Page 53 of Her Wild Coast Promise

“Seth’s opponent has money and she’s making a huge splash with her advertising. You can’t go anywhere in the valley without seeing her face.”

“Is she loaded, or does she just have a lot of support?”

“That’s a really good question. Her dad is wealthy, and I think he’s footing a big chunk of her campaign. As for support, we haven’t done any polls yet, but my gut says she’s popular.”

“Hmm,” Libby hums. “Why does she want the job? She’s an assistant D.A. so there’s some crossover, but running a police department, including managing investigations isn’t something you can just fall into, right? Maybe it’s a political move? From Sheriff she could run for state representative, or even governor.”

“I was wondering the same thing.”

“Are they a political family?”

“Her mom and grandfather were.” I share a few details from my library search. “But her dad is more business than politics. He invested in an international shipping company that apparently revolutionized the industry with some kind of technology. And he co-owns one of the biggest oil and gas companies in Alaska.”

“Do you think Peyton is running for her own goals, or his?”

“Another great question.” I scribble a note in the margin of Seth’s speech that I’d been editing. What Libby’s getting at is exactly in line with my plan to accrue some ammo in case Peyton’s tactics turn ugly.

“I’m digging into her campaign finances.”

“Like she’s corrupt?”

“Jeez, I hope not. But finding out who is influencing her could give me an edge.” I share last night’s weird exchange and how it makes me think Peyton has an informant.

“This woman sounds ruthless,” Libby says. “I hope you’re watching your back.”

“I’m focusing on Seth,” I reply.

“Maybe he’ll return the favor,” Libby coos.

“Stop.”

“Okay, okay.”

“How’s Costa Rica?”

“The retreat center is beautiful. You would love it. The flowers are amazing, there are monkeys everywhere, the food is so healthy and nourishing. You should see my skin! It’s better than dermaplaning, I swear.”

“Are you feeling enlightened?”

“I love my morning class. The wind is onshore so we hear the waves, and the temperature is perfect. The meditating class I signed up for is, er, complicated. My instructor is hotter than blazes. I know during class we’re supposed to let his voice lead us into deep relaxation but it’s having the opposite effect and I’m practically hyperventilating by the end. I don’t know how much more I can take.”

“Maybe you should ask for special tutoring,” I say with a giggle.

“That could be dangerous,” she replies.

“So? What do you have to lose?”

“Speaking of which, any progress with your future plans?”

As if Rosie senses my distress, she rises from her bed and stretches, then saunters over. She rests her chin on my thigh and looks up at me with her big, brown eyes. While petting her head, I say, “Last night I got a few ideas I hadn’t thought of before.”

“Such as?”

I think back to my conversation with Heidi Jennings. “What if I worked with foster kids? I think there are special law positions for adolescents.”

“That sounds meaningful. Have you looked into it?”

I draw in a full breath. “Not yet.”

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