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The walk back is pleasant, and Eli notices all the positive changes I’ve made. His approval fills my chest with pride.
Once we’re back at my office, I hand him the key card. “This will give you access. I’ll get a second one made. Please, do whatever you need to feel comfortable. It’s your home too.”
“I really can’t thank you enough, Michel.”
“Your presence is thanks enough.” As I gaze into his pretty eyes, I have to fight the urge to reach out and touch his cheek, just to feel his skin. “Pick the place for dinner.”
“Okay.” He grabs my wrist, holding it as he steps back to his car. “I’m feeling really good about my decision to come back.”
“It was the right choice, Eli. I’m sure of it. See you soon.”
“Yeah. Soon.”
I watch him slip into his car and drive in the direction of my apartment. My stomach flutters like it used to all those years ago when I knew I’d be hanging out with Eli later.
I shake it off and continue my walk to the mayor’s office. I’ve waited an extraordinarily long time to get the upper hand with Garrett, and I feel like my patience may have paid off.
I step inside and head down the tiled hall to Maren’s office. She’s on the phone but when she sees me, she waves for me to enter. I wait politely, pretending I can’t hear every word. She’s discussing something boring like water meters, which makes it easier to ignore.
Minutes later, she ends the call, smiling up at me. “Well, Michel. He’s filed and our friend at the bank tells me he’s got three properties on the line as collateral, so either he finds a buyer fast, or the foreclosures start.”
I smile too, my mind racing with possibilities. “So I could buy his business and pay off his debts?”
“That’s one option. The other is to let it all fail and pick up the properties after foreclosure.”
“Hmm.” Turning, I face the window, gazing outside while I consider my choices. “What if…” I turn to face Maren again. “What if I bail him out?”
Maren cocks her head. “What’s it in for you?”
“I’d become his boss, Maren. Meaning all decisions would have to come through me. He could no longer run his businesses into the ground.”
She perks up. “Ooh. He employs people. You’d be a hero for saving their jobs.”
“And keeping some local industry in town.” Placing my hands on the back of a chair, I grin. “I think I’ll offer just enough to keep everything afloat, including releasing collateral on two of the three mortgaged properties.”
“Oh, you’re good, Michel. Not bail his house out?”
“Nope. He keeps some skin in the game.”
She laughs, clapping her hands. “That is so devious. I love it.”
“He will be beholden to me. You know the saying about payback, yes?”
“Oh yes. It’s a bitch.”
In this case, it’s a vampire. “Right. Can you get the paperwork for me?”
“The bank is preparing it now.”
“Excellent. How is the campaign for re-election coming along?”
“Great. I got a strange anonymous donor last night. A huge sum. You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you?”
I shake my head. “No, but that’s good. Perhaps you’re winning over some of Garrett’s fans.”
“Maybe. I’ll see you later?”
“Yes.” I walk out with a spring in my step. Of course I made the large donation, but I have to stay within the limits to keep everything legal, so I did it anonymously. I’ll keep Maren in power as long as possible.
