“As many of you know, I’m running for sheriff of Rainy Dale.” He smiled when some people cheered. “That’s right, it’s time for a change.” More scattered cheers. “Crime is out of control, and the guy in charge doesn’t seem to care.”
Anger rippled through me, but I could feel the eyes of the crowd on me. I did my best to look unaffected, but I was seething. Penelope had said this was supposed to be a bonding experience. Had she known Liam was going to give a mean-spirited speech? Or did she just not give a damn anymore about my feelings? Was I supposed to simply stand here, smiling politely, while blowhards like Liam talked about what a horrible job I’d done as sheriff?
Maxwell reappeared at my side, his face flushed and his mouth an angry line. “Is this asshole for real?”
“I’m gonna strangle Penelope,” I said through gritted teeth.
He hissed, “We should go. Fuck Penelope and the city council.”
“No. I’m staying for now.” I wanted to bolt out of the mixer, screaming what I thought of everyone. But my pride kept my feet firmly planted. The last thing I was going to do was let Liam chase me off. I was going to give a speech too, even if it killed me. I had no idea what I was going to say, but I sure as shit was going to say something.
“You sure?” Max muttered. “I can barely stand hearing his voice. It’s like fingernails on a chalkboard.”
“Yes.”
He shifted impatiently. “I wish I had a BB gun.”
“Nah. Violence isn’t the answer. We need to beat him at his own game.”
“How?” Max asked, scowling when some people in the crowd cheered at something Liam had said.
“Not sure yet.”
I was surprised when a flustered-looking Penelope climbed up on the stage. She marched up to Liam and pushed him gently toward the side of the stage. Then she returned to the microphone, laughing nervously.
“Now, we’ll have none of that stuff, Liam. This mixer is all about positivity, not negativity.” She gave another uneasy laugh.
“Sorry,” Liam called out, giving a sheepish but charming smile. “My bad.”
“My bad, my ass,” grumbled Max.
I whispered, “Arrogant SOB.”
Penelope gave Liam a chiding look. “The city council and I invited the candidates here today to talk about their plans for Rainy Dale. We’re not here tobash Sheriff Callum. I for one think he’s done awonderfuljob all these years serving Rainy Dale.” She clapped her hands, and the crowd joined in.
Aware all eyes were on me, I forced a smile. “Appreciate the kind words, Mayor Granger.”
She blew me a kiss, and I had to squelch the desire to duck.
Penelope said, “Each candidate will have a chance to speak. Liam, if you can behave, maybe we’ll let you say something else later. But for now, you’re in a time-out.” She pouted. “You’ve been a bad boy.”
Liam laughed and made a mia culpa face.
I gritted my teeth, wanting to strangle the two of them.
Penelope turned back to the microphone. “Okay, the next candidate that is going to say a few words is Kyle Segrott. Kyle grew up in Rainy Dale, and he’s thrilled to have a chance to speak to you all today.”
I noticed Kyle on the side of the stage with his brother, Pervis. Pervis handed him a bottle of water, and Kyle gulped down a few swallows. Then, looking anxious, he climbed up on the stage, waving nervously at the crowd. Pervis moved closer to the stage, his expression tense as he watched his brother.
Penelope smiled at Kyle. “Now, keep it friendly,” she said, and then she left the stage.
“I’m happy to keep things friendly.” Kyle smiled nervously, taking the microphone off the stand. “H… hello, everyone. I’m Kyle Segrott.”
Some people clapped, and there were also a few catcalls. He looked so nervous it made me relax a little. Speaking in front of a crowd was nerve-racking, so if I wasn’t perfect, people would probably understand. When my turn came, maybe I’d tell a few humorousstories about my time in office. Spouting crime statistics probably wouldn’t do me any good. It would be better if I connected with the crowd on a more personal level.
I glanced around, noticing the Raidens near the stage, standing next to Liam James. Michael and Liam were whispering to each other, no doubt discussing world domination, while Angela watched Kyle up on the stage. She seemed very focused on the younger man, and I wondered if they knew each other. I doubted Kyle and the Raidens ran in the same circle, but Angela had an eye for younger men.
Many people were watching the activities on the stage while standing in line for food and drink. Ivy was one of them. Her gaze was also on Kyle as he spoke, her expression curious. Quinn wasn’t with her at first, but then he emerged from behind the stage, head down. He joined his daughter, and they had what appeared to be a short, snippy conversation.
