"Mr. Bronklin? Yes."
"Mrs. Parker, would you call a meeting of the council and tell them what I want?"
"There's a meeting of the council tomorrow night."
"Fine. On second thought, I'll tell them myself."
"That's probably best. But what do you want, Mr. Tesno?"
"Midnight and Sunday closing. No booze sold to drunks. No gambling. That will do for a start."
Persia sighed heavily, then quickly smiled as if amused at herself. "I've heard those words so often from Ben Vickers. The council has heard them, too. What makes you think you'll get them to listen?"
"They'll listen," he said.
"Maybe they will," she said soberly. "I guess if they'll listen to anyone, it will be you. I wish you luck."
He grinned his lopsided grin and started to rise, but she was on her feet ahead of him. She brushed past him, laying a hand on his shoulder to keep him in his chair.