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The monitor behind me crackles to life, and Lynch’s voice booms from the speakers. “I wholeheartedly endorse Ms. Cay as Clearhelm’s new police captain. Her exceptional skills and unwavering commitment to both the former Joint Task Force of Paranormal Investigations and the Clearhelm Police make her the perfect choice to lead our join police forces into a bright future.”
“Thank you, Chief Lynch.” I dip my head toward the screen.
A murmur of unrest rises, then settles when Julian flashes a charming smile over the crowd. “This morning, we also welcome the new mayor of Clearhelm, previously the captain of the JTFPI, and the favorite of our citizens, Gavin Sharpe.”
Sharpe steps forward, joining me at the podium on Julian’s other side. “It feels like I’m standing in front of you a lot lately, asking you to continue to believe in me.”
Laughter and a smattering of applause ripple through those gathered.
Sharpe waits for them to quiet. “Today, I stand before you once more to express my formal gratitude to all of those who made my position as your mayor a reality. I would not be here without you, and I will not fail that trust. I will work tirelessly alongside Chief Lynch, Ambassador Poe, and Captain Cay on your behalf. Together, we will face the challenges ahead and build a better future for our great city.”
Louder applause rises into the air.
Julian leans toward his microphone. “We will now open the floor for the media.”
The reporters launch into a frenzy of questions, their voices blending in a mixture of curiosity and suspicion.
I field the ones directed at me, doing my best to assuage concerns, but it’s been a long time since I’ve held a political position. I’m far more used to wielding my power like a sledgehammer rather than speaking pretty words. When I stumble, though, Julian swoops in, covering for me and beguiling the crowd.
Having an incubus on our side makes all of this easier.
As the sun rises higher, beads of sweat form on my temples, and I resist the urge to wipe it away, maintaining my composure for the sake of appearances. This is what I hated most about my time at the demon court, and I keep reminding myself these kinds of press conferences are the cost of public scrutiny.
“Mayor Sharpe!” a familiar voice calls out.
The blond reporter waves her arm, her clear, blue eyes jumping between me and Sharpe. “How do you feel about Ms. Cay taking over a position that should have been yours?”
Sharpe smiles. “I think you have things a little backward there. Ms. Cay has been doing this job in the background since before magic returned to our world. She was the backbone of the JTFPI and administered my quizzes and much of our training techniques. And let me tell you, she did not go easy on me.”
More laughter and quite a few hoots from our people in the crowd.
I lean forward. “I bring to the position my experience working with Others, and I’m committed to ensuring that they are treated fairly and with respect, the same as any other citizen of Clearhelm. As Ground Zero for the Resurgence, we have the eyes of the world on us. It’s a lot of attention, but I know our people and believe in our ability to shine under pressure.”
Before they can launch into another flurry of questions, Julian steps in, his beauty quieting the crowd. He smiles, locking eyes with several media reps as he speaks. “We couldn’t be more excited to have both Captain Cay and Mayor Sharpe in office. The High Council of the demon plane has long admired their dedication to straddling the line between Others and humans, and we believe they’ll do great things for Clearhelm.”
As Julian’s words work their magic, curiosity replaces the doubt in the reporters’ eyes, and a few nod in agreement. “We appreciate the time you have given us today, and wish you a safe journey on your way to your next destination.”
The press conference comes to an end, and an energized buzz fills the air, the newspeople eager to file stories and meet deadlines.
The platinum blond draws my attention as she stows her microphone, and I step around the podium, raising my hand in her direction. “A moment, please.”
She turns, one eyebrow raised in question at my command.
Sharpe joins me, his hazel eyes flickering between us with curiosity.
Her hands move to her hips as we approach. “Is something the matter?”
I mirror her pose. “You tell me, Syl’vyn.”
Her eyes widen, the blue fading to silver, before she shakes her head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. My name is Barb.”
“Doesn’t it go against your rules as a record keeper to stoop to the level of a reporter?” I ask, knowing now that I’m right about this. “You’re not supposed to do anything that can alter the course of history, but you’re always here steering questions in a favorable direction for us.”
Her irises flash, her ears twitching with annoyance. “Then maybe you should just ignore whatever your imagination is telling you.”
“Well, you have my appreciation, Barb. For this and for your tutelage.” I glance pointedly at Sharpe. “Perhaps you would like to join us for a meal one of these days.”
“Hmm.” She bends to lift her microphone case before looking at Sharpe. “I hope such lessons have not left your mind in the absence of your classes.”
