matt groaned. Id do just about anything for you. Okay, here goes, Im sorry I said that. Youre right; I should visit a bookstore sometime.

Rebecca waited for the rest. Thats it? she said after a moment passed.

What more do you want?

Oh. I dont know ... something like, I am one notch below dog shit for ever suggesting that you couldnt think

of those ideas on your own, or, When I say ugly things like that, please know that I am really just insecure about the size of my

Okay, okay! he said, laughing. Im really really sorry. Dreadfully sorry. So sorry, I should lick the bottom of your shoes.

Ah, she sighed, sliding into the chair next to the phone. How about skip the shoes and go straight to my feet?

Ooh, baby, now were talking, he said with a throaty chuckle. But first.. . what about you?

What about me?

Dont you want to make at least a little apology?

For what? she demanded as she studied a cuticle. Because I found a candidate to believe in, but am still working on his opponents campaign? Or how about for being afraid to back out now because Ive invested so much of me and my future plans in this stupid gala?

Well, I was just hoping for a little Im sorry, but Ill take all that.

I dont know what to think anymore, Rebecca said, running her hand through her hair. I mean, I really have put a lot into this gala, and its less than a month away. Tom was pissed the last time I quit can you imagine how upset hed be if I quit now? But honestly, thats not it. You know what I really fear?

What?

That it would be disastrous if I up and walked away from the biggest fund-raising gala this state has ever seen. Id be labeled a quitter. No one would hire me.

It seems to me that you can finish what you committed to doing, but you dont have to vote for the guy, Matt said. In the end, its your vote that counts, not the money raised.

Thats a stretch, isnt it?

A huge one, he admitted with a laugh. But I think youre right. Austin is still a small town in some respects, and it could affect you down the road if it got around.

Its funny in a way just a few months ago I was explaining to everyone on the invitation list that Tom was the best man for the job. Now Im pretty sure hes not.

I know, Matt said wearily. Ive known this guy for a long time, and Im starting to have more questions than answers.

Neither of them spoke for a moment, until Rebecca at last asked, What do we do?

I dont know, Matt said. Im going to look into a couple of things this week, see if I can ferret out whats really going on, if anything. But I do know one thing, Miss Priss... the next time you drive that badass truck into town, were going to have a little tete-a-tete, and by the time were through, youre going to be very sorry you ever left me in such a snit.

Rebecca laughed. I love you, too, she said and sighed dreamily.

All the doubts in her head were shoved aside in the next few weeks as there was so much to be done before the gala. The event was to be held at the Three Nines ranch, an old spread, but more of a scenic conglomerate than working ranch anymore, with a few hundred head of cattle, a dude ranch, and lots of old pecan and oak trees. Caterers had to be consulted barbecue for five hundred people took ten masters. Lighting had to be arranged, plus seating. A stage and dance floor had to be constructed, which the Three Nines was happy to contribute, as they had planned to create an amphitheater for the local performing arts scene, anyway. But the construction company hired to do it was slow as molasses, and Rebecca was fearful that the construction would never be finished in time. The entertainers had to have contracts, which Toms publicity firm was slow putting out. And then there was the matter of major contributions needed to pay for the event (Rebeccas primary concern) and contributions needed to fill Toms war chest (his primary concern). Tom called her daily for a head count and openly speculated who would give more than the price per seat. Not a day went by that he didnt ask about Dad, to the point that it was grating on her nerves, and at last, Rebecca asked, Why the great interest in my dad, Tom?

Are you kidding? He snorted incredulously (Tom had, in these last weeks sliding toward the election, gone from good ol boy to hot-tempered candidate). What do you think? Your old man could make a sizable contribution to my campaign, Rebecca. Youve talked to him about that, right? he asked.

No, Tom, I asked him to come, thats all, she said through gritted teeth. Hes not a fan of politics and even less so when it comes to Democrats. If you want more, youll have to ask for more, she said, knowing that Dad would probably contribute something, if only for her sake. That is exactly what she would have hoped for a few months ago now she couldnt think how to explain to Dad that shed done all this for a man she wouldnt vote for. Especially since he was a Democrat.

Dont think I wont ask, Tom said with all confidence. You just get your old man there. Ill do the rest.

Oh, thats right, youll do it all, wont you, you silver-tongued devil? And which magazine will you be reading from? Like I told you, Tom hes coming.

I know you told me, Rebecca, he snapped. Im just making sure.

Whatever. She chalked up his testiness to a general state of being keyed up, and besides, her mind was already racing ahead to the phone call she needed to make about ushers. So she hung up, shook it off, went on with the dozens of calls she needed to make before she and Gray and Harold could take their routine trip out to see the site.

As those weeks flew by, Rebecca and Matt saw each other as often as they could, but they were both terribly busy. She missed him. She knew he was up to his neck he had hinted at some trouble at the firm but when she asked, he shrugged it off, saying he wanted to talk about sunnier subjects. And she knew that Tom was demanding as much of Matts time as he was of hers in advance of this gala. Most recently, Matt said over dinner one night, Tom had asked him to investigate Russ Erwins background, and even thought Matt had found nothing untoward, he was relentless. I dont know, Rebecca, there is nothing to

suggest that Russ Erwin isnt as exactly what he appears to be: a stand-up guy with a real concern about what is going on in Texas.

Cant you just tell Tom that? she had pleaded.

I have, Matt said. But have you seen the ads the Republicans are putting out on Tom, the one from Eeyores birthday party where he looks like a clown?

Yes, she said with a wince just one more thing Matt was right about. The list was beginning to pile up so high shed have to ride a crane to the top.

The whole race is going negative. Tom and Gunter are putting out an ad in the next few days that shows Phil Harbaugh laughing at some joke, only he looks half drunk. The caption is going to be something like, This is what Harbaugh thinks about Medicare.

Thats horrible! she exclaimed. And its not fair!

Its only the beginning, he warned her. Russ Erwin has managed to stay off the radar screen until now. But there is a new poll next week, and if hes gained any ground which I suspect he hasthen he will become the target of the nasty ads, too.