Miracle Man by Hildy Fox Page B

alone get uppity about.
He's been pretty crafty so far, but I think you're right. If enough people find
out about what's going to happen, we can get enough support to make it into a
political issue. I've seen this type of thing before. The local government
won't risk smashing down an historical landmark if they know the constituents
care about it. At the very least we might be able to get a court order to delay
demolition."
    "But what about their
lawyers?" Lahra asked, concerned. "How can we hope to stand up to
their resources?"
    "I wouldn't be worrying
about that. If we get the numbers behind us and let them know we're serious,
there's not a lot they can do. The trick is getting the numbers."

 
    "We've got a strong
story to tell," Lahra pointed out, moving to the edge of her seat.
"The Miracle is one of the finest examples of Deco architecture in the
state, let alone in Riverbank. We should be asking the question why has this
been allowed to happen? What's going to become of our town if we keep letting
the things that give it its charm disappear? Why isn't there some sort of
system in place where historical and cultural landmarks are adequately
protected from developers?"
    "Exactly!" Malcolm
agreed, slapping his palm down on the table. "What this town needs is a
good fight! Controversy, that's what I like! We'll create a full page
announcement in tomorrow's paper that will really get things going. I can see
the headlines now..." Malcolm squinted into the distance, as if making out
words written there. " 'Vanishing Miracle goes Unnoticed!' Or 'Miracle
Undone by Developers.' Or maybe we need some sort of call to action. 'Help
Keep the Miracle Performing.' " Malcolm swivelled his chair to face his
computer and started typing.
    Lahra traded a smile with
Wally. It was hard not to be amused by Malcolm's enthusiasm.

 
    "We'll write the copy
right now," Malcolm went on as his fingers tapped furiously, "unless
you two have something more important to do, which I doubt. We'll also have to
organise some posters and flyers. We can get those whipped up by art department
in a matter of hours. We need out social media people to start with the
Facebooking and the Twittering. We have to think about organising petitions,
too. And we need phone numbers for people to call. Better still, we'll include
the Mayor's and the local Member's numbers. And what we could really do with is
some electronic media exposure. We ought to announce a public rally, get the
regional TV stations involved. I know a few people who might be able to help
out, but you two will have to find some more. I hope you've got friends. We
have to make this Marcus Dean and his demolition team sound like the most evil,
uncaring, greedy little suits from the city that ever walked the earth, so that
every person in the region can't help but get involved."
    Something inside Lahra
wanted to stand up and sound its lone voice in defence of Marcus Dean. He
wasn't evil. He wasn't uncaring. To say such things would be wrong.
    She watched Malcolm hunched
over his keyboard. The words they put down together today would impact on
Marcus in ways that might damage his career irrevocably. Was an old building
worth a man's life ambition? Would she be able to live with herself if she won
the fight? Lahra didn't know. And there were so many voices inside her willing
to shout for her cause. It seemed this single note of concern was destined to
be drowned out.
    She couldn't keep thinking
negatively. It was clear what had to be done. There wasn't a person on this
planet who could take the Miracle Cinema away from Riverbank while she had a
say in it.
    Not even the man she feared
she may be falling in love with.

FIVE
     
    " Lahra! "
    Lahra was just pulling on
her jacket when she heard the distant, demanding call. She recognised the voice
immediately, but didn't react. She checked her hair in the bedroom mirror
instead.
    " Lahra Brook, where
are you ?"
    It was Marcus. He sounded
angry. She couldn't