Page 63 of One Vote for Murder
“Penelope,” I said tiredly. “Neither one of us is that naive.”
“Well, whether it was unintentional or not, everybody needs to get along. It just won’t do to have everyone at each other’s throats.”
I scowled. “I’m not at anyone’s throat. So long as they don’t literally show up on my doorstep, I keep my distance.”
“But don’t you think it would be better to bury the hatchet?”
“You’re asking a lot. I’m fighting for my job. I’m sorry if I don’t feel charitable to the Raidens. They’re spreading lies all over town about me.”
“That’s exactly why we need to get all of the candidates together with the public. Let them see what each of you has to offer in a neutral setting.”
“What neutral setting?”
She gave a nervous laugh. “Well, the city council and I have organized a little mixer for you guys. Free drinks and hors d’oeuvres for the public, and you each get to give a little speech to the people of Rainy Dale. We’re paying for the whole thing, so none of you have to worry about footing the bill.”
You mean the taxpayers are footing the bill.
“When?” I grudgingly asked. Hopefully, I’d be able to ditch the blessed event.
“Right now.”
I squeezed the phone, feeling like my head was gonna blow off. “What? Right now?”
“That’s right.”
“Oh, well, you should have given me more notice, Penelope.” I scowled. “I… uh, have plans already with Max.”
She giggled. “Liar. I saw Max earlier today at the pharmacy. He said you two were free tonight.”
Damn.
“He doesn’t know I planned on coming home early. That’s why you should have told me aboutyourplan sooner.” I did my best not to sound too irritated.
“Royce.” Her voice was steely. “I expect you to show up here. This isn’t negotiable.”
“Why the heck didn’t you give me any warning?” I rasped.
She sighed. “Because I knew you wouldn’t want to come,obviously.”
“I’m not obligated to go to an event I knew nothing about.”
“What is going on with you?” Exasperation crept into her voice. “Since when are you so stubborn, Royce?”
I gritted my teeth, trying to control my frustration. “Surely you understand why I have no interest in joining you and the city council today. This is a very stressful time for me. The last thing in the world I want to do is hang out with Liam James and the Raidens.”
“Of course,” she said softly. “But this will be helpful to you, Royce. You’re not there for them. You’re there for the voters. You’ll have the opportunity to address the citizens face-to-face.”
“I do that every damn day.”
“Yes, but I’m sure you don’t brag about your accomplishments. This will give you an opportunity to address the things being said about you.”
It was obvious she wasn’t going to drop it. I’d have to find some other way to ditch the event. “Fine. I’ll just go home and get Max.” I was telling her what she wanted to hear. I had no intention of showing up at her event. She could be mad at me later.
Ask forgiveness, not permission.
“Nice try. Maxwell is already here with me.”
I scowled. “What? Why?”
