“What’s that?”
“Why, the settlement ordinance that forbids the unilateral contracting of services without the review of competitive bids, of course.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t recall any such-“
“As a matter of fact, I happen to have a copy of the ordinance right here, sir.”
The commander produced a sheet of paper from his pocket and set it on the desk in front of the governor.
“You’ll notice that it’s signed by the members on the Settlement Council and that it’s dated a week before your contract with the Regular Army … sir.”
Wingas made no move to pick up the document. Instead, he narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Phule.
“Captain … why do I find myself thinking that if I were to call for the original of this document, I’d find that some of the signatures on it would still be wet?”
“I believe I did mention that I had to make a couple extra stops before I called on you this evening,” the commander pointed out levelly.
The governor threw up his hands in theatric surrender.
“All right! I give up! When the Army gets here, we’ll set up a competition where you and your thugs will have a chance at the contract! Is that all, or do you want my dog, too? I don’t have a daughter.”
“That will be all, Governor Wingas,” Phule said, rising and reclaiming the paper from the governor’s desk. “Needless to say, I’m glad we had this little talk. I was sure we’d be able to work things out.”
“Captain Jester!”
The governor’s voice stopped him with his hand on the doorknob.
“Sir?”
“Have you ever considered running for public office?”