“Full color even. I wish the Raidens weren’t so filthy rich.” Kyle’s face was pinched with frustration. “All we could afford were these darn fliers for now.”
“Yeah.” Pervis sighed.
Kyle brightened. “Once we start fundraising, maybe we can have some banners made too.”
“Why not, right?” I laughed gruffly, wondering if maybe I needed to think about having banners made.
“I read the article in the paper today, Sheriff.” Kyle squinted at me. “Is it true you let River Martin off the hook because he’s your good friend?”
“What? No. Absolutely not.”
Pervis looked unconvinced. “Can they say that if it isn’t true?”
Kyle said, “It was an opinion piece. I think they can say what they want about the sheriff.”
“No. That can’t be true.” Pervis scratched his head. “You should sue theTown Tattler, Sheriff.”
I frowned. “I haven’t read the article yet, but I don’t plan on suing anyone.” Taking a newspaper to court for saying things that weren’t true was no easy task. I’d have to prove malice. I’d have to prove that the court clerk and the paper had known what they were accusing me of wasn’t true. I needed to eventually read the darn story. Depending on what was said in the article, I might need to get a lawyer. But none of that was something I was going to discuss with Kyle and Pervis.
“You’re just going to let them spread lies about you?” Pervis asked.
“I think I should read the article before I get all hot under the collar.” Hoping to end the conversation, I said, “Good luck with your campaign, Kyle.”
Pervis widened his eyes. “You’re wishing Kyle good luck?”
“Sure, why not?” I forced a smile. “We all just want what’s best for Rainy Dale, right?”
“True.” Kyle sighed. “You’re an awfully good sport, Sheriff.”
“Don’t get me wrong. I’m not gonna vote for you.” I laughed. “But I see no harm in wishing you luck.”
Kyle waved his hand at me, laughing a little too loudly. “No. Of course you’re not going to vote for me.”
I cleared my throat. “Uh, I guess I’ll see you boys around.” I moved toward the front door of the Pancake Palace, and as I opened it, Mrs. Numi was exiting.
When she saw me, she smiled. “Well, howdy, Sheriff Callum.”
I tipped my hat to her, trying not to be annoyed that yet another person was keeping me from my cinnamon roll. “How are you, Mrs. Numi?”
“I’m doing just fine.” She scowled when Kyle thrust a flier in her face. “What’s this?”
“I’m hoping I can count on your vote in the upcoming special election?” Kyle said cheerfully.
Mrs. Numi looked annoyed. “Goodness, they haven’t even made the official announcement yet.”
“They’ll make the announcement soon,” Pervis said.
I grimaced. “This is all moving way faster than I expected.”
“It’s a travesty.” Mrs. Numi looked disgusted. “I’m sorry, Sheriff. This whole thing is just ridiculous.”
“But it’s happening,” Kyle said brightly, pushing the flier toward her again.
She waved him off. “You can keep your flier. I’m voting for Sheriff Callum.”
“Oh.” Kyle’s face fell.
She sniffed. “A special election is a waste of taxpayer money. We have a perfectly wonderful sheriff as it is.”
