Jane slipped out of her seat and went to have a word with Missy. "I'm cheating. I made up a person," she said, furtively sliding an envelope onto thedesk. "Just for fun. Not for the class." She was surprised and embarrassed to realize her heart was pounding at her own audacity. She almost snatched the envelope back.

“What a great idea, Jane. I won't pass it out to the others if you don't want me to."

“Oh, no. Please don't. I'm terrified to even show it to you.”

They were interrupted by Mrs. Pryce bellowing at Grady. "I'm surprised you'd have the nerve to show up here.”

Grady smiled at her as if she were a grand joke. "I don't know why that would be."

“After the way you've neglected your civic duties."

“Mrs. Pryce," he said patiently, "I'm not here as mayor. Bring your concerns to the council meeting if you must."

“Oh, yes! To your paid toadies!"

“Mrs. Pryce, the council isn't paid anything. And I only get a hundred dollars a year. That's about a nickel an hour for my time." His patience was obviously wearing thin, but he still looked cheerful. Grady always looked cheerful.

“That may be your salary, but I have good reason to think you make a good deal more.”

All the amusement had faded from Grady's face. "What are you talking about?"

“Let's not mince words. Embezzlement. That's what I'm talking about."

“Embezzlement?" Grady's always pink face had grown alarmingly red.

“Yes. We all pay a hefty amount in taxes, but there never seems to be any money for necessary pro‑ grams. I believe that large sums of money are missing."

“Mrs. Pryce, I invite you to look over the city's financial statement any time you want. In fact, I insist on it. I'll have our treasurer explain it all to you. But I warn you—if there's any more of this loose talk, I'll have to discuss you with the city's attorney. This is slander and could damage a number of reputations. I won't have it.”