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“It is our job to do better, so in light of that, I’ve set up a new initiative. Mr. Blackthorne will be spearheading this new position.”
Son of a bitch. What the fuck is he doing?
The smile doesn’t drop from my face as I lean forward and offer everyone another smile. “I’d be honored to serve my city, Mr. Mayor.”
Hughs nods and grips the podium with both hands. “As of today, Mr. Blackthorne will be given the title of custodian of the city, and he’ll be working closely with law enforcement to help protect this city from those who seek to harm it.”
More applause breaks out, and hundreds of eyes are now fixed on me. I continue to stand there, allowing the flashing lights and everything else to wash over me. Hughes is lucky I’m trying to turn over a new leaf, or I’d have had Ernesto and Tristan create a distraction by now so I could drag him inside.
I still want to feel what it would be like to slam him against the nearest wall and punch him.
For a long moment, as I stand there with my hands clasped behind my back and the blood roaring in my ears, I picture it. I imagine the rush that comes with knowing I’m the one who’s in control.
Before I can do anything stupid, I conjure up an image of Isabella tangled up in bed sheets and laughing as she looks at me. Then I see her cradling a baby to her chest, a look of awe and wonder etched onto her face. Releasing a deep breath, I take Hughes’ outstretched hand and pull him closer.
“What the hell are you doing?”
“It’s an olive branch,” Hughes replies without missing a beat. “Take it.”
I grip his hand tighter, and some of the color drains from his face. “I don’t like being threatened, Hughes, and I hate surprises.”
Hughes uses his free hand to clap me on the back, then draws back. “This is a good thing. You’ve got a title and my public endorsement. Isn’t this what you wanted?”
I study his face. “What the fuck do you want in return?”
Men like Hughes don’t doll out favors for free. Even if he is an ex-cop.
It’s clear to me that our dear mayor has figured out that his experience as a policeman isn’t going to do him any good. Instead of cracking down on crime and turning the whole city inside out, Hughes is slowly realizing the benefits of keeping people like me around.
And in his back pocket should the need arise.
Hughes is keeping me on a tight leash, but it’s a leash all the same. I’m eager to test the limits of my new freedom.
“People like you always assume the worst, don’t they?” Hughes releases my hand and takes a step back. “I’m not that rat Frances, and I’m not one of your goons.”
“Do you have a point?”
“You and I are going to have a talk later.” Hughes turns away from me and waves at the crowd of people gathered, all of them clamoring to be heard over the other. “My secretary will be in touch.”
A muscle ticks in my jaw. “And if I don’t play along?”
“I don’t think you’re going to turn down an ally like me,” Hughes responds, his eyes still fixed on the crowd. “From what I hear, you need more people in your corner.”
With that, he gestures to the reporters, who start calling out questions to him. A few of his security team take a step forward, and I melt into the background. My head is still spinning as Ernesto and Tristan lead me around the back of the building. We take a few twists and turns until we end up back on the main street, across from where the SUV is parked.
Ernesto and Tristan exchange a quick look before Ernesto crosses the dimly lit street. He gets into the SUV, pulls away from the curb, and circles back to us.
Tristan is scanning the street when Ernesto brings the car to a screeching halt. Hastily, I get into the back, and Tristan moves to the passenger side. Once the doors click shut, Ernesto hits the gas, and the car lurches forward. I peel off my jacket and throw it on the seat next to me.
“What the hell was that? How did nobody know what he was planning to do?”
“He’s kept it under wraps,” Tristan replies in a tight voice. “I have no idea how no one got wind of this.”
“We need someone on the inside.” I undo a few buttons on my shirt and scowl. “He’s up to something, and I want to know what it is.”
Because he’s not going to make up an entirely new title without a plan in mind. Which leaves me with the very real possibility of alienating the mayor again.
Fucking hell.
