Page 158 of Hate Mates

I give her a wry smile before opening the bottom drawer of my desk and turning my attention to the envelope hidden inside. I stare at it, fearing that if I make use of its contents, everything I value and have been working for will explode into flames and burn down around me.

Am I really going to do this?

It might be the only way.

“What is it?” Beth asks, following my line of sight.

“A few weeks ago, I was sent some incriminating information in relation to Mayor Weston. Evidently, he’s been involved in illegal land-grabs for development. He’s also been accepting bribes from one of the companies bidding for the contracts.” I sigh as I open the drawer and pull out the letter. It’s typed and not signed, so there’s nothing to link it to anyone, and it’s written on nondescript printing paper. I hand it to Beth so she can read the contents. “I’ve sat on it because I wanted to beat Westonthe fair way. After I won the election, I planned to disclose the evidence and have him arrested and charged, but I’m worried about this latest ploy from Lincoln. I might need to use the information before the voting begins.”

Beth carefully reads the letter.

“Wow, this is certainly inflammatory!” she exclaims, puffing out her cheeks. “Have you researched this? Checked whether it’s correct?”

I shake my head. “After I read it, I put it in my drawer in the save-for-later pile.”

“You have a pile!” Her eyes widen.

“Maybe,” I respond. “But this is the most important thing in it.”

“Okay, we’ll deal with the rest later. First, we need to decide what we’re going to do about the contents of this letter. No doubt, it’s our ticket to winning. This is completely illegal, and if it’s true, Weston will end up in prison. But it’s an anonymous letter and pure speculation. What do you suggest we do about it?”

“I think there’s only one thing we can do. We need to go to City Hall and check the relevant documents and finance records. Look for proof.”

I glance down at my watch. Eleven fifteen. The day is flying by, and I haven’t accomplished anything yet.

“I’ll go,” Beth offers. “You do what you need to do here.”

I shake my head. “No, we’ll both go. I’ve got to figure this out in order to understand it all. I just wish I knew where the letter came from.”

Beth hands the letter back to me, and I briefly study it, hoping a clue will jump out at me, but there’s nothing obvious. I place it back in the drawer, making sure it’s secure, and get up from my desk.

“Come on let’s go,” I urge. “We haven’t got any time to waste. I need to be back at three to prepare for the rally. We are going to win, no matter what. Lincoln Caldwell be damned. If he wants to play dirty, then it’s about time I join him on the dark path he’s chosen.”

FOUR

1:00 PM

THE UNEXPECTED ALLY

The records room at City Hall is eerily quiet. Most people are busy tidying up and preparing for what happens after the rally and vote. They aren’t desperately searching for information like I am.

The scent of old paper clings to everything down here in the basement. It’s oddly calming like being in an old library. Beth and I have been sifting through records for nearly an hour now, and we’ve found no evidence to link Mayor Weston to any bribes. Nothing. Just dead end after dead end.

I’ve sent Beth to get us lunch and a coffee as the silence in the room is constantly being broken by the echo of our rumbling, hungry stomachs.

Rubbing my eyes, I take a moment to myself. This is not what I thought I would be doing today. All thanks to Lincoln Caldwell, I need to chase a lead rather than campaigning to capture some last minute votes. I really wish I knew what that man’s issue is. He’s like a dog with a bone when it comes to me. He can’t stop trying to make me fail. It’s frustrating.

Lincoln’s a rich asshole who buys what he wants and doesn’t have a moral compass. He also knows he’s good looking, whichdoesn’t help. God certainly messed up when he made him. He should’ve been born ugly to match his soul. I shake my head, trying to push Mr. Caldwell to the back of my mind.

I need to find some evidence. Anything.

A faint noise behind me, like the rustle of fabric, has me frozen to the spot. My instincts are screaming caution before I even hear his voice.

“Why am I not surprised to find you here, Ms. Tucker.” I sigh as I spin around to face my nemesis, my lips pursed together in anger. “Looking for something?” he asks.

Of course, it’s him.

Lincoln Caldwell stands in the doorway, leaning casually against the frame like he owns the fucking place. His arms are crossed over his chest, his tailored suit is immaculate, and he doesn’t have a hair out of place. His tie is slightly loosened, just enough to give him the air of effortlessness that Ihate about him. How can everything come so easily to such a despicable man?

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