Fritz and I set up our stuff, and then he left to park the car. I found Coach Diamond and Mrs. Sullivan in the food tent. As we talked, people started to arrive. Next to the food tent, the country station pulled up a van with huge speakers that blasted out their music and what was on the air.
I moved quickly to my station because there was a line forming. It looked like maybe fifteen people wanted a picture and autograph. I was a pro at this now and figured I could knock this out in no time. While I signed photos, the radio station interviewed me.
“We’re at Washington High where they’re having a fundraiser for the booster club and the Homeless Coalition. There are all kinds of activities for all ages. Later today, a singer who grew up close by here, Eve ‘Country Girl’ Holliday, will give a free concert. Also in attendance is local phenomenon and movie star, David A. Dawson, who is signing pictures and meeting his fans. I have David with me right now.”
“Hey, thanks for having me on. I want to invite everyone out today. Washington High is a rival, but my former offensive coordinator, Coach Diamond, is now their head football coach. He’s a great guy, and when he came to me and asked me to help, I had to show up. They’re raising funds for their sports teams and could really use your support.
“My junior class at Lincoln High took on a project to help the Homeless Coalition. Our goal is to fill a school bus with needed items. Most anything is welcome. Look around your house, and I bet you’ll find some things someone could use. You can either bring them out today or to our first home game next Saturday,” I said to plug the event.
“I hear you auditioned for a new
“I did. They invited me to the UK where I was privileged to watch them film part of their next movie,
“That’s exciting. When will you find out if you got it?”
“I wish I knew because I’m really excited about it. They had thousands of actors audition for the film. I made the final twelve. They plan to cut that down to a final three or four shortly. There are some big names involved. I would be blessed if I were to win the role.”
He announced when Eve would play and when our game was.
◊◊◊
I kept busy signing pictures. When I’d gone through the first stack of 100, and my line was three times longer than when I started, I looked over at Kendal.
“It’s starting to get crowded. Do you think they’ll make their goal of a thousand people?”
“I sure hope so. We brought fifteen hundred photos.”
“You must be crazy if you think I’m signing that many. My hand will fall off,” I complained.
“Don’t worry, most of them are pre-signed. If the lines get too bad, Megan and I will hand those out. Megan is going to get drinks and some food. Do you want anything?”
“Do you even have to ask?”
“I’ll have her tell Mrs. Sullivan it’s for you. Mrs. Sullivan seems to like you,” Kendal teased.
Fritz stepped up behind me.
“David, I think we have a problem,” he said.
I stopped signing the picture I was working on and gave him my full attention.
“I’m monitoring the police band. They estimate that five thousand people are already here. There are cars lined up for miles to get in, and they’re starting to get overwhelmed as it is. They think another five thousand will be here soon.”
I looked out over the open field, and people were everywhere. While they had plenty of room, issues like bathrooms and food would soon become a problem. Large crowds could also get out of control, and people could get hurt.
“Go ask them if they think they need help. If they do, I can call Governor Higgins,” I said.
Fritz took off. While he did that, Megan brought me something to eat. Fritz came back with a troubled police officer.
“David, this is Chief Reynolds.”
I shook his hand.
“We could use some additional manpower. This gentleman told me you could talk directly to the governor.”
“Yeah, I have his cell,” I said, and I got mine out and dialed.
“I almost didn’t answer. I’m about to speak at a VFW close to you,” Governor Higgins said.
“Before you say anything to embarrass yourself, I have you on speakerphone. I’m at the Washington High fundraiser, and we have a crowd issue. Chief Reynolds is here with me,” I said.
I handed my phone to the chief and returned to signing pictures. When he was done, he came back, gave me my phone, and thanked me. Next, Brit found me.
“We need another bus,” she said.
“What do you mean, you need another bus?”
“We filled that one. Stuff is starting to pile up,” she said.
“Okay, call Moose and see if they can get here soon. Also, go tell Mrs. Sullivan. She might be able to get a truck here that we can use.”
I handed Brit my phone so she could call Moose. She came back, looking worried.
“He said they’re in traffic trying to get here. Moose said they’re just stopped on the county road on the way into town. He has no idea when they’ll be here.”
“What did Mrs. Sullivan say?” I asked.
