Chương 19: A Message from the Mayor
Mayor Thompkins stayed in the grandest suite in the whole Inn. It sat on the second floor, facing northward towards the perch, with a personal balcony, the only one in the inn.
Leslie was greeted by Jack, who was dressed in his usual black trousers, black long-tailed coat, and black hat, standing guard by the doors to the suite. "Here," he said, handing her a gleaming silver badge.
"Thanks for bringing it," Leslie said, pinning it to her chest. She kept her eyes away from his not wanting to give him the wrong idea; she was still upset after all or so she pretended. Even her furrowed eyebrows were an act that the burly man still bought.
"I know I've upset you..."
"Upset?" she shook her head and the crimson strands waved beneath her hat. "There's nothing more to be said in regards to the matter."
Jack placed his calloused hand upon her shoulder, and though his weight was felt, it was a gentle, tender weight. "Whatever it is you'd like to do, I'll support you he said."
Damn... She thought. Why does he always have to be so kind?
That was the thing about Jack. The man was nearly twice her age, yet he kept a youth about him, and a maturity that distinguished him from other men. She recalled the years spent with Jostice, how she nurtured him. Took care of him. Got him off the drink, and when seeing improvement he got himself thrown in jail...doing what, she was uncertain—that was between him and the mayor—but with Jack things were effortless. He took care of himself and allowed her to take care of herself, she knew. With him, things were almost too easy. And made too much sense...Maybe that's why she was scared...
I'm not scared, she tried to convince herself.
All she could do was mumble, "thank you," and then ask to be shown to the Mayor.
Jack nodded. "You may want to hold your breath," he said.
He opened the door to the suite; light hit her immediately and the smell...the smell of lavender was so strong she felt a slight buzz and dizzy spell, like she'd been smacked by a branch covered in the purplish pedals square on the nose.
"I should've listened..."
Jack laughed soft and low, waving a hand, "he's just over here."
The room was lavish; large enough to fit several occupants. A whole clan even. With three rooms, a kitchen, two bathing rooms, a study, a personal bar, a lounge, and a dining area. If she didn't know better she'd thought she walked into somebody's home.
She had a peek at the arrangement. The place was furnished with luxurious tables and chairs, with feathered pillows, and finely designed curtains, quilts, and carpets.
Leslie was led to the balcony in the back where the mayor lounged in black trousers and a ruffled button shirt, that was hardly buttoned, exposing his black, curly chest hair. His hair was combed as finely as ever. And his mustache was curled, smiling as he was.
"My Love," he waved his hands, "come. Have a seat."
She pointed to a crimson cushioned chaise next to him; the sister to the one he reclined in. Leslie did as she was told, feeling awkward as she laid back yet oddly comfortable. "You know why I've called upon you?"
She had no idea...
"I assume it is to marvel at the view," she said, staring at the jagged rock that hung out of mountain side, being warmed like a snake in the sun.
He snickered taking a sip of a velvet cocktail with mint leaves. "Mhm," he shook his head and raised a finger, working to swallow and not choke at the same time. "You're too silly, my Love." He put the drink down on a round wooden table. "Would you care to indulge?" He waved over his drink. Leslie shook her head no. "Not mine, of course."
Keeblor rang a bell and a man dressed in a black suit and bowtie seemed to appear from thin air.
"No, I insist..."
"Nonsense...Two more," the Mayor told the butler. He looked at her, "what's the good of a promotion if we don't celebrate with a drink?"
Promotion? Leslie was at a loss for words. "What kind of a promotion?"
He curled a chest hair around his finger, "the kind you can't refuse."
Jack stood a few feet away appearing as surprised as she was. His blue eyes gone gray. Lips twisted downward.
"You're too brilliant and too talented for the law," He smirked. "I'd like you to run with me as vice-mayor."
"Vice-mayor?" Leslie sunk back into the crimson cushions. "But I know nothing of politics..."
He snickered, "it's just a bunch of nonsense, no how." He twisted his mustache in his fingertips. "Besides, you'll have advisors to help you with your decisions."
"Decisions?"
He nodded, "I need you to make the difficult decisions while I attend parties and setup events." He chuckled. "A lavish life for me—and endless work for you—just what we both desire."
"But my life is to the law."
He took up her hands and squeezed gently. "Your life is to the people...I can entertain them, dazzle them, make them remember my name even...but I can't make them trust me, honor me, and follow me. That's where you'll come in." His kissed her hand. "What do you say? The election is coming weeks before the tournament...will you run with me?"
Leslie felt like there was a frog in her throat; when she opened her mouth a croak left her lips. She coughed and cleared her throat.
"I understand...lost for words," Keeblor said.
Leslie caught Jack shaking his head on the opposite side of the porch, disapproving the offer. And you said you'd support me... Leslie spoke without a proper thought and in annoyance with the Leadgun.
"Yes," she said, "I'll run with you, Mayor."
Keeblor Thompkins raised his hands, waving wildly. "Splendid!" He rang the bell again, "Rubis, where are you with those drinks," He spat in a bit of rage.
The red in his cheeks returned pale and he smiled again, "and to you, My Love, I am no longer the Mayor..." A velvet drink was placed in both their hands. "Today we are...Partners." He laughed, "To us!"
Leslie swallowed and spoke softly, "to us..."
They cheered and they drank. Leslie squirmed. The cocktail tasted awful...
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