The town meeting was set for the week of Thanksgiving, and Jamal had delayed his trip to Detroit to meet with Lance, until things were settled with the town. Over the past couple of weeks, Jamal and Lorna had worked diligently on preparing a presentation to show what his business would provide.
The couple arrived at the City Hall and began setting up for him to explain his proposal to the people of Grayling. Lorna saw the serious look on his face as he went about his tasks.
“Hey,” she whispered and he looked up.
“It’s going to be fine,” Lorna promised.
Jamal smiled at her. “Thank you for being here.” He looked out at the seats. “And your family,”
Lorna glanced at her sisters, along with Derek. “We love you.”
He returned his gaze to her. “Whatever happens today, I’m not going to stop trying.”
“I know,” Lorna smiled. “You wouldn’t be Jamal, if you did.”
The room began to fill with the residents, and Jamal watched some frowning faces look at him, before taking their seats.
“Good old Grayling,”
Lorna took his hand. “Do your thing, baby.”
Jamal bent and kissed her cheek. “I’ll need you to come up when I start the visuals.”
“I’ve got you,” she confirmed and squeezed his hand.
Jamal watched her walk away and join her family before turning back to his paperwork and handouts. A few minutes later, he was joined by his father.
“Hey Daddy, which side are you on today?” Jamal asked.
“The side I’m always on,” the sheriff answered. “What’s best for my son,”
Jamal nodded. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
The two men hugged, then his father found a seat near Lorna. The other side of the room was filling a lot quicker than the side that seemed to support Jamal, and he sighed. Mr. Perkins arrived and headed to the front of the room.
“Mr. Perkins,” Jamal greeted the older man.
The City Manager looked at the growing crowd. “You’ve got your work cut out for you today son.”
“I see, but I’m ready.”
Mr. Perkins gave him a look, then moved to his seat at the front.
When the meeting started, Jamal was seated up front, watching Lorna from his position. She thought he looked handsome in his white dress shirt, tie and black slacks. Although, she preferred him in a flannel or a thermal and jeans…his business look was rather cute as well.
Their eyes held, as Mr. Perkins began his announcements and Lorna could feel Jamal’s anxiety. She smiled at him and he returned it slowly before his attention went to Mr. Perkins.
“We are here today on a matter that’s been brought to my attention. Jamal Winston, of Winston Gardens wants to go into the business of selling marijuana.”
Jamal looked at him. “I’ll be a grower,” he corrected.
Mr. Perkins paused. “Won’t you be selling it?”
“To licensed dispensaries, not just random people on the street. That’s still illegal,” Jamal explained.
“So tell us Jamal, why you want to sell marijuana and bring all kinds of criminals to our town?”
Lorna frowned at Mr. Perkins assessment as Jamal got to his feet and faced the crowd.
“Hello, everyone,” he greeted and received some replies. “So first of all, I want to explain that what I’m doing is not going to bring ‘criminals’ to our town. I’m growing the crops to help people who have medical conditions that cause almost debilitating pain. Cannabis helps to soothe that agony.”
“How much of this marijuana are you trying to grow?” a voice asked from the crowd.
“Fifteen hundred plants,” Jamal answered.
There was a shout among the attendees. “Fifteen hundred!”
Jamal nodded. “That’s the maximum amount of plants a growing license allows in the State.”
“Are you growing this already?” Another person asked.
“No, I haven’t started, but I have prepped the land. The application is due two weeks before Christmas and the licenses will be awarded in the Spring.” Jamal told them. “I’m still preparing the application for submission.”
“We don’t need that here!”
Jamal looked at the man. “It’s not going to affect the town. It’s just another crop growing here that will be shipped out.”
“Why can’t you grow it somewhere else?”
“It’s my land,” Jamal answered. “I paid for it.”
Lorna looked at the crowd on the other side.
The man stood. “Well, buy some land somewhere else to grow your drugs. Didn’t you have enough of that in the past?”
She gasped and looked at Jamal. Lorna saw the anger in his eyes, but he remained calm.
“I’ve acknowledged my past, and it has nothing to do with this endeavor. This is a legal venture and I’m well within my rights to do this.” Jamal answered.
“Well, hold up now,” Mr. Perkins intervened and everyone looked at him. “We do have rules here and selling drugs breaks the law.”
Jamal sighed. “I’m not selling drugs. I’m trying to help people and myself.”
“What proof do you have that marijuana does anything?” An old man asked.
Jamal stood to gather his handouts when the door opened. He watched as Willie, the Langstons, and Russ entered the room. Behind them, Lloyd followed with his girlfriend Lavender. His eyes widened when Lance and Khayla stepped inside.
“I have a few handouts, that I’d like to pass around.” Jamal announced to the opposition.
The older man fanned his hand. “I don’t want to read all your mumbo jumbo. I asked you for some real proof.”
Khayla walked to the front and stood next to Jamal. Smiling, she faced the angry group.
“Hello, I’m Khayla Lewis, an MD, and Naturopathic Doctor, and I can answer your question,”
Jamal looked at Khayla, then slowly took his seat. The others, who had entered with her found chairs near Lorna and her sisters. They all listened closely as Khayla began speaking.
“The most common use of medical cannabis is to treat and prevent the eye disease, glaucoma. Glaucoma increases pressure in the eyeball, damaging the optic nerve and causing loss of vision. Marijuana decreases the pressure inside the eye,” Khayla explained.
“That’s why I use it!”
Everyone turned to the voice and Miss Jackie folded her arms.
“Miss Jackie!” Mr. Perkins exclaimed.
“I sure do,” she confirmed. “I’m not trying to lose my sight.”
“Who is prescribing this for you?” the town doctor asked.
Miss Jackie frowned at him. “It certainly wasn’t you with your pharmaceutical drugs, trying to kill me.”
Lorna looked at her sisters and they all hid their laughter.
“Where are you getting marijuana?” Jamal’s father asked.
“From Mr. Perkins’ grandson.” Miss Jackie told him. “Everybody knows that.”
Mr. Perkins jumped to his feet. “What!”
Then the sheriff joined him. “Who knew this?” He looked at Jamal and he shrugged.
“You mean to tell me that we have drug transactions in Grayling?” Mr. Perkins demanded and Miss Jackie fanned a hand.
“It’s just weed…”
Jamal connected with Lorna’s gaze and they both looked stunned as Khayla continued.
“Uh, another use for marijuana is to help prevent and control epileptic seizures. It’s beneficial for relieving pain in patients who suffer with MS, muscle spasms, Lupus, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and chemotherapy treatments.”
Khayla looked around the crowd. “Cannabis helps improve health in a myriad of ways. It also has shown, that it can slow the progression of cancer.”
Mrs. Langston stood. “And that’s why I use it…”
Lloyd and his daughters looked at the woman who’d been such an important part of their lives.
“Mrs. Langston?” Lloyd asked concerned.
“I was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago. I kept it to myself because I didn’t want people fawning all over me.” Her husband took her hand and she smiled down at him. “I was struggling, until a dark angel came into my life and told me about using cannabis.”
Everyone watched as she looked at Lavender. “Somehow she knew my struggle and she helped me understand the benefits. I’ve been using it ever since and I’m in remission.”
Lorna put a hand to her mouth, watching the woman she worked with every day and was like a grandmother to her. She was amazed, because Mrs. Langston, never missed a day or a beat. She was one of the strongest women that Lorna had ever known and she couldn’t believe the battle that she’d been fighting.
Unable to contain herself, Lorna stood and wrapped her arms around Mrs. Langston. “I’m so sorry. I wish you would have told me.”
Mrs. Langston patted her back. “It’s alright sweetie. I’m going to be around for a while longer.”
Lorna sniffed and wiped her eyes. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“I’ve got Sable babies to meet,” Mrs. Langston told her touching her damp cheek.
Mr. Perkins looked around. “Does anybody else smoke weed in this town?”
Jamal shook his head as Willie raised his hand.
“I don’t have a story. I just smoke it because I like the buzz. Your grandson had some good product,” he told Mr. Perkins.
Russ yelled out. “Hey Mr. Perkins, can your grandson hook me up?”
Mr. Perkins banged his gavel as the crowd began to laugh, to restore order. “This meeting is about Jamal growing marijuana within the town limits.”
Lloyd commented. “Well it seems there’s quite a bit of marijuana already circulating around the town.”
“What are your thoughts on this Mr. Sable?” Mr. Perkins questioned.
Getting to his feet, Lloyd scanned the room. “At first, I had my concerns both for Jamal and the town, but my daughter, Lorna, along with my love, Lavender, alleviated any fears that I initially harbored.” He looked at both women.
“So you’re supporting this?” Mr. Perkins inquired.
Lloyd nodded. “Yes, I am supporting Jamal and his endeavor. I see and understand his vision, and I know that he’s capable of making this a success.”
Jamal watched Lloyd and felt warmed by his words of confidence.
“I would like for Lavender to explain about the history of cannabis and our people. I think the town should hear this,” Lloyd told Mr. Perkins.
The City Manager granted Lloyd’s request, and Lloyd walked Lavender to the podium in front of the room, where Khayla still stood. Lavender then addressed the group in her soft voice.
“Our history as black people is often misunderstood and even more misinterpreted,” she began. “Ancient Khemet, used and uncovered the medicinal properties of cannabis even beyond what modern medicine has been able to do. The Ebers Papyrus is one of the oldest medical textbooks known to man, and it describes how our ancestors used cannabis to alleviate pain and inflammation caused by various diseases. Women in particular used it to waive off depression and other psychological problems in the early days.”
The group listened as Lavender’s history lesson continued.
“When the tomb of Pharaoh Rameses II, there was cannabis found inside and many of the uncovered mummies have shown traces of the herb in their systems. It is believed that cannabis was a regular part of our culture. In our modern society, the dominant culture has taken this natural cure and made it a pawn for the legal system,” Lavender finished.
“Exactly,” Jamal said, getting to his feet. “This is what I wanted to explain…if you all read the article, you understand how this herb has affected our community. We have black men locked up all over this country for using and selling it. Now, everyone is capitalizing off of the legalization, except us black men. I want to change that,” Jamal told them. “I also want to take a percentage of my profits and create a fund for those who are incarcerated on marijuana charges to make bail and get better representation.”
Lorna beamed at him as he spoke so passionately.
Jamal looked around the room. “I’m not the boy you all remember. I’ve graduated from college and created a business here. A business that many of you frequent. I came back to Grayling to make amends and to make a life with the woman I’ve always loved.” He gazed at Lorna.
“I’m asking you all to trust me.” Jamal told them. “Give me the chance to build the life I desire.”
Lavender took his hand and he looked down at her. “Thank you for coming.” Jamal then looked at Khayla. “Thank you, too.”
Mr. Perkins, sat frowning in his seat. “Tell us how you’re going to keep the criminals away from this stash.”
“The State requires me to have both insurance and security for the crops. Everything will be secured on the grounds.” Jamal looked at his father. “And I’m hoping the sheriff will be willing to help out…”
Sheriff Winston nodded. “I’m on it…”
Mr. Perkins frowned again at Jamal’s father. “Have you been on it at all?”
“It’s your grandson,” the sheriff countered. “And tell him, I need to speak with him.”
“Hey!” Both Mrs. Langston and Miss Jackie argued. “Don’t cut off our connect,” Miss Jackie told him.
Khayla smiled. “Ladies, I can write you some prescriptions to get your supply legally.”
“Can you write me one too?” Willie asked.
Lloyd looked at Willie.
“How are you paying for all this?” Mr. Perkins asked Jamal.
“I have investors,” he answered.
Mr. Perkins looked skeptical. “What kind of investors?”
Jamal picked up his paperwork and handed it to Mr. Perkins. “Everything is in there.” He turned to the group. “Would anyone else like to have one?”
Many hands raised and Lorna quickly joined him in passing out the packets. Jamal waited while the residents read through the handouts. Lavender and Khayla took seats in the audience, and Jamal glanced down at Lorna by his side, when she placed a hand on his arm.
After a few minutes, Mr. Perkins looked up. “Who is this Lance Johnson supplying some of the funding?”
Lance stood to his feet. “That would be me.”
Mr. Perkins looked over at Lance. “And just who are you, sir?”
“I’m a business owner in Detroit. I have several ventures throughout the city,” Lance explained.
“And just how do you know our Jamal?” Mr. Perkins inquired.
Lance smiled. “I know him through the wonderful Sable family. My wife and I have stayed at the Inn and hold the Sables in high regard.”
The group nodded as Mr. Perkins commented, “We all do…”
“Lorna Sable contacted me, then I met with Jamal and we’re ready to do business with him,” Lance informed him.
Mr. Perkins looked at Lloyd. “I see the Sables are also putting their money on the table.”
Lloyd and his daughters agreed. “We sure are.”
Looking out at the attendees, Mr. Perkins asked, “Are there any more questions, before we put this to a vote?”
“Is Cassandra Riddick a part of this too?” someone asked.
Both Lorna and Jamal frowned. “No, she’s not.” He answered.
“She was just here and you were meeting with her. We remember how you two did things.”
Jamal shook his head. “She was here for a camp at the Sable Inn. I have no contact with her and she’s not a part of this venture.”
“You sure?” the woman asked. “Because she posted about your article in that magazine, saying that she couldn’t wait to support you in every way.”
Lorna looked up at Jamal.
“She even posted a picture of a check made out to you,” the woman finished.
Jamal grimaced. “I can assure you that I have not taken any money from Cassandra, and she is not nor will not be a part of my business.”
“I can vouch for that,” Lorna added. “I’ve been working with Jamal on this.”
Mr. Perkins looked at the couple over his glasses. “Now, Jamal, we can consider, but him and Cassandra is a flat out…no.”
“You don’t have to worry about that,” Jamal assured him. “I have enough investors along with my own capital.”
Mr. Perkins nodded. “Okay people, let’s take a vote. How many here would like to block this venture?”
Jamal moved closer to Lorna as a few people raised their hands.
“Okay, now how many people want to allow Jamal to move forward?”
Most of the hands raised in the room and Lorna threw herself into Jamal’s arms, as the Book Club shouted in victory. “I told you!” she whispered as he held her close.
“Looks like, we’re going to let this young man grow some cannabis,” Mr. Perkins announced. “And I will be keeping a close eye on you, Jamal.”
Jamal glanced over at the man. “You can come to the gardens at any time.”
“This meeting is adjourned.” Mr. Perkins hit the gavel on the desk and Jamal’s supporters began to celebrate.
He looked into Lorna’s face. “Your family brought the big guns for me.”
“We don’t play,”
“I really wasn’t expecting any of them,”
Lorna smiled. “Lavender insisted on coming, so did Lance and Khayla when they found out about the meeting.” Her smile turned to a frown. “What is going on with Cassandra?”
“She’s really trying to catch a serious case.”
“She’s trying to capitalize on your exposure.”
Jamal lifted her into the air. “I don’t give a damn about Cass right now. I’m so happy and looking forward to what’s next.”
“I’m so happy too,”
They were joined by their friends, family and business partners with hugs and congratulations. Russ moved closer to Jamal.
“Man, what’s up with Cassidee? Why would she not tell the truth?”
Jamal looked at the younger man. “Cassidee loves trouble, drama and being a pain in the ass. Don’t let her fool you.”
“I thought she was cool,” Russ said with a frown.
“She’s also a liar,” Jamal confirmed.
Russ shook his head. “Thanks for the heads up.”
Jamal nodded as Lance approached and Russ moved away.
“Lance, man I didn’t know that you and Khayla would be here. I couldn’t have gotten that vote without you.”
“Hey, this is my money. I don’t play about that.”
Jamal agreed. “I feel you.”
“Who is this Cassandra?” Lance inquired and Jamal groaned.
“She’s Cassidee, the singer.”
Lance frowned. “That ‘You Da One’ girl?”
Jamal nodded. “Yeah, that’s her. We used to run around Grayling together, getting in trouble. She came back a few weeks ago and was trying to bring back the past, but that’s done.”
Lance looked over at Lorna, where she was chatting with her sisters, Khayla and Lavender. “She’s the one, right?”
Jamal followed his glance. “The only one.”
“Watch your back with that Cassidee. I have a scar to remind me of the actions, of a woman rebuffed.” Lance told him seriously.
“A scar?”
Lance shook his head. “That’s another story.”
“Damn…” Jamal said quietly.
They were joined by the women, who all hugged Jamal. He looked at Lavender and smiled.
“Hi, Ms. Masters. I didn’t even know about the history of cannabis with our people. That was amazing.”
Lavender touched his face. “You have a gift in your hands. You’re a grower and Lorna is a healer.” She traced his jaw. “Lloyd’s grandsons are going to be so handsome.”
Jamal looked confused as she moved away and Mrs. Langston hugged him tightly.
“That’s my boy!” she patted him on the back.
“I didn’t know you were blazing Mrs. Langston,” he teased.
She hit his shoulder. “You just make sure, you grow some good product to keep me alive to see all these Sable babies that Lavender is talking about.”
“Mr. Perkins’ grandson might not like that,”
“He’s falling off,” Mrs. Langston told him. “Even Jackie agrees…”
Jamal shook his head. “It will be good,” he promised.
She moved away to her husband and Jamal found himself with Lloyd. Holding out his hand, Jamal said, “Thank you again, sir.”
“You’re welcome, but all these people aren’t here because of me. They’re here for you,”
Jamal looked around at the people who remained and smiled. “I didn’t know that so many people cared.”
“Well now you do, and we’re all here for whatever you need,” Lloyd told him. “We’re all going back to the Inn to celebrate your victory today.”
Jamal took a deep breath, filled with emotion. “I’ll be there.”
Lorna hung back as the sheriff approached his son.
“Good job,” he told Jamal, then looked at him. “Mr. Perkins’ grandson?”
“I told you, I don’t snitch,” Jamal reminded him.
His father shook his head. “We have a whole town of people who don’t snitch.”
“Do you still think that marijuana is bad after today?” Jamal asked.
“I learned a lot that I didn’t know. I’ve sworn to uphold the laws of the land and I’ll do that, but I also see the disparities in those laws,” his father admitted.
“I meant what I said about you helping me out with configuring the security,” Jamal told him.
The sheriff agreed. “Like I said, I’m on it.”
“I’m looking forward to working with you,”
“I’ve always wanted to work beside my son,”
Jamal smiled. “Here’s our chance.”
The two men embraced before Jamal started collecting his left over paperwork. Lorna appeared by his side and he stared at her as the room emptied.
“What?” she asked.
“You,”
Lorna picked up a few more papers. “What about me?”
“You’re so beautiful…inside and out,” he whispered.
She turned her attention back to him. “What are you going to do about it?”
Jamal sat his papers aside and pulled her to him. “What do you want me to do about it?”
“All. The. Things. I. Like…”
He took her mouth in a drugging kiss.
“You like that?” he asked against her moist mouth.
Lorna opened her eyes, slowly. “You know I do…”
In the empty room, Jamal slid his hands along her body and began kissing her neck.
“I can’t wait to take you to Detroit with me,”
“What are we going to do?”
He smiled. “Sign some papers and get this money, then I’ll show my Beauty how her man treats his love.”
“I haven’t stayed away from Grayling in a long time.”
“I promise that you won’t miss it.”
Lorna stroked the back of his neck, tracing his neat hairline. “I believe you and I can’t wait.”
“You know they’re expecting us at the Inn?” he whispered, as she moved closer.
“We’ll be there…” Lorna said tracing his sexy lips. “Right now, I want to show my man how his Beauty treats her love,”