“Also, my mom wanted me to tell you that you should run for mayor.” Kerrielynn smiled. “She said she was really proud of how you handled yourself.”
“Thanks, Kerrielynn. That’s nice to hear.” And once he’d figured out who [email protected], maybe he’d consider it.
“I’ve been saying the same thing.” Robbie Contreras clapped a hand on his shoulder. “I’d say we did okay. The line looks good—plenty of volunteers means a better chance of preventing this mischief from happening here.”
“You need to see this.” Everett pulled out his phone, opened Instagram, and found [email protected].
“What does that mean? All the hashtags or pound signs? I’m old, kids. That’s a whole other language that I have no interest in learning.” Robbie scowled.
“They’re trying to make it into an online challenge. That’s a thing. They get other people to do the same thing and post it, and it can get really popular. It’s how people go viral,” Kerrielynn explained.
“Might not hurt to watch the other videos they’ve posted. See if we can get a feel for who and where they might be?” Everett could only hope they weren’t as careful in all the videos.
“Yeah, yeah, I guess so. I’m definitely too old for this.” Robbie shook his head. “Thanks, Kerrielynn, Leif. I appreciate this. If you hear anything—”
“We will let you know.” Kerrielynn nodded. “Right away.”
“See you.” Leif took Kerrielynn’s hand and led her across the room and out the door.
“Good kids.” Robbie sighed, scratching his chin. “Think this will help us? Or hurt us?”
“Honestly?” Everett waited for his nod. “If this thing catches on... Well, I’ve got a bad feeling about it.”
“Yeah, that’s what I figured. Stop by my office in the morning? We can watch these...challenge videos.” Robbie shook his hand. “I’m leaving before I get cornered by Willadeene or one of her cronies. I need a beer.”
“You’ve earned it.” Everett chuckled and shook the man’s hand. “I’ll see you in the morning.”
As the crowd started to disperse, he headed to the sign-up table Libby was manning. The line was almost gone. The local veterinarian, Dr. Abraham, gave him a nod. The mayor’s two sisters and Main Street business owners, Angela and Martina Contreras, thanked him for having their brother’s back. And once he’d finished signing up, Dane turned and greeted him with a clap on the back.
“You good?” Dane asked. “That was something. Leif talk to you?”
“He did.” Everett ran a hand along the back of his neck. “I wasn’t expecting that.”
“Well, we’re all signed up.” Tansy hooked her arm through Dane’s. “City watch reporting for duty. Will we get matching shirts and night vision goggles? Kerrielynn is all excited—she’s gone full Nancy Drew detective mode.”
“Is that a good thing?” Everett laughed. “And as far as I know, no night goggles.”
“That’s disappointing.” Tansy sighed.
“What’s disappointing?” Libby asked.
Everett hadn’t heard her approach—the woman was downright stealthy. “The lack of spy gear for the city watch.”
“We’ve got quite a long list for the training, boss. Good news, right?” Libby held up the clipboard. “Even Jed signed up. He’s all bark and no bite.”
Everett didn’t know about that, but he was glad the man had had a change of heart.
“Oh, Tansy.” Libby’s red smile seemed tight. “I noticed Rosemary was here. But she didn’t sign up. Does that mean she won’t be staying around, or is she...too busy to help out?”
Everett glanced at Libby. It seemed like an awfully pointed way to ask a question.
“I mean, I’m sure she’s super busy and all.” Libby blinked rapidly, hugging the clipboard to her chest.
“I signed up for her. I appreciate your concern for Rosemary’s well-being.” The hint of sarcasm in Tansy’s words was impossible to miss. “It’s...unexpected.”
“I think it’s time to go.” Dane slipped an arm around his fiancée’s shoulder. “Everett, whatever you need, let me know.”
“Same here, Everett.” Tansy patted his arm. “Good night.”
