AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He punched the air for emphasis, waving his miniature flag. It could not have been coordinated any better had they rehearsed for days. As one, everyone holding a flag held theirs up and began waving, a sea of flag-holding hands swaying across the stadium. Anyone walking in at this moment would think this election night instead of a debate—one where Niko won!
After quieting the audience, the moderator posed the next question.
“As Paradise Cove continues to grow, the need for affordable housing has become a major issue. While the average median income here is in the six figures, and most are home owners, the growing number of employees hired in service positions need reasonably priced places that can be rented. How would you address this problem? Mr. Schneider, you’re up first.”
“Paradise Cove prides itself on being one of the most beautiful and friendliest towns in all of Northern California, if not the state. We are also very proud to have one of the lowest crime rates in the country. I believe this is because our town consists of hardworking, God-fearing families who’ve earned the right to enjoy the life they now have and don’t want to worry about an undesirable element moving into the city to rob them of not only their possessions, but their peace of mind. I’d recommend that those seeking rental properties take advantage of the very nice apartment complexes already available within a five-to-ten-mile radius.”
Light applause was mixed with a growing murmur throughout the crowd. Obviously everybody had an opinion on what Dick had just said.
“Thank you, everyone,” the moderator said, deftly handling the excited audience. “Quiet, please.” Once the noise abated, she turned to Monique. “Ms. Slater?”
“Every city should have affordable housing, period. That Mr. Schneider would suggest otherwise, especially as our population continues to grow and become more diverse, shows he is sorely out of touch with the needs of this town. But I’m not as bothered by that as I am by the presumption that poor people steal or that people who rent care less about their property than home owners. Rather than worrying about an hourly worker who might rob one of his properties, I’d focus on people seeking power by robbing citizens of their basic right to decent houses and stealing their ability to live the American dream.”
The applause was spontaneous, with several people standing as they cheered. Throughout the auditorium, miniature American flags were waved back and forth. Even as Niko delighted in Monique’s intelligent retort to Dick’s tomfoolery, he was also well aware of how she’d just connected with the hearts of those in the room, who were cheering her on with the flags that he’d given them.
All of the loving had almost made Niko forget that Monique was a strong contender. Looking out over the crowd made him remember. With only a couple of months of campaigning remaining, it was time to pull out all the stops. He’d always known better than to underestimate her, but in that moment, it had just gotten real.
Chapter 24
Monique walked into her condo, placing down an armful of campaign stuff and kicking off pumps. She hadn’t felt this type of elation from a day’s work since arguing her last trial. That had been months ago, and until tonight she hadn’t realized how much she missed the drama of the courtroom.
She reached for her phone to dial Niko. It was an automatic thought. Over the past few weeks they’d shared lively conversations on any myriad of subjects. They’d mutually agreed that the upcoming election wouldn’t negatively affect them, and for the most part they’d kept to that agreement. As she scrolled for his number, she recalled the scene as she’d left the auditorium: Niko surrounded by friends, family and his throng of supporters.
“Maybe calling now isn’t the best idea.”
Placing the phone on the counter, Monique decided to fix a cup of tea. As she poured water and decided on her desired herbal mood—Chamomile Calm—she second-guessed her decision to decline invitations by both her godmother and her campaign crew to join them for drinks. At the time, peace and quiet was all she’d longed for. Now, however, in the solitary aftermath of an exciting evening, she was keenly aware of how she missed her family. Under normal circumstances, her parents and brother would have been here with bells on. But a set of heart palpitations had sent her dad to Emergency two days ago. His condition stabilized and nothing serious was found, but the doctor advised bed rest for two days. Understandably, her mother wouldn’t leave his side. Her brother, Ian, was in Ecuador, as part of a Doctors Without Borders team. Still, he’d found time to text her an encouraging message. His thoughtfulness made her smile.
