Welcome to Gayberry

Welcome to Gayberry – 44

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44

The very nice overture ended to rousing applause and the bouncing spots stopped, all focusing on the Colonel, who looked better than his usual handsome self in his double-breasted tuxedo with a solid rhinestone bowtie. He received loud applause. He then welcomed all of the guests, parents and grandparents and others who had made the event possible. He then introduced the governor and Mr. Levin, who received a huge, standing ovation as they walked down the runway, exited by the stairs at the end and stopped at the judges' table to shake hands with Randy and William before taking their seats right behind them. The colonel then introduced two honored guests, Gerome and Greg Bentley, explaining that they were new to the high school. They received a huge ovation as well, walking the runway and stopping to shake hands with the sheriff and William before taking their seats with the governor and Abe.

Then the Colonel asked the audience to welcome all of the contestants in this year's Miss Gayberry Pageant in their opening number, "We've Got A Lot to be Proud of in America!"

It was a rousing, patriotic number, written for the show by Mr. Blount's wife. It was surprisingly well done and well-choreographed. While the choreography was simple, it was attainable for even the non-dancers and it came off looking quite professional. Randy's respect for Mr. Churchill and Mr. Blount was growing by the second as everything about the show thus far had been absolutely professional.

At the end of the number, during which the contestants had been dressed in red, white and blue outfits of their own choosing and each had introduced herself, the contestants left the stage to change into swimsuits. The grand curtain closed and the Colonel again took the stage to thank various businesses which had contributed to the evening, including lumber providers, meal providers during rehearsals, providers of convertibles for the parade and a number of others. He also introduced Mayor Franklin Delano Dykes and his wife, who stood and waved to a brief smattering of applause. Within minutes, the lights went to a beautiful sky blue and they were ready for the announcement of the top six contestants who would compete in swimsuit, evening gown and talent portions.

The curtains opened to reveal high steps in the center of the stage, leading to another platform and then another smaller set of steps. Billy Paul was stationed at the point where the contestants would enter from stage left and Walt waiting to meet them in the center of the platform. He would then offer his elbow and escort the contestant to the front of the platform where Jeffy would then assist the contestant down the steps. At the bottom of the steps, Pepe would offer his arm and escort here to the center of the stage. Dopie would stand slightly left of center stage as the contestant walked the runway alone in her swimsuit. She would then make a full turn at the end and return to Dopie, who would escort her off the stage on the right as another contestant appeared at the top of the stairs and started the whole process again. All of the boys were in their positions looking beautiful. Their postures were erect and all looked pleased to be a part of this.

The crowd was hushed as the Colonel announced:

"Our first finalist this evening, is Laurie Jo Copeland" the Colonel announced grandly as she came onto the stage and was escorted exactly as planned.

The colonel read information about her as she modeled her swimsuit. She was a bit of a surprise finalist as she could easily have dropped a few pounds before pageant time. In fact, the red sequined majorette costume she had worn in the opening number looked as if it might have fit her thirty pounds ago. But, despite the bulges in the swimsuit, she had a pretty, round face and a very nice smile. Her makeup and hair were impeccable and it was obvious she had worked on her walk and her turns. The crowd applauded politely as Dopie escorted her off the stage.

"Our second finalist this evening" the Colonel announced "is Melanie Swift. Melanie is a junior at Gayberry High, where she is a member of the Beta club, the science Club, the Stamp Club and a varsity cheerleader."

Melanie was pretty enough except for a pronounced overbite and large front teeth which gave the impression of a rather attractive beaver. But she was obviously a good student and the judges remembered she had interviewed quite well. She completed her swimsuit modeling portion without a hitch.

"Our third finalist this evening, and this means we are halfway through" the colonel said "is Lavinia Squire."

The audience seemed surprised at this one as Lavinia was very thin and her identical twin sister was also competing. But Randy recalled she had been well-spoken, much better than her twin had and she too had perfect makeup and hair. There was not a hint of cleavage as this Gayberry senior walked the runway.

"Only three spots left now and our fourth finalist is..." the colonel hesitated before continuing with "Miss Nelly Walker" the Colonel announced as Nelly came out looking excellent in a red swimsuit which fit her perfectly. It was clear to Randy she was wearing falsies under the swimsuit which was technically illegal but rarely enforced. He had felt of those titties a few times when they had parked at the lake, usually at her insistence. When the Colonel called her name, he did a very subtle wink at Randy, which was returned by the sheriff.

"If there wasn't no baby in her flat tummy before this pageant, I think there probably is by now and it's gonna look a lot like the Colonel" William whispered to the sheriff as they shared a quiet chuckle.

Randy actually felt a giant sense of relief that Nellt's attentions seemed to be focused elsewhere. He had changed his opinion of the young, pretty pharmacist the day she had talked so crudely about things that should only be discussed by men. He realized he would never forget her crudeness and she was definitely anyone he might have interest in as a potential wife.

Nelly had her walk down pat and executed her turn in her very high heels perfectly. She showed a great deal of polish and confidence the younger girls had not shown and Randy and William realized the overflow crowd would realize that she was most definitely a contender for the title.

"Only two spots left now" the Colonel said, building excitement, "and our next finalist is Miss Shakira Stuart!"

This announcement drew a huge round of applause and Randy could hear the Bentley brothers whooping from close behind him. Randy turned and could make out the girl's mother standing quietly in the cheering crowd, her hands clasped to her heart with tears streaming down her face. He nudged William, who also stole a glance and put his hand on Randy's thigh.

As the cheering died, Randy could hear the mayor's wife already starting in quietly on her husband.

"Franklin Delano Dykes," she whispered, "if my baby doesn't win this I'm holding you personally responsible. You promised me..."

They would later learn the governor had turned around and glared at the woman, who had taken his look seriously and had shut her mouth. Her voice was again silent as the mayor had somehow managed to shut her up. Randy looked into the eyes of William. Both men knew that the mayor expected both men to crown his daughter and there would likely be hell to pay if that didn't happen.

"Before I announce the last name on my list, I am happy on behalf of Michael Churchill and Frankie Blount, to congratulate all of this year's participants" the Colonel said. "They all deserve our congratulations and our thanks for making our fair city a more beautiful place to live. And our last finalist this evening is..."

There was absolute silence in the auditorium as everyone waited expectantly, all the contestants hoping it would be her name called as were all the parents and friends.

"Jenny Dykes" the Colonel shouted.

The audience response was lukewarm as Jenny made her way out on the stage in her royal blue swimsuit. The fit was impeccable. Randy had seen this girl model before and she just didn't seem quite as sharp this evening. She almost stumbled as she came down the large stairs, but Walt grabbed her arm, steadying her and saving her from an embarrassing fall. It seemed she regained her composure and became more focused. She made it down the runway with no problem but as she made it almost back to Dopie, she stumbled and almost hit the floor. Dopie grabbed her and held her upright. There was a huge round of applause from the audience but everyone knew it was for Dopie rather than for Jenny.

"That concludes our swimsuit competition. We will now start the talent competition portion of the evening" the Colonel announced.

As the first couple of contestants had plenty of time to change into their talent outfits, they were able to proceed into talent immediately.

"Our first contestant in talent is Laurie Copeland, who will play the harp" the Colonel announced. "She will be performing the Canon in D by Pachelbel.

"Walt and Jeffy had wheeled the harp into the center of the stage where Miss Copeland sat and played a vaguely recognizable but mercifully short rendition of the classic. After a bow, she left the stage.

"Our next finalist competing in talent is Melanie Swift who will be doing a dramatic recitation of the Gettysburg Address" the Colonel announced to a soft groan from the audience.

The presentation was, again, nice and short with only a couple of pauses and stumbles.

"Our next contestant competing in the talent portion of our pageant is Lavinia Squire who will be singing `Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes." She will be accompanied on the piano by Gayberry's own Mrs. Eleanora Poultice who is also the contestant's vocal coach" the colonel announced.

Billie Paul and Dopie rolled the giant grand piano out to center stage perfectly. The piano was on a heavy duty wheel base and the boys hit the spot perfectly. Lavinia's teacher sat at the piano which was creaking under the weight of Mrs. Poultice's bottom. Lavinia came to the microphone and sang the song in a clear, not terribly strong voice. She had a good voice, but it was more a choir voice than a soloist's voice. She did not, however, embarrass herself. The boys had the piano back offstage just as the contestant left and the Colonel announced Miss Nelly Walker who would be singing and dancing to "Whatever Lola Wants, Lola Gets" from the recent broadway musical "Damn Yankees."

It was clear this girl was no stranger to the stage as she took the stage in a bright red, one shouldered dress with layers and layers of ruffles and performed in a strong alto voice as she did a solo tango. Her performance was quite good and certainly the best yet.

"She's certainly giving Jenny a run for her money" William whispered to randy.

"No,shit, Sherlock," the sheriff replied in a very quiet whisper.

"Our next contestant this evening is Miss Shakira Stuart who will be performing on piano "A Chopin Etude in the Key of E flat major."

Dopie and Pepe had the piano duty this time and both had the instrument in place just as the colonel finished announcing her name. Shakira had on a beautiful royal blue evening gown closely fitted to her body with a fuller train which she daintily threw aside as she took her seat on the stool. She played the moderately difficult piece with confidence and skill. When she finished she executed a beautiful curtsey as the crowd again offered a standing ovation and loud cheers.

"I am certainly glad that I'm not a judge this evening" the Colonel said. "These young women offer grace, beauty and talent. He got another large round of applause as he introduced the final talent contestant of the evening. Dopie and Jeffy rolled the piano back to its marks just outside the bright center spotlight as the mayor's wife came onstage to accompany her daughter.

"Our final contestant in the talent competition this evening is Jenny Dykes, who will sing "Flow Gently, sweet Afton, accompanied by her mother who is a former Miss Gayberry" the Colonel announced. Mrs. Dykes stood as if expecting her own applause but there was none so she again sat down to the piano.

Jenny had a nice voice but not a strong one. She sang on pitch but her performance came across as if she'd rather have been elsewhere instead of onstage at the pageant. A couple of times, William pinched Randy's leg under the table when she sang "Afshton" instead of "Afton." At the conclusion of her song, there was a polite round of applause as the Colonel announced the talent portion of the evening had concluded.

The grand curtain closed as the Colonel announced how the scores had been weighted and what part of the contestant's total score was awarded from the talent, swimsuit and evening gown portions of the competition. He also announced the girls had undergone individual interviews with the judges prior to this evening and those scores had been added in their totals.

"And now we are to our final competition portion of the evening, our evening gown competition" the Colonel announced as the grand curtain opened to a pale blue background lighting with a tall platform erected right in the center and encrusted with fake pearls and rhinestones. In the center of the platform was what looked like a giant oyster shell. As the light focused directly on the glittery white shell, the colonel announced the first contestant in evening gown competition.

"Our first contestant in evening gown is Miss Laurie Copeland" the Colonel announced as the shell turned to reveal the contestant with a stunningly handsome Kurt standing beside her with the girl holding his elbow.

The crowd gasped as the oyster turned with them inside it, a special effect that was totally unexpected. Kurt escorted the girl down the tall steps, with a gleamingly bright smile. The boy was perfect in every way and it was rather unfortunate for the girl that her escort stole some of her thunder. Laurie looked very average in a gown purchased locally. It was quite usual with a sweetheart neckline and layer upon layer of tulle. The color was the unfortunatel choice. It was a most unattractive lime green which only made the girl's skin take on a yellow tone. It was clear this girl would not make top three.

Kurt did a perfect job as he stood at the stage end of the runway, waiting motionless as she did a full walk on the runway, executing an imperfect full turn at the end, then returning to Kurt and taking his arm as, together, they walked the runway and exited on the small stairs right in front o the judges' table. Randy couldn't resist giving Kurt a subtle `thumbs up' and he got a broad smile in return.

"Goddamn, that boy gets more gorgeous by the minute" William whispered to Randy.

"You'll get no argument from me on that" Randy said, grasping his friend's thigh.

No one had realized as the attention of the audience had focused on the previous contestant that the oyster shell had rotated again to conceal the next contestant. As the Colonel announced Miss Melanie Swift, the shell again turned, revealing the contestant and her escort, Mark. Mark flashed a beautiful smile as he proudly escorted the girl down the stairs, moving at her pace and offering his strong arm for her with each step. The handsome ginger boy exuded confidence as he escorted her to the top of the runway and stood as she did her walk on the runway and her turn, returning to Mark to be escorted down the runway. Melanie clearly was wearing what was intended to be a bridal gown with tiny seed pearls on the bodice and long sleeves. It was bright white which really did nothing for her sallow complexion. Both Randy and William gave the boy a thumbs up and got a broad smile in return.

The Colonel then announced Lavinia Squires, escorted by the handsome Jimmy, his blonde hair perfectly in place. He too was showing his pearly whites as he moved with a confidence Randy had never been aware of. The thought of his long, fat, uncut cock in a cage under his tuxedo pants brought a smile to Randy's and William's faces as he escorted the very thin girl in an absolutely ordinary yellow gown. He too got a thumbs up and gave the men a smile.

"Our next contestant this evening is Miss Nelly Walker" the Colonel announced, as the shell again turned,revealing Ellie in a tightly fitted red dress, cut to hug her body and to show plenty of cleavage. Kurt looked just a tad embarrassed to be escorting a woman showing so much skin, but he managed to cover his embarrassment and maintain a smile as he walked her down the stairs. She had some trouble negotiating the stairs due to the tightness of her skirt and would likely have fallen had Kurt not supported her all the way. Everyone breathed an audible sigh of relief when she got to the bottom of the stairs in her five inch red fuck-me pumps. The dress was obviously expensive and was obviously not bought or made in Gayberry. But it was a bit over the top for the evening and for this town and her makeup was a little heavy. Her lips were fire engine red. When she left Kurt at the top of the runway, her walk on the flat runway was more successful, although it was clear the very spikey heels made walking a challenge. She would have been much more successful had she just toned down the makeup a bit, not shown quite so much titty and lowered the heels an inch or two. Nonetheless, the judges got a big smile from her escort and gave him a thumbs up.

"Our next contestant this evening is Miss Shakira Stuart" the Colonel announced as the giant, glittering shell turned again revealing the handsome ginger lad and the beautiful mocha-skinned young lady. They actually made a great looking couple as she took his arm and glided down the difficult stairs effortlessly, never once looking down at the step ahead of her. She was flawless in her movement and looked absolutely stunning in the beautiful gown covered in sparkling rhinestones. Her smile was natural as she left her escort and walked the runway. No one would ever have believed this confidant young woman had been the little girl scared to participate just a few days earlier. She executed her runway work flawlessly, returning to Mark at the head of the stage and then walking the runway a final time on her escort's arm. Mark gave a huge smile as the judges gave him another thumbs up. Shakira also flashed them both a beautifully sincere smile as if thanking them for giving her the confidence she had needed to accomplish this.

"Our final contestant in evening gown this evening is Miss Jenny Dykes" the Colonel announced.

This time when the giant shell turned, Jenny was standing alone, looking irritated. In less than two seconds, a smiling Kurt stepped up, offering his elbow, which she grabbed and headed down the treacherous stairs. Twice she would have fallen completely had Kurt not skillfully supported her. Her gown was gorgeous, obviously not a Gayberry-bought dress. Everyone had expected the mayor's daughter to have a designer gown and they were not disappointed. Jenny also seemed to gain confidence as she did her runway walk, executing her turn well, with only a slight bauble, getting a bit off-balance. The judges gave Kurt his last evening gown thumbs up and got the biggest smile of the evening in return.

"And now we have a local singer who is an amazing talent" the Colonel said. "His name is Homer File and this man has one of the finest voices I have ever heard anywhere in this country. As we get one last look at all of contestants in evening gown, Mr. File will sing a song from a new musical. I am proud to present Mr. File sharing "Try to Remember" from the new musical, `The Fantasticks."

Homer stood at the top of the stairs in the center of the stage, shell now gone, in a bright spotlight as all of the contestants crisscrossed the stage in their gowns. It was quite a spectacular moment as this man who spoke with a country twang sounded like an accomplished vocalist. By the time the final notes were heard, the crowd was on its feet with thunderous applause. As the Colonel announced an intermission to give the accountants time to tabulate scores, the judges and the governor and Abe were ushered to Michael's office.

William and Randy were surprised to see Frankie escorting Pepe's mother and father into the office. Mr. House introduced his wife who was a beautiful woman. They looked confused as to why the governor of the state might want to meet with them.

"Has Pepe misbehaved?" Mr. House asked. "After all, he is just a boy and boys sometimes get out of hand."

"Quite the opposite, Mr. and Mrs. House" the governor said as he sat at Michael's big, ornate desk. "Pepe is one of the sweetest, kindest, most gentle boys I have ever met. He has captured our hearts, as have all these boys of Gayberry. Abe told me about his discussion with you the other night and I have gotten more information from Pepe as we have spent some time together. Please know Pepe did not and would not ever think about asking for a favor. I'm not sure he even comprehends the power of the office I hold. But in your discussion with Abe, we became very interested as to why the adoption of the boys' brothers has been held up. I had Abe working on this all morning. As it turns out there was a silly squabble between the president of Honduras because his daughter had not been allowed to attend an American University. Abe was able to speak with the Secretary of State and all has been worked out. The president's daughter will be attending Duke University next fall and Pepe's brothers will be released to you as soon as you can get there to pick them up."

The couple was obviously overcome with joy as they started to cry and hug one another.

"Oh my God, governor, you will never know how happy you have made us" Mrs. House said. "We have been hoping and trying everything we knew but we couldn't get any answers. Please know that we will be indebted to you for the rest of our lives. Pepe will be overjoyed as we both are. Does he know yet?"

"No, ma'am" the governor answered. "We thought it would be best if you gave your boy the news."

"He will be over the moon" Mr. House said. "We will start making arrangements as soon as we leave this office."

"Actually that will not be necessary" Abe said. "The governor authorized me to make reservations for your flights out of Charlotte in the morning. If you need transportation to Charlotte, I can arrange that too."

"Oh no, no, no, Mr. Levin" the father said, still weeping joyous tears. "We will get to Charlotte in plenty of time and by next week we will be home with Pepe's little brothers. This is just unbelievable."

"Sheriff, will it be a problem for Pepe to stay with you until we can get back?" Mr. House asked.

"Absolutely not!" Randy chuckled. "We'd be tempted to keep him if we didn't all know you'd move heaven and earth to get him back. We love that kid and can't wait to see him when he gets the news!"

The couple continued to thank the governor, Abe, the sheriff and William as they left the office.

"That was the joyous part of this job" the governor said. "What comes next likely will not be so pleasant."

The door again opened and Frankie showed William's wife and her father into the office. They took seats across from the desk as William and Randy sat on a leather sofa nearby.

"Okay, governor, you got us here" P.T Slight said. "What the fuck is it you want?"

"I have several issues, P.T." he said with a tight smile. "There are a number of papers you will be signing before you leave this room tonight. You will either sign each and every one or you will go straight to jail. I will have the sheriff arrest you and transfer you to Raleigh in the morning."

"What the fuck are you talking about, asshole?" the old man asked angrily.

"You need to shut the fuck up and listen, for once in your life, P.T., unless you want to spend the rest of your fucking life in prison along with your bitch daughter."

"Why, I'll not listen to his shit" Judith shouted, standing angrily.

Her father grabbed her arm and slammed her back into the seat.

"Sit the fuck down and shut up, Judith" he said. "I fucking mean it."

Judith sat but she reached and took a silver flask out of her purse from which she took a drink.

"Judith, that's your last drink for a while" the governor said. "But first things first. P.T., I know you were a top donor to my opponent in this governor's race but I assure you that has nothing to do with my decision. I know that you've been running your business for years breaking every law you got a chance to break, doing things that were illegal and unethical and getting by with it because of the huge checks you wrote to politicians."

"So that's what this is about" P.T. said, snarkily. "This is just a shakedown. I'll write you a check right here and now. Just tell me how much it's gonna take."

"Not this time, P.T." the governor said quietly. "Your corrupt games are over. William and Abe have a list of illegal acts you and your top men have committed that will easily put you away for the rest of your natural life. You'll be in a cell in Statesville and I think you're smart enough to know how they treat rich white men in that hellhole."

He laid sheet after sheet of paper on the desktop. P.T. started to see what Abe had learned and he began to look concerned.

"You've been bribing government officials in this country and in foreign countries for years. I know that the illegal business you've done with Cuba alone would put you n prison for life even if we had nothing else. William and Abe will be heading up a state-wide Corruption Task Force and will have extensive powers to compile testimony and dockets, bypassing normal legal procedures. "

"Why, you goddamned son of a bitch" P.T. said.

"Not another word, P.T., or we'll just cuff you and take you away in handcuffs now" the governor said. "I am willing to let you escape prison unless we find that anyone has died as a result of your crimes. I am willing to let you go ahead and live out your life under house arrest in Raleigh. There will be strict rules but it will certainly be better than a cell in Statesville. The checks you have been writing to your daughter twice monthly will now go to William and he will spend them as he needs to, primarily in the interest of your boys. You will have absolutely no control over day to day operations of your company. William will authorize payment of your expenses within reason. The choice is whether you want to remain a free man or sit and rot in a cell in Statesville. You're a little older than the average new prisoner but you're still a good-looking man. There'll still be a number f men ready to fight it out to get some of that man pussy."

The old man was looking defeated as the governor's words sank in. He knew there was enough to send him to prison for multiple lifetimes. He hated his son-in-law but he also knew he had no choice. Judith was again reaching into her large designer bag for her flask. She found it, unscrewed the top and put it to her mouth but William quickly stood and knocked it away from her mouth and out of her hand. It hit the wall and began to spill its contents, t he room filling with the strong smell of bourbon.

"Judith," William said, "if you think you are getting out of this shitfest scot free, you are entirely wrong. Your father has been laundering money through you for years with your knowledge. You will have papers to sign here tonight too. First of all, you will relinquish any parental claims to Johnny and Billy Paul. If they decide to contact you, that will be their choice, but you will not be allowed to contact them under any circumstances whatsoever. You will also be checking into rehab in the morning at a place called Renovations Rehab in Raleigh by noon tomorrow. If you do not, you and your father will be arrested and you will spend what may very likely be the rest of your lives in a cell. You will also be signing papers relinquishing any rights to your unborn baby you are carrying right now and you will be under supervision 24/7 in rehab so that your drinking will not harm my unborn child."

"What the fuck are you talking about, asshole?" she screamed. "I told you I'd never have another goddamned kid after that last brat you fucked into me after you got me drunker than shit. I made it clear and you know we haven't fucked since Billy Paul was born."

She looked quite satisfied with her defense of herself, a s did her father. That ended when Frankie opened the door and the Colonel walked in.

"Dear lady, I am not usually one to fuck and tell, but I feel in these circumstances you might very well harm the gift I have given you. I assure you that if you have a pregnancy test in a few days – which they will do in rehab – you will find that you are with child."

"That can't be, you dirty son of a bitch!" she screamed. "I made sure there was always a rubber on that dick of yours!" she yelled.

Both she and P.T. realized she had just admitted to the affair as the Colonel simply grinned and produced a condom from his pocket which he proceeded to pierce repeatedly with a straight pin.

"Those little baby makers are so tiny they can go through the eye of a needle" the Colonel chuckled.

"Why, you piece of shit son of a bitch!" the woman screamed, going for the man. "I won't have your fuckin baby, you greasy son of a bitch."

"Sit the fuck down and shut up, Judith!" P.T. said, grabbing his daughter by the arm and slamming her back into her chair.

"I will not spend the rest of my days in a fucking prison cell for you or anyone else" the man said. "I told you not to marry the son of a bitch. I told you he was a self-righteous son of a bitch who could never be trusted. But you had to just go on and on about how great he made your fucking body feel. Well it looks like your pussy has got us both in trouble now. You will go to rehab and you will follow every fucking rule. I will not spend the rest of my life in a prison cell taking big black dicks in my asshole. Show me where to sign. Judith will sign anything you want her to as well."

Michael came in to inform them they were ready for the intermission to be over. William, Randy, the Colonel, and the governor left the office with Abe overseeing the signing of the necessary documents.

"Well, that was quite an eventful intermission" Randy said. "My friend, you are always full of surprises."

"Thank you, sir," William said. "As of now, P.T. Sligh owns nothing – absolutely nothing. He will have to clear any expenditures through the company. Of course I will appoint someone to take care of that as I'd be too tempted to starve both of the assholes."

Both men chuckled as they returned to their seats. The house lights again went dim, the spotlight on the Colonel and the grand curtain opened on a stage lit in shades of blue from the palest to a deep sky blue at the top.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are moments away from the crowning of a new Miss Gayberry" the Colonel said. "As last year's winner was unable to participate in the pageant, we have a former Miss Gayberry who has graciously consented to step in."

The Colonel presented a Thelma Lou who looked absolutely radiant in a simple off-white Grecian style gown with no stones of sequins on it. She was beautiful in her simplicity, her only adornment tiny diamond earrings and the glittering crown she had won when she was crowned Miss Gayberry. The Colonel himself met Velma Sue at the head of the runway and escorted her for a walk down the runway. All of the contestants filed onstage, still in their gowns as the two made their walk to loud applause. Nelly Walker was glaring at the couple as they walked the runway, clearly miffed that her friend was getting all the attention. When they had returned to center stage, the Colonel took the microphone again.

"It is customary at this point in our pageant for the outgoing Miss Gayberry to receive a floral tribute from all of the finalists"the colonel explained to the audience." We have decided to do it a little differently this year."

As he spoke, tara Bedford had eased onto the middle of the stage behind the other contestants and unseen by the audience.

"This year, the finalists will make their presentations to the original Miss Gayberry, the woman who was the first ever to hold the title of Miss Gayberry. And as an extra and very special touch, instead of flowers the finalists will be presenting our queen with sparklers. And here she is, the original Miss Gayberry, Mrs. Tara Bedford."

The contestants parted and Mrs. Bedford stepped forward now in center stage. It was clear the woman lived for moments like these and she did look quite nice. She wore her own shimmering crown, placed on her head so many years before. Her dress was stunning, a creation in a beautiful glittering light blue tissue lame. Aunt Flea had dressed her and had told Randy all about how the gown was simply an elastic band just above her bosom with each of the layers of lame over it, hanging to different lengths like the petals of a blossom. Aunt Flea had been scandalized that the fabric was so delicate that her friend could not wear any undergarments under the gown. And it was stunning. Her makeup was perfect and the gown glimmered and shown as if the woman were covered in tiny blue diamonds.

As she took a step forward right into the bright spotlight, the handsome tall black warden stepped up, offering his elbow to escort her. She wanted no part of this sexy black man, but he gave her no choice, making it clear he would block her if she tried to get away and threatening to handcuff her if she didn't cooperate. Her smile now looked like someone had pasted it onto her face. She was horrified at the thought of being seen by all the people of Gayberry on the arm of a black man. She knew the picture would be carried in every newspaper in the area and everyone would see her, the original Miss Gayberry, holding the arm of a black man. It was all she could do, but she knew Eamon was not to be fucked with after he had successfully tripped her repeatedly in the pig trailer earlier during the parade. So she took his arm and, with her smile pasted on, stiffy walked the runway with him returning to a spot in the dead center of the long runway with the Colonel and the warden just behind her. The six finalists were lined up and each was given a bright, shimmering sparkler, which was lit by Mark, Kurt of Jimmy.

The house lights were killed and the spot dimmed slightly as all of the contestants on the stage were also given sparklers, all in red white and blue. Ms. Bedford had not been informed of the change from roses to sparklers but it didn't matter as this was her moment. She would be the center of attention and she intended to savor it. Each of the finalists presented their sparkler to Mrs. Bedford and returned to the top of the runway. Mrs. Bedford was holding the sparklers like a bouquet and with each additional one, it became more difficult to hold the burning stick away from her body. It was becoming almost unmanageable as Jenny stepped up with the last sparkler and the warden tripped her, knocking her right into Mrs. Bedford, with all the burning sticks dropping onto the fabric of her gown. When the sparkling sticks made contact with the tissue lame, the gown immediately burst into flames. It wasn't a hot fire, just a bright one with a lot of smoke. Within a couple of minutes, as the fabric burned quickly away, Colonel Watkins produced a fire extinguisher, covering the woman in a thin clear foam and soaking her with the substance.

It had all happened so suddenly that Mrs. Bedford was in shock. The woman was down on her knees, her dress gone from her body except a few singed remnants. Her hair was soaked in the foam and her crown nowhere in sight. As the warden and the Colonel helped her to her feet, the warden deftly took a box cutter and discretely cut the elastic band holding up the singed remnants of hr beautiful gown. It fell to the floor, leaving the wet, singed woman totally and completely naked in the bright spotlights except for a pair of thigh high hose and black ballerina slippers. She appeared too stunned to move as the crowd realized she was not injured but she was totally naked and just standing there in shock, her saggy titties with their big,dark nipples and her almost hairless pussy exposed to everyone in the town. The reality dawned on her as the audience began to laugh at the sight.

"She's naked! Look, daddy, she's buck naked!" a little boy shouted loudly, which evoked even more laughter.

She was now horrified and started to run toward the end of the runway where the judge's table was. Michael and Fankie stepped out of nowhere, blocking the steps and telling her to head back up the runway and exit stage left. Realizing she couldn't get past the men, she ran back toward the stage. The warden very discretely tripped her again, with her tumbling off the stage into the seats near the runway. She tried to scramble back onto the runway, but required help from a couple of people sitting in the seats nearest the structure. People continue to laugh uproariously as the woman scrambled, exposing her ugly, hairless cunny her bald, oversized clitoris, and her tired old asshole. She finally got back on the runway and slowly made her way to the stage. Instead of running off, she decided to wave again at the audience which was nothing short of hilarious, as she finally made it offstage. The laughter continued for several minutes until the houselights flashed again and the crowd again settled down for the crowning.

The sheriff had begun to worry about the governor being upset by what had happened, but when he turned around, the governor, Abe, and the Bentley brothers were all bent double in laughter and slapping each other on the back. Apparently they had all enjoyed it as much as the sheriff.

All the contestants were now lined up on the stage with the six finalists standing out front, near the top of the runway. The Colonel again introduced Velma Sue, who had now taken her crown off, as it was customary that the only girl wearing a crown at the end of the pageant would be the new Miss Gayberry Velma Sue held the shimmering crown, which was an amazing piece, selected by Mr. Churchill and Mr. Blount. It was a tall tiara, covered in diamond stars. It absolutely caught all the light and was absolutely stunning. Velma Sue had been escorted on stage by a smiling Kurt, who moved back into a position beside Mark and Jimmy. He then brought out the Marine color guard at the top of the tall platform and he had the younger boys spaced along the runway, standing at attention. It was quite the scene as the band played a short fanfare.

"The second runnerup to Miss Gayberry is Nelly Walker!" the Colonel suddenly announced loudly as Jimmy walked her to center stage where Velma Sue presented her with a large bouquet of red roses. Everyone was applauding but Nelly was clearly not pleased. It was clear she had expected to win. Jimmy managed to get her over to stage left but she was not happy.

"Our first runnerup and the young woman who will assume the crown and the many duties of Miss Gayberry in the event the winner becomes unable to perform the required duties is..."

There was a drum roll to heighten the excitement.

"Our first runnerup is Jenny Dykes and your new Miss Gayberry is Shakira Stuart"

As much as Ellie had expected to win, it was clear Shakira had not. She stood there, smiling, for what seemed like an eternity until the Colonel saw she was not moving and announced it again.

"The new Miss Gayberry is Shakira Stuart" the Colonel said in his loudest voice.

The audience had been shocked into silence, everyone included. As it began to sink in, people began to applaud, softly at first and building slowly until everyone in the auditorium was on their feet applauding the young black woman. The only person in the place not on their feet was Shakira, whose legs had given out and she had fallen to her knees. Kurt was there to take her elbow and help her step forward as Velma Sue crowned the young black girl, tears streaming down her face in an historic moment for the town. It was almost as if people slowlyrealized what the moment meant.

The exception was Jenny Dykes, who had not come forward to get her flowers. She was pitching a tantrum. Velma Sue had attempted to give her the rose bouquet, but she had thrown them in the floor and had begun to stomp the beautiful red blooms. Jimmy and Mark had moved in immediately, as all the attention and the spotlight was on Shakira, and had strong-armed the girl off stage. They had her in the wings, where here mama had rushed backstage.

"They gave it to that Goddamned nigger" the girl spat as she began to cry. It was not a pretty tantrum as her mother tried to comfort her.

"Of course they did" Mrs. Dykes said. "That was your crown and this was your year. Your daddy promised us and then that sheriff and his asshole friend fucked over all of us! They fucked every goddamned one of us!"

"No, ma'am, you ain't talkin' about our friends like that, Mrs. Dykes" Jimmy said.

"Yeah" Mark said. "They're the finest men in this town and I don't care if you're the mayor's wife, the governor's wife or even the fucking president's wife, you don't get to talk like that about our friends."

The managed to drag the struggling women by their elbows to the stage door, hustle them out the door, which automatically locked and left them in the very dark back parking lot of the auditorium. Then the boys calmly walked back onstage and they saw a now-smiling but tearful Shakira as she took her first walk on the runway as Miss Gayberry. The applause hadn't even slowed down as Homer had again taken the microphone to sing the crowning anthem, "All Hail to Thee, Miss Gayberry, All Hail to Thee, all Hail. It was set to the tune of `O Christmas Tree' and the lyrics were repetitive but Homer sang it beautifully, as he did everything. Randy looked over at Shakira's mother, who had her head buried in her husband's chest. The girl made it back up to the stage but the audience refused to stop the applause until she took another full walk. Once she was back at center stage, the Colonel thanked the audience again and invited them to come back for next year's pageant. The grand closed as the houselights came up.

William leaned into Randy and whispered in his ear.

"Goddamn, I feel like I've had a baby" as Randy laughed.

"What a fuckin' night!" he said back. The governor was already at their table. He and Abe were excited, saying it was certainly the most exciting night they'd had since the inauguration.

"And this was a lot more entertaining!" Abe said.

Michael was there, inviting them all backstage for pictures. The Bentleys had collected the girl's parents, rescuing them from a horde of well-wishers to take them all through a side door with a quiet tunnel to the backstage area.

They were all congratulating the girl's very humble parents. Mrs. Stuart was alternating between tears and laughter as if the enormity hit her in waves. Her father just had a gleaming smile, one of the proudest any of them had ever seen. There were reporters and photographers backstage from all the surround towns and one from Charlotte who had been tipped off that something big might happen in Gayberry. But before the governor and Abe got to Shakira, they couldn't resist running up to the boys and getting hugs from each one of them.

"You were all perfect" the governor said. "You all stood perfectly straight and had perfect smiles. No one could have done better."

This man was genuine in his praise of the boys. That was clearly obvious as he and Abe talked to them.

Frankie brought Mr. and Mrs. House backstage, having caught them in the lobby as they were leaving.

"We certainly don't mean to interrupt anything but we dearly hoped to give our sweet one a kiss before we go home to pack. We'll be leaving at four in the morning and we couldn't leave without a hug" Mrs. House said.

Pepe looke concerned, asking where they were going. When they told the boy they were heading out very early to fly to the Honduras to get his little brothers and bring them home forever, the kid emitted a happy scream.

"Yoooowwwweeeee!" the boy said.

Everyone in the area heard it and turned to see what it was. Pepe was now dancing with all his buddies and telling them in an excited voice what had happened. Even as reporters were shouting questions and flashbulbs popping, Shakira wanted to know if Pepe was all right. She had met the boy and his parents the night before at t he reception and had found them charming. When one of the Bentley brothers told her what had happened, she left the photographers and ran to the boy, picking the little boy up and hugging him tightly.

"Pepe," she said, kissing his cheek, "I am so happy for you. "Su hijos in America!"

Amazingly, she put the boy down and took his hand leading them to the center of the reporters and photographers. Instead of talking about herself and her big night, she told them the story of Pepe and his brothers who would now be coming to live in Gayberry.

There was not a dry eye in the place. Even the most hardened were touched by the story of the orphaned boy and the beauty queen.

As the crowd began to thin, the warden caught Randy's eye at the door of the ladies' dressing room. He knew before he went over that it was probably something to do with Mrs. Bedford. He was right. She was in the dressing raising hell about the entire evening. As he walked over, a tired looking deputy came over. They walked into the dressing room where Tara Bedford, dressed only in a men's robe several times too large for her was raising hell. Aunt Flea was trying without success to calm her down.

"Tara," Aunt Flea said, "you know Randy will lock you up if you don't settle down. You simply have to hold it in and put a smile on your face. It's the only way to deal with the man."

"Flea, he's a goddamned nigger-lover!" Tara Bedford was shouting as she threw everything in sight. "That son of a bitch and that son of a bitch alone is responsible for having a nigger in that crown and for having niggers in that school. I will not have it. We'll be the laughing stock opf North Carolina! Do you hear me, I will not have it."

"Tape that birch's mouth right now, deputy," the sheriff ordered.

The deputy disappeared and momentarily returned with a roll of black electrical tape. He began to roll the tape around the woman's head as she struggled to speak.

"Deputy, you will unhand my friend right now!" Aunt Flea suddenly yelled, grabbing the deputy's hand and pulling it away from her friend's head.

Randy's temper flared as he grabbed his aunt's arm, wrenching it painfully behind her.

"Randy, this is my dearest and oldest friend and you've gone too far" Aunt Flea said, her own anger flaring.

They locked eyes as the deputy finished taping Mrs. Bedford's mouth so that she was now silent. Randy then took the tape from his deputy and began to tape his aunt's mouth. She was too shocked to even struggle as he made three trips around her head with the black tape.

"Take that robe off that bitch and then take Aunt Flea's clothes too. Take em all. No panties, no brassiere, nno nothin'! It's time for these bitches to start takin' what I say seriously.Take both of these bitches to jail, deputy!" the sheriff barked. "Take em both right out through that crowded front lobby and cuff their hands behind `em so everbody in town can see them ugly floppin' old titties. If these cunts want to make a spectacle of themselves, I ain't gonna stop it."

"But, Randy, you don't want to..." Arney began.

"You want your mouth taped too, deputy?" the sheriff asked. "You want me to fuckin' strip you down and march you out with `em so the whole town can see that green bean dick of yours? Do it and do it without sayin' another fuckin' word! You better get them bitches out of my sight and get them out now."

The deputy hurriedly stripped both women, although both were struggling, trying in vain to hide their private parts as everyone around them was laughing at the bizarre sight. The dressing room was a wreck, a complete and total wreck with flowers and greenery and makeup and hair spray cans thrown everywhere.

"I can't believe that bitch made this mess by herself" Randy said.

"No, she had some help" the warden chuckled. "Apparently young Jenny Dykes threw a tantrum of her own when she didn't win, according to Jimmy and Mark. They're a little bit nervous that you two might be upset with them over the way they talked to the mayor's wife."

"Fuck the mayor's wife" Randy said as they rejoined the crowd backstage which had begun to thin. They went to check on the boys in their dressing room and it was the exact opposite of the ladies dressing room. There was nothing out of place. Their boys had everything neatly packed in the duffle bag they had been using and the place had been thoroughly cleaned.

"I don't know about you but I'm feelin' pretty proud of all our boys right now" the sheriff said.

"I couldn't agree more" William said, a slight catch in his voice.

The boys were ready to go. They had divided themselves up, some riding with Doc and the governor and the others in Jimmy and Abe's car. The governor had invited them for ice cream at the Dairy Dip but the men said they would meet them at home.

"We'll bring you guys sundaes!" the governor promised, as they all took off.

Although the crowd had thinned, Shakira was still graciously answering questions for the reporters and flashbulbs were still popping. The men made it over to tell her good night and to congratulate her. She and her family couldn't have been more grateful and gracious. The Bentleys brothers were still there. They said good night after confirming the brothers, Gerry and Coley would be joining them for burgers and dogs at the pool at noonish the following day. Hugs were exchanged and the men took off, the warden with them. In the tunnel, they ran into the Colonel, who appeared to have been kissing Velma Sue. All of them were surprised.

"Excuse us" William said. "We had no idea anyone was here."

"That's quite all right" the Colonel said. "The most beautiful woman in Gayberry over twenty years old is allowing me the privilege of driving her home this evening. I've been trying all week to get just a few minutes of her time and she has finally relented."

"But only after the good Colonel agreed to accompany me to church in the morning" Velma Sue said, with a smile.

"I'm sorry we won't be there to welcome him" Randy said. "We have some business to attend to so we won't make it. Enjoy the service and please make our excuses to Pastor."

As they walked into the lobby, they noticed it had emptied except for the mayor, his wife and Jenny, who was still looking very angry.

"You piece of shit nigger lover!" the mayor's wife said. "You told my husband that this was Jenny's year. You promised him and then you fucked us. That dumb son of a bitch took you at your word. I should've listened to Tara Bedford. She told me the truth about you and your friend. Y'all want to destroy our heritage and everything that's right and good in our town and in this country while y'all are doing all your faggot shit and covering it up."

The mayor had seemed angry to, but he now looked worried as he was afraid the colonel might get angry and divulge the deal he had made with the mayor to impregnate his wife.

"Velma Sue, my d ear" the colonel said, "you don't need to be subjected to this. Mr. Mayor, with all due respect, I am surprised you would allow your beloved wife to use such nasty language in a public setting."

He escorted her over to Michael's office and opened the door, telling her he would be right back. The mayor was now very nervous, fearing exposure by the Colonel.

"Come along, Jenny," the mayor said. "Let's let your mother talk to the men. We'd best wait outside."

The girl didn't want to miss out on hearing her mother let the sheriff have a piece of her mind, but the mayor drug her out the door.

"Mrs. Dykes, it is time for you to simmer down" the Colonel said quietly. "You may be too goddamned stupid to have put it together yet, but the fact is that you are carrying my baby in your belly. It's a fact. I can smell a woman when she is with child."

"But you used rubbers when it was risky" she said, admitting her guilt. "I made sure you never stuck that thing inside me without it being encased in a condom."

"I did indeed" he smiled. "I used rubbers which I had stuck pins into before I stretched them over my cock. My recollection is that you like my cock a lot. Why, the sheriff and William witnessed how much you enjoyed my cock one night when we fucked in my room at the sheriff's home. I doubt you noticed because you were making a lot of noise as you rode my cock."

The woman knew she was beaten.

"You better not tell a soul or I will kill you, you sorry bastard!" she said. "I am the mayor's wife and I have a reputation in this town."

"Yes, dear lady," he said. "A reputation which will be destroyed when you are exposed s an adulterer. You enjoy living on one of the best streets in this town in one of the finest homes in this town. You enjoy your country club membership and everything that goes with being the mayor's wife. It can disappear in a heartbeat if I tell my story. Don't forget these very honorable men, who are hosting the governor this weekend, saw me fucking you. I sure their lips are sealed unless it might become necessary to reveal the truth. Do you understand what I'm saying?" he asked, in a charming voice.

She began to nod her head, realizing that every word was true. She had put up living with that rat-dicked asshole for too many years to have it all disappear. She remembered his panting and gasping and slobbering all over her when they fucked, grateful only that he never lasted for more than two minutes.

"Mrs. Dykes," the Colonel said, "I suggest you find some way to coax your husband back into your bed, at least for long enough to convince him that the baby in your tummy is his."

The woman knew she was defeated. She knew she had experience morning sickness all week and she now put it together. She was fucked and she knew it.

The colonel walked over and got Velma Sue and, with his arm around the lovely lady, they all started for the door. Outside, the mayor was arguing with Jenny. They noticed a girl about Jenny's age with three older guys standing nearby as if they were waiting for her.

"Jenny, you've had a long day" the mayor said. "I think you should come home with your mom and me."

"I want to go out and have some fun with my friends" the girl whined. "We're just going to the Dairy Dip. I can be home by eleven."

"Oh, let her go with her friends, Frank," Mrs. Dykes said. "She at least deserves that after the way she got fucked over earlier."

Happy she had won, the girl ran off and got into the car with her girlfriend and the three older boys.

The men got in the car. William was driving.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" William asked.

"I think so" Randy said.

They sat there in the dark car long enough to let Jenny and her friends leave the parking lot. Then they discretely followed their car. At the turn to the Dairy Dip, the car didn't slow down. A few minutes later, the car pulled into the Butter Cup Motel.

"They never intended to go to the Dairy Dip" William said softly as they sat in the dark car, watching the group head into one of the motel rooms, Jenny already with a bottle of bourbon to her mouth.

"Nope" the warden said. "And she never had any intention of making it home by ten thirty either."

They all shared a laugh and headed for the house.