The Carpenter’s Miracle Chapter 12
“What?” TOM could hardly believe his ears. “Mr. Harding, surely there’s been a mistake? I’m the one who reported him. He’s the one building illegally!”
Pointing a shaking finger at me, he screamed at the top of his lungs.
Cole watched him with icy detachment. “I have my own eyes, and I can see and judge for myself.
“Whether this structure is illegal or not is for me to decide. But before that, you must answer for your own actions.”
He waved a hand at his two subordinates standing behind him. “Take him away.”
The two officers immediately stepped forward, grabbing Tom by the arms.
“You can’t do this to me! My brother is…” TOM continued to struggle and shout.
Without hesitation, an officer snapped handcuffs onto
his wrists.
His two henchmen, legs turning to jelly with fright, offered no resistance and surrendered immediately.
A roar of applause erupted from the townsfolk.
Watching Tom being shoved into the car, everyone felt a surge of vindication.
Overwhelmed with excitement, Felix gripped Cole’s hand. “Thank you, sir. You have brought justice to Cedarville!”
Cole pulled his hand back, his expression remaining grave. “Mr. Graves, I am merely doing my duty.
“Tom’s business is settled. Now, let’s talk about this
kiln.”
The townspeople, who had just been celebrating, felt their hearts leap into their throats again.
Yes, the real test was only just beginning.
Cole looked at the Massive Masonry and timber structure before him. “Under Northland building codes, any permanent structure exceeding three hundred square feet, or requiring a fixed foundation, Must obtain a permit in advance.
“This building, in terms of both area and structure, is significantly over the limit.
@Therefore, legally speaking, it is indeed an illegal structure.”
A suppressed sigh rippled through the crowd.
Ellie dug her nails into my arm, her body tense.
Cole continued. “As an inspector, my duty is to order the demolition of all illegal structures.”
His words hit everyone like a bucket of ice water.
The lifesaving kiln we had spent three days and three nights building, risking our lives, was to be torn down just like that?
Several women couldn’t hold back their tears.
Felix, too, grew desperate. “But sir, the blizzard is already here! Without it, we will-”
Cole raised a hand, cutting him off.
“I understand your situation. And I have seen the value of this building with my own eyes. Therefore…” he said, trailing off.
Everyone held their breath.
Cole continued. “I have decided to grant it a temporary permit.”
“A temporary permit?” Everyone froze in confusion.
Everyone was frozen in shock.
Cole explained, “Yes. The permit will be valid until next spring, when the snow melts. During this period, you May legally use it to survive the winter.”
“However, once spring arrives, you must submit formal blueprints and an application to the Regional Construction and Environment Agency.
“We will send engineers to evaluate its safety and environmental standards. If it passes the evaluation, it can become a permanent structure.”
“If it does not…” He looked at me. “Then, the builder himself must dismantle it with his own hands.”
As his voice faded, a deathly silence fell over the
square.
Seconds later, an even more enthusiastic cheer erupted than before.
Tears and laughter mingled as people embraced each
other.
They were actually saved.
Mark rushed over and hoisted me high above his
shoulders.
The townspeople clustered around me, chanting my
паме.
“Michael Lewis! Michael Lewis! Michael Lewis!”
I looked at their faces, wet with tears of joy, and at Anna’s angelic smile in Ellie’s arms.
Suddenly, all the suffering I had endured felt worth it.
Standing on the outskirts of the crowd, Cole watched the scene quietly.
A rare smile touched his lips.
He walked over to me and extended his hand. “Mr. Lewis, correct?”
I climbed down from Mark’s shoulders and shook his hand.
His grip was broad and firm.
Cole said, “You’re one hell of a carpenter. And you’ve got a good heart. Northland welcomes you with open arms.”
With that, he led his subordinates, got into the car, and drove away.
The crisis was finally, completely over.
Everyone gathered around the kiln, celebrating as if it were a grand festival.
But I felt the world spinning around me.
The extreme tension and physical exhaustion of the last three days and nights had drained every ounce of My energy.
Everything went black. I blacked out.