“I was thinking of running, but Kyle convinced me he’s a better candidate. He’s more outgoing.” Pervis frowned.
“Oh, come on. You know you’re way too shy to run, Pervis.” Kyle’s tone was flippant.
“I guess.” Pervis nodded, but he looked a little irritated.
Kyle turned to me. “Hope you know we really like you, Sheriff. It’s just that a change might do Rainy Dale some good.”
I grimaced. “Obviously, I disagree, but it’s a free country.”
“You’ve been a great sheriff and all, but younger people should take over the reins now.” Kyle shrugged.
I laughed. “I’m only forty, not a hundred. No need to put me out to pasture just yet.”
“Well, I’m only twenty-five. I have fresh ideas.”
“I see.” I nodded. “You don’t think there’s anything to be said for having some experience under your belt? Being sheriff isn’t an easy job.”
“I have plenty of life experience.” Kyle scowled.
“He’s a wise twenty-five,” Pervis piped up.
“Exactly.” Kyle nodded. “I’mverywise.”
“I see.” I wasn’t sure wisdom was what I was sensing from Kyle. “Do you have a law enforcement background?”
Kyle lifted his chin. “I was a CO for two years in Dallas before moving to Rainy Dale.”
“That’s great. I didn’t know that.” The training for correctional officers was shorter than for a regular cop, but technically, they were law enforcement. “What are some of your fresh ideas for Rainy Dale?”
“What?” Kyle frowned.
“You said you were gonna freshen things up. I’m curious what you’d do differently if you were sheriff.” All I really wanted to do was go get my cinnamon roll, but I wanted to be polite. Otherwise, they might think I was upset with them.
“Well… I, uh… I’d put more cops on the street.”
I whistled. “That would be great. I’d love to do that, but our budget is really small.”
“I’d figure a way to do it.”
“Good for you.” I nodded, trying to think of a gracious way to escape the conversation.
“Crime,” Pervis said. “He wants to fight crime.”
“Right.” Kyle nodded. “There’s been a spike lately, and it needs to be stopped. With my youth and, you know… also my wisdom… I think I could do a great job.”
“I’m all for that.” I smiled.
I really hope they don’t run out of cinnamon rolls.
“Don’t be mad at Kyle, Sheriff.” Pervis shifted uneasily.
“I ain’t mad.” I frowned.
“I’m sure this is hard for you, but Kyle isn’t the only one running against you.” Pervis frowned. “Michael Raiden is backing another guy. He’s got really deep pockets.”
“Yeah, he’s already got banners up and everything.” Kyle scowled.
“He’s got banners up already?” I frowned. What in the world was going on? Everything was moving so damn fast. The recall wasn’t even official, and people were hanging banners and passing out brochures?
