Page 21 of Little Empty Promises

He was about to say something more when the office door opened.

Whitlock poked his head in and said, “Mr.Branson is here, and he wants to speak with you.Are you two about finished up with your conversation?”

“Are you referring to Benjamin Branson, the man running against Octavia Bloom for mayor?”I asked.

“I am,” Whitlock said.“I assume he’s making the rounds.Although he did press me with questions about Cordelia Bennett’s case.He’s interested to know how it’s coming along.”

“So is Octavia,” Foley said.“She was here this morning.The two of them are driving me crazy.”

“Why?”I asked.

“It seems they’re both looking at the murder investigation as something that might bolster their campaigns if they stay involved somehow.They both want their names attached to it.I want them off my back.I don’t have time to indulge their personal agendas.”

“What do you want me to tell him?”Whitlock asked.

“Show him in.I’ll see him … this once.”

9

Benjamin Branson entered Foley’s office, offered him a quick hello, and the two of them shook hands.Foley sat at his desk and offered a chair to Branson, but the man remained standing.

“I won’t be long,” Benjamin said.“Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, Chief Foley.I know how busy you must be right now.It’s much appreciated.”

“What can I do for you?”

Benjamin turned toward me like he wondered who I was and why I was in Foley’s office.But since Foley hadn’t said anything about giving the two men their privacy, I decided to stay.If it turned out he was there because of Cordelia Bennett’s case, I wanted in on the conversation.

Benjamin acknowledged me with a nod.“Hello, I don’t believe we’ve met.”

“We haven’t.I’m Georgiana Germaine.I run Case Closed Detective Agency.”

“Ah, yes.I’ve heard great things about it, and about you.”

“And I hear you’re running for mayor.”

He crossed his arms, beaming with pride.“I sure am.”

Benjamin’s physique suggested he made the most of his gym membership, if he had one.He looked to be in his mid-fifties and had a thick head of salt-and-pepper hair.He was dressed a bit more laidback for someone running for mayor, in a short-sleeve Polo shirt and black jeans, but perhaps his visit was a casual one.

“I’ve been impressed with what Octavia Bloom has done for the county in her time as mayor,” I said.“Do you think you can beat her?”

He raised a brow.“I appreciate your honesty, and I agree.Octavia has done a remarkable job.I’d say we both have our strong suits.She brings a certain skillset to the table, and so do I.Different strengths, so to speak.”

Spoken like a true politician.

“Octavia went to high school with my mother,” I said.“They’re good friends.”

“Ah, makes sense.”

“I’m guessing you’re here to talk to me about the Bennett murder,” Foley said.

“Correct.It’s been a couple of weeks, and I was wondering where you’re at in your investigation.”

Foley had been right.

Benjamin did appear to be here to further his own agenda.

“Bloom wants the same thing,” Foley said.“Now let me tell you what I want and what I don’t.I don’t want this case to take center stage in either one of your elections.It isn’t right, and it doesn’t sit well with me.”

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