Page 62 of Sunset

“I still don’t think it’s real. It feels like it did before, except now I have to remember to sign everything Linly Markson. Oh, and do you know how much of a pain in the ass it is to get your name changed on everything? My driver’s licenses, my social security card, my bank account, the paperwork for The Inn, my car title, the house title, insurance, my phone bill, every fucking thing!” She shakes her head.

“Well, that’s if I ever get married, then the man has to change his last name!” I joke.

“Seriously, I’d have kept my name if I knew!”

It’s been a while, since we had a day like this, and by the time the guys join us for dinner, I’m feeling so much better. It’s amazing what a good girl’s night with your best friend can do. You can’t buy therapy like that.

I leave that night with a promise to Lin to do this once a week.

Chapter 27

Jasper

Sitting in Lin’s office, I look over at Kade, and I can tell he’s as uneasy about this meeting as I am.

Nate called this morning and said he needed to talk to us about the mayor’s case, and Kade was able to get him to agree to meet us here, instead of the station.

Kade is sitting in the leather chair behind the desk, and Lin is on his lap. He’s holding her to him a little tighter than normal.

I’m sitting on the couch with Brynn pulled to my side, as close as she can possibly get. I’m beginning to understand why Kade has Lin on his lap, when Nate walks in wearing his police uniform. It’s a sign this is a work call, and not a friendly one.

He greets us, and then closes the door and sits down in one of the empty chairs.

“So, we did some digging. There was no reason for the mayor to go off the way he did. It didn’t make sense, when what you did about Main Street is good for the town. Something didn’t sit well with me about him ignoring what the town wanted and pushing this development.”

Nate shifts in his seat. “Looks like the mayor was going to get a big payday for himself for putting the land contract through. Upwards of the high six figures.” Nate says.

Kade curses under his breath. “That’s why he put a stop on the villa’s permits, trying to get us to back down.” He says.

“Yep. The paperwork is in process, and he’s being removed from office. He was taking all sorts of bribes from people out of town, and he wasn’t even hiding them. As soon as the paperwork is complete, the interim mayor will be put into place.” Nate says.

“Who is that?” I ask.

“Josh.” Nate smiles.

“The metal detector guy?” Kade asks.

“That’s him,” Nate confirms.

Josh is known for working at the bank his whole life. He’s now semi-retired and working there just two days a week. The rest of his time is spent metal detecting on the beaches on the island, especially after storms.

“Well, then there shouldn’t be any issues getting the villa’s moving,” Brynn says.

“Agreed,” Lin says.

“The mayor, well he isn’t the mayor anymore, so we’ll have to go back to calling him, Bert.” Nate shakes his head. “Anyway, Bert was given bail, but he hasn’t posted it. There is a good chance he won’t, but just in case, I wanted to let you know. If he posts bail, everyone knows to inform you. He isn’t allowed to leave The Island, until the trial.”

“Oh, fun,” Kade says dryly.

I know what he’s thinking. He will probably be right back here if he posts bail. We both need to take precautions if that happens. He’s not normally a bad guy, but when people get backed in a corner, you just never know.

Nate says his goodbyes and leaves, but the four of us don’t move.

“I don’t want you sleeping alone,” I tell Brynn without thinking.

“I haven’t been.” She chuckles.

“I’m also not sure I want to leave my mom alone, if Bert gets out.” I think out loud.

---