Page 48 of Love & Vendettas

Nodding at the TV, she replies. “Just wait.”

I sigh impatiently and then glance at Parker, who lifts an eyebrow and then shrugs.

When two minutes pass, I turn to Aris. “What’s this bullshit, Aris?”

Pointing at the TV screen, she answers. “They’re supposed to . . . look.”

I look up and see Essence Hamilton’s bright, beaming face on the TV. She’s standing at a podium in front of a group of microphones from all the news outlets in the state of Georgia.

The news reporter begins to murmur.

“We’re here at City Hall with former D.A. and mayoral candidate, Essence Hamilton. Ms. Hamilton has an announcement to make for the viewers at home. While we’re uncertain what that announcement will be, there has been a lot of speculation about how it might tie into her run for office. Ms. Hamilton is preparing to speak now.”

“Good evening, ladies, and gentlemen. Thank you for gathering so quickly on such short notice. As you may be aware, I recently announced my run for mayor. After serving in the DA’s office for several years and spending time on defense counsel, I have sat on both sides of the courtroom.My experience in the state of Georgia and the connections that I have with other politicians, business constituents, and philanthropists will serve me well in the role of mayor as I strive to serve the needs of those in Chicora Falls.”

“Is this supposed to be a press conference or a campaign speech?” Parker mutters beside me.

“Shh,” Aris whispers, scowling at Parker, who scowls back.

“Children,” I hiss.

They both straighten up as we tune back to the speech.

“…diligently. Campaigns are often marked as smear campaigns marred by tactics from the opposing parties to make each other look bad. However, what will not be tolerated is outright bullying tactics and threats to either candidate’s life. Over the last two weeks, I have had someone following me, making threatening phone calls to my house late at night, my tires have been slashed, and most recently, someone broke into my house last evening. Mayor Brassard and I are working together to get to the bottom of this. His office has been cleared of any allegations. He has been very cooperative with the authorities in getting to the bottom of this, and I trust that these attacks are in no way tied to Mayor Brassard.

“I have made many enemies during my time in office and a couple before my time in office. So, we’re looking at every angle and possibility. While one of those enemies is currently serving time in prison, he is scheduled to be released soon, so we’re not ruling him out either. Whoever the culprit is, you will be found out, and you will be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Whether I am mayor or Mayor Brassard remains in his position, one thing remains: we will not tolerate violent crimes or crime organizations within our city. I will work with the mayor in the next year to bring down any such organizations that exist, both those known and unknown, including thosehiding underneath umbrella companies. We are coming for you, and we know who you are.”

Essence states the last, looking into the camera wearing a deep smirk with a knowing gleam in her eyes.

Aris walks to pick up the remote as the reporter sums up the speech and begins to speculate what all this could mean.

“What does that mean for us?” Parker asks.

“Shit. We proceed as normal.”

I walk to the small conference room inside my office, and I press a special button on my phone that connects with a private cell.

“Hey,” Cheyenne greets.

“Get in touch with the mayor and have him call me tonight.”

“I guess you saw the press conference.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m on it,” she responds, ending the call without a goodbye.

“You think that she might have been targeting you with that comment about umbrella companies?” Aris asks as I step from the inner conference room back into my office.

It’s obvious based on her comment about one enemy being in prison. That was a direct reference to my father and her way of letting me know that she would be looking at me.

“Oh, I know that she was, but I don’t give a fuck. What I am concerned about is who’s been doing all this shit to her. We don’t peddle in playground shit like that. When I touch Essence Hamilton’s life, she’ll know my fucking handprints were all over that shit,” I growl.

23 – BAYLEIGH – LOCK CODE

“Zayn, your father asked you to meet me at six-thirty. It’s seven-twenty. Where are you?”

“Sorry, Ma. Shana’s car broke down, and I had to head over there and give her a jump so she could make it home.”

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