Page 13 of A Moment In Time

“I know. Right?”

Clementine took a moment to think about it, then pointed at Gage. “It’s not a terrible idea.”

“Of course it is. It’s a horrible idea.”

She shook her head. “Not horrible. It’s time a Calaway was back in office. And technically, you’re the best qualified Calaway. You know everything about this town. You know all the secrets. You know where the bodies are buried.”

“Clem.”

“Metaphorically speaking.”

He sighed. “I agree technically I could do the job. It’s the non-technical stuff I’m worried about. The giving speeches. And throwing out the first ball at little league. The whole shaking hands and kissing babies, thing.”

“I don’t think they kiss babies anymore. Not these days.”

“Whatever. You know what I mean.”

She swiveled again. “You can do this.”

“I don’t want to do it.”

It seemed she didn’t hear him. Or she chose to ignore him. “You’re slightly socially challenged.”

“Have you been talking to Pax?” She raised an eyebrow, and he nodded. “Fine. You’re both right.”

“But we can work on that.”

“We?”

She leaned forward again. “I’m about to be unemployed from a job I love. I need something to do. But I want to be in the background. You need someone to be your social liaison.”

“Is that a thing?”

“I don’t know if it was. But it is now.” She smiled. “Sydney.”

“What about her?”

“She can be your social liaison. I like that.”

“Your made-up term? Or the fact you want to give Sydney the title?”

“Both.”

“If I did this. And that’s a big if. I need Sydney to take on more responsibility at the paper.”

Clementine laughed. “You giving up responsibility at the paper?”

“Some responsibility.”

Clementine tapped the desk with her nails. “We need to bring her in on this.”

“There is no this. I haven’t decided anything yet.”

She took her cell phone from her pocket. “I’m going to call her. I’m sure she’s fully covered the market by now.”

“Wait. No.”

Clementine held out a hand. “Shush. You came to me for a reason.” She dialed, then put the phone to her ear. “I’ve got this.”

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