“Yeah. I’m not working and while I have zero interest in welcoming this guy, only police are welcome, so I figured I could get some info for you.”
I smiled. “I appreciate that, Mari.”
“Should I call Raff afterward?”
“Please, and Mari?”
“Yes, Mr. Hendrix?”
“Be safe.”
Her laugh was soft. “Will do.”
I handed the phone back to Raff. “She’ll call you after the dinner.”
“Got it.”
“Gid.” I turned to Penn, who was pointing at the TV. “Steven.”
The senator was leaving his home in a rush to get to his car while reporters threw questions at him left and right. He wasn’t answering, and anger began to boil in my gut.
“He better fucking say something.”
Penn placed a hand on my shoulder. “If he doesn’t, we’ll deal with it.”
“Senator, why are you evading a simple question?” A female reporter thrust her microphone in his face right when he made it to his car.
“I’m not evading. I have nothing to say.”
“Senator Mikens said you likely are changing your endorsement toward Ms. Herbert. Is there any validity to that?”
With a sigh, he faced the cameras. “If it will get you all off my lawn, I’ll answer that.” I knew this was going to be like swallowing nails for him, and I couldn’t help but enjoy it.
“Senator Mikens and I did have dinner with Ms. Herbert, and we’ve discovered her platform aligns more with what we want to see for our great state. While I wasn’t going to formally announce it I now see if I don’t, you won’t leave, so, yes, I stand with Solange Herbert as the new governor.”
“How did Mr. Calvern take the news?” Another reporter shouted.
Steven held up his hand. “I’ve answered the question, and that’s all I’ll say on the matter. Now if you’ll excuse me.” He got into the car, and that was the end of that.
“Well, he said it.” Penn squeezed my arm.
“Now we wait.”
That was exactly what we did for the rest of the week and the first week the twins went back to school. No more phone calls, and the polls were showing Solange and Benito were now neck and neck in this election. It was promising…and terrifying.
Mari had gone to the dinner and sadly could only glean that the new commissioner was unlikable…at least to her. He basically just rubbed shoulders with everyone, was trying to get on their good side.
I wasn’t sure what I was expecting. Did I really think he’d announce some master plan he was aware of?
I was sitting in the living room, looking over some financials on my tablet and waiting for the twins to return from school when Penn came down the stairs.
“Hey.”
“Hey. Jennifer is here.”
I furrowed my brow. “Olivia isn’t home yet.”
Penn shrugged. “She will be soon, and it’s only like ten minutes.”
