"Hello? Is anyone there?"
Menard woke up to the sound of a voice calling out. Considering that the farmhouse door and walls were practically destroyed, everyone had to sleep on the floor atop piles of blankets and cushions in the now scorched bedroom, exposing them to the chilly desert nights.
He stood up and looked down at the front entrance--or what was left of it--to spot a group of men and horse drawn carriages carrying supplies and materials.
I don't recall hiring anyone to help us fix the farm, Menard thought. "Excuse me, who are you supposed to be?"
"Handymen. Here to help fix up your property." one answered.
"Who sent you?"
"Binde Hoovins," the worker said.
Hold on, isn't he that guy who's running to become mayor? Menard was confused. How come Hoovins was suddenly so interested in their farm? Was he trying to fix it up to make the villagers think he was a kind person?
"Menard? Who are you talking to?" Gran'pa Ken yawned.
"Some workers. Binde Hoovins sent them here for some reason."
"What?" Gran'pa Ken quickly walked outside. "What's going on here?" he asked a worker.
"Mr. Hoovins sent us here." the worker said. "Said that someone requested his help in fixing up this here farm.
"And who requested this?" Ken pressed.
"Dunno." The worker turned towards the rest of the men. "All right lads, get to work! We've a lot of patches to cover up!"
By this point, Mordecai and the Moon sisters had woken up and gathered by Menard.
"What's going on?" Imala asked.
"Workers. Sent by Hoovins. We never asked for any help." Menard shook his head.
"Who is Hoovins?" Bella asked.
"One of the mayoral candidates for the village. And a arrogant asshole at that." Menard's anger hardened his teeth. He quickly walked out of the door frame and down the stairs.
"He's tried to buy up our farm multiple times," Mordecai elaborated. "Gran'pa Ken always turned him down. Must be another one of his dirty tricks again." He walked out.
Avaron spotted Hoovins standing far away from his men, observing from a distance. All right, she thought. It's all going to plan so far. Better make sure no one sees me with him, or they'll think something smells fishy. Especially Imala. She gritted her teeth angrily at the thought of her sister, snooping around her plans. She always ruins everything, says I don't consider where my plans go wrong...well, this plan will not get derailed!
Avaron snuck away from her sisters, making sure not to be noticed.
******************************************************************************************************
Avaron sneaked towards Hoovins, looking behind her to make sure her sisters weren't following her. "Hey." She waved her hand from behind a wagon to Hoovins.
"Miss Moon! Good morning." He tipped his hat in courtesy.
"Not out here. Come this way," she urged.
Hoovins followed Avaron behind the wagon, out of sight from everyone. "Is something the matter, Miss Moon?"
"Yeah. My sisters." Avaron quickly glanced around the corner and then turned back to Binde Hoovins. "I've told you about them already. Just remember to make sure that they don't catch on either." She glanced around quickly, before continuing, "Don't let them see me anywhere near you. But, overall, a good star to the plan."
"Consider your warning heeded, Miss Moon." Hoovins walked away, his noble marroon cape sweeping in the wind with much confidence and a tad hint of snootyness.
Avaron smiled to herself, happy to see her plans off to a good start.
There was still a long ways to go, though.