A Vote of Confidence by Robin Lee Hatcher Page A

Carter’s last night?”
     Her eyes widened, and he knew he’d startled her with the directness of his question. “Mind telling me who was there? Or would
     that be aiding and abetting the opposition?”
    Gwen shook her head. Whether in answer to Morgan’s first question or the latter, he didn’t know.
    “Miss Arlington.” He leaned forward in the chair. “I am
not
the enemy. I don’t wish you ill. Surely you could see from our articles in the newspaper that our ideas and desires for Bethlehem
     Springs are more alike than they are different.”
    A new emotion appeared on her face — regret. “That
is
what I’ve done, isn’t it? I’ve made you the enemy.” She released a soft, self-deprecating laugh. “I apologize, Mr. McKinley. An enemy is quite a different thing from a political opponent.”
    “At least it is in our case. I’d like to believe we could be friends, no matter what happens in the election.”
    Friendship. Was that what he wanted from her? He wasn’t so sure.
    “There is no reason you shouldn’t know who came to the gathering last night.” Gwen raised a hand to her nape and twirled a
     wisp of blonde hair around her index finger. “The entire board of commissioners and their wives were present. Mr. Patterson
     from the paper and his wife. Mr. Benson from the mill and his wife and son. Our county sheriff, Mr. Winston, and his daughter.
     Mr. O’Rourke from the mine. Reverend Rawlings from All Saints Presbyterian.” After a pause, she added, “I believe that’s everyone.
     No, wait. Mayor Hopkins was there too.”
    The guest list didn’t surprise Morgan. Money and power. That’s what mattered to a man like Harrison.
    A frown crinkled Gwen’s brow. “Are you aware that Mr. Carter believes your spa is not in the best interests of the people
     of Bethlehem Springs?”
    “Yes, I’m aware of it. What about you? Do you believe it isn’t in the town’s best interests?”
    “I may not understand all the ramifications.” Her answer showed both wisdom and caution. Her eyes narrowed a little as she
     looked at him. “I know the reasons you say the town will profit by the resort, but I think I’d like to understand a little
     more why you want to build a resort. Here or anywhere. You haven’t built a resort or a hotel anywhere else. Nor has the McKinley
     family been involved in those enterprises. So what makes you want to do it now and here of all places?”
    Ah, she had done her own bit of investigating. Good for her.
    He leaned back in his chair again. “It began with my mother’s illness. I was in college when the symptoms first appeared.
     Periods of pain throughout her body, usually intense. A general weakness at times. At others, total exhaustion.” It was his
     turn to look toward the flowers in Gwen’s garden. “There were times when she didn’t get out of bed for a week or two at a
     time. Different doctors diagnosed different conditions, and they tried numerous remedies. Her greatest physical relief came
     from the warm water therapy and massage she received at spas in Europe.”
    Morgan’s reply didn’t paint a complete picture of his mother’s struggles with debilitating pain, but he couldn’t bring himself
     to be more descriptive.
    He looked at Gwen again. “But it was her faith in God that gave her the strength and courage to endure. New Hope was her dream,
     and while she didn’t live long enough to see it built, I mean to make it a reality in her memory. The McKinleys have enjoyed
     financial blessings for many generations. That’s what allowed her to receive the help she did. But she dreamed of a place
     where anyone could come. The poor who suffer from polio. The young and old who live with incurable pain. Those without faith
     who need prayer.”
    “Do you mean to say that your spa will not cater to the wealthy?”
    “Not to them alone.”
    There was something different about the way she looked at him now. Could it be a glimmer of