Page 67 of Secret Silver Nights

“I just wanted to tell you that I saw your ad. And while it’s nobody’s business who you dated, I applaud your honesty. Who hasn’t done something in their youth that they’ve later regretted? Hold your head up, darlin’. You’ve still got my vote.”

Monique stood and hugged her. “Thank you very much. I truly appreciate your support.”

These sincere words warmed her heart, but not near as much as the text she received on the way home. It was from Niko and said simply: Good job.

* * *

Niko buried himself in work. A week after seeing her, he continued to nurse a bruised ego and tamp down anger at her misjudgment of his character. Even so, he missed Monique more than he’d imagined. She’d wanted him that night; he was sure of it. Probably only half as much as he’d wanted her. The look of raw desire in her eyes when she’d tried to touch him had almost been his undoing.

Bryce entered the office. “I’ll be glad when this is over,” he lamented, as he sat down with a sigh. “You’re a slave driver.”

“Ha! You want this as much as I do.”

“What I want is to be city commissioner.”

“Once I’m elected, you’ve got it.”

“After that initial dip, her numbers have increased and are now holding steady. Schneider has lost three more points.”

“Yes, and probably to Monique. Instead of running from the situation, she tackled it head-on. Her response was perfect, forthright, succinct and genuine. Those are the qualities people want to see in their leaders.”

Niko’s intercom buzzed. “Yes?”

“Lawrence Hayes, the principal of P.C. Elementary, is on line one.”

“Thanks.”

Niko took the call, finished his day and had dinner with his family. With one week left in the final stretch, it would be the last meal he enjoyed with them until after the election.

* * *

“Emma, I need to take this call. Let’s catch up again soon, okay?” Monique tapped her cell-phone screen and placed the call on speaker as she prepared a cup of tea. “Hello?”

“Monique, it’s me.”

“Hello, Devante. I’ve been meaning to call you.”

“I know you’ve been busy, trying to become a big-shot mayor and whatnot. It’s about that time, right?”

“Yes, a week until election day. One way or another, it’s the end of the race.”

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m okay. I’ve worked hard and done my best. Now it’s up to the voters. How are you doing?”

“Great! In fact, that’s why I called—to thank you.”

Monique stopped in midstir. “Thank me? For what?”

“For whatever you did to get Mr. Hayes to call and offer me my old job back. The chief of police there called me, too.”

“Devante, I’m thrilled that Lawrence called you, but I haven’t spoken with him.”

“Oh, I just assumed you were the reason he called because of how he talked, about wanting to help me turn my life around and stay positive. He’s talked to my parole officer and everything. I’m going to move back there and take online classes. After I get my degree, he’ll promote me to the athletic department.”

Monique picked up the phone and walked to the couch. “This is wonderful news. I bet Lawrence realized what a gem of a person he’d lost. I know the kids loved you. They probably hounded him to hire you back.”

“Ha! That sounds about right.”

“Why did the chief of police call you?”

“To explain how by investigating me he was only following standard procedure, blah, blah, blah, and to tell me I was welcome in his town.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I thought that was kind of weird. Definitely sounded like you worked that.”

“Nope, haven’t talked to him, either. So when are you coming back, and do you need a place to stay?”

“That’s the other thing. Mr. Hayes’s nephew has a three-bedroom condo and is looking for a roommate. I’ll move in about two weeks.”

“Just to be sure there are no more problems, I’ll call your parole officer first thing in the morning.”

“Call him after you’re elected mayor. That will sound more official, and let him know I’m rolling with the ballers.”

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