by Pamela Yaye
“Dick, I’ve known you half my life. Both of our family roots run deep in Paradise soil. Yes, our families belong to the same clubs, and yes, we’ve shared lunch a time or two. But make no mistake about it. I am not your friend.”
Niko smiled before he walked away. It didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Bryce cut him off as he neared the door and followed him into the hallway. “What was that about? Most people wouldn’t notice it, but I can tell that the man under that cool veneer is about to explode.”
“It’s what I get for trying to be friendly with a determined adversary. It was clear Dick was trying to push my buttons.”
“Looks like he succeeded. What did he say?”
“Nothing important. Right now, I need to focus. How much time do we have?”
His answer came around the corner as the stage manager neared them. “Places in five minutes, gentlemen,” she said to them before going inside the door to inform the other candidates.
Bryce turned to Niko. “Are you sure you’re all right?”
“I’m fine. Has our marketing collateral been distributed?”
“There’s not a soul in the building who doesn’t now have a bumper sticker, Drake for Mayor pamphlet and miniature flag.”
“Great.”
Both men turned as those inside the room filed out. Niko gave Bryce a nod and fell in beside those heading to the stage.
Minutes later, after the national anthem had been sung and the welcome given, the moderator for the night’s debate went over the rules. The irony wasn’t lost on Niko that the moderator was not only a woman but a bit of a celebrity. Born and raised in Paradise Cove, she’d graduated college and was now enjoying a stellar career in journalism, most recently as a correspondent for MSNBC. So even though the town boasted just under four thousand people, there was a certain city sophistication to this small-town affair.
“The questions put before you tonight come directly from your constituents,” she continued. “They were chosen to cover a wide spectrum of topics and to get to the heart of the matter of why one of you should occupy the office of mayor for this town. I will start to my far right, and thereafter each of you will be given the opportunity to answer. Please keep your comments to two minutes.”
After a few more instructions they were ready to begin. Niko had researched and studied well. No topic caught him off guard; the questions were fairly typical regarding education, quality medical care, issues regarding city-owned properties and taxes. As expected, he and Dick came down on opposite sides. Dick basically repeated what he’d said backstage. Niko, however, hadn’t shown his hand behind the scenes and, after Monique and Buddy had commented, hit him with a full deck of accurate information.
“It’s one thing to quote something incorrectly and another altogether to be blatantly misleading. Mr. Schneider would have you believe that I want to raise everyone’s taxes when he knows this is simply not true. I have been very clear in my plans to provide this city with a top-of-the-line educational system, state-of-the-art medical facilities and continued road, sewer and other repairs and other improvements as our city requires. As my grandmother used to tell me, money doesn’t grow on trees and neither, Mr. Schneider, will the funds to improve our city. What I’ve laid out is a fair and straightforward way where every citizen can contribute their equal share, based on their financial ability. If your income falls below a certain amount, you won’t be taxed at all. For others, like Mr. Schneider, for instance, and myself, who’ve been blessed with greater incomes, we will shoulder greater responsibilities. I believe this is only right. I hold fast to that part of our Pledge of Allegiance that says ‘to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, with liberty and justice for all’!”
He punched the air for emphasis, waving his miniature flag. It could not have been coordinated any better had they rehearsed for days. As one, everyone holding a flag held theirs up and began waving, a sea of flag-holding hands swaying across the stadium. Anyone walking in at this moment would think this election night instead of a debate—one where Niko won!
After quieting the audience, the moderator posed the next question.
“As Paradise Cove continues to grow, the need for affordable housing has become a major issue. While the average median income here is in the six figures, and most are home owners, the growing number of employees hired in service positions need reasonably priced places that can be rented. How would you address this problem? Mr. Schneider, you’re up first.”
“Paradise Cove prides itself on being one of the most beautiful and friendliest towns in all of Northern California, if not the state. We are also very proud to have one of the lowest crime rates in the country. I believe this is because our town consists of hardworking, God-fearing families who’ve earned the right to enjoy the life they now have and don’t want to worry about an undesirable element moving into the city to rob them of not only their possessions, but their peace of mind. I’d recommend that those seeking rental properties take advantage of the very nice apartment complexes already available within a five-to-ten-mile radius.”
Light applause was mixed with a growing murmur throughout the crowd. Obviously everybody had an opinion on what Dick had just said.
“Thank you, everyone,” the moderator said, deftly handling the excited audience. “Quiet, please.” Once the noise abated, she turned to Monique. “Ms. Slater?”
“Every city should have affordable housing, period. That Mr. Schneider would suggest otherwise, especially as our population continues to grow and become more diverse, shows he is sorely out of touch with the needs of this town. But I’m not as bothered by that as I am by the presumption that poor people steal or that people who rent care less about their property than home owners. Rather than worrying about an hourly worker who might rob one of his properties, I’d focus on people seeking power by robbing citizens of their basic right to decent houses and stealing their ability to live the American dream.”
The applause was spontaneous, with several people standing as they cheered. Throughout the auditorium, miniature American flags were waved back and forth. Even as Niko delighted in Monique’s intelligent retort to Dick’s tomfoolery, he was also well aware of how she’d just connected with the hearts of those in the room, who were cheering her on with the flags that he’d given them.
All of the loving had almost made Niko forget that Monique was a strong contender. Looking out over the crowd made him remember. With only a couple of months of campaigning remaining, it was time to pull out all the stops. He’d always known better than to underestimate her, but in that moment, it had just gotten real.
Chapter 24
Monique walked into her condo, placing down an armful of campaign stuff and kicking off pumps. She hadn’t felt this type of elation from a day’s work since arguing her last trial. That had been months ago, and until tonight she hadn’t realized how much she missed the drama of the courtroom.
She reached for her phone to dial Niko. It was an automatic thought. Over the past few weeks they’d shared lively conversations on any myriad of subjects. They’d mutually agreed that the upcoming election wouldn’t negatively affect them, and for the most part they’d kept to that agreement. As she scrolled for his number, she recalled the scene as she’d left the auditorium: Niko surrounded by friends, family and his throng of supporters.
“Maybe calling now isn’t the best idea.”
Placing the phone on the counter, Monique decided to fix a cup of tea. As she poured water and decided on her desired herbal mood—Chamomile Calm—she second-guessed her decision to decline invitations by both her godmother and her campaign crew to join them for drinks. At the time, peace and quiet was all she’d longed for. Now, however, in the solitary aftermath of an exciting evening, she was keenly aware of how she missed her family. Under normal circumstances, her parents and brother wou
ld have been here with bells on. But a set of heart palpitations had sent her dad to Emergency two days ago. His condition stabilized and nothing serious was found, but the doctor advised bed rest for two days. Understandably, her mother wouldn’t leave his side. Her brother, Ian, was in Ecuador, as part of a Doctors Without Borders team. Still, he’d found time to text her an encouraging message. His thoughtfulness made her smile.
While waiting for her tea to steep, she thought of Rob. He would have enjoyed this evening. Belatedly, she wondered whether or not she should have invited him. They didn’t talk much by phone these days but had exchanged emails and texts. Reaching for her phone, she punched his number, then put the phone on speaker and sat at the kitchen island as it rang.
“Hello, Rob, it’s Monique.”
A pause and then “Uh, hi.”
Monique frowned. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”
“Yes, I have company. Is something wrong?”
“No, not at all. We had our mayoral debate tonight and I was going to share some of the highlights with you. But no worries...we can talk later.”
“Okay, we’ll talk later. Goodbye.”
“Well, I wasn’t expecting that,” Monique mumbled as she slid off the bar stool and walked over to dress her tea. Having been broken up for months, it shouldn’t have surprised her that Rob was dating. God knew she’d moved on. As she took her cup to the bedroom and prepared for a shower, her heart was happy. Rob was a good man and deserved a woman who loved him. Maybe, she thought as she stepped into the shower stall, our friendship will survive after all.
* * *
A few miles away, at the home of Ike and Jennifer Drake, a small but lively gathering was in full swing. Except for Reginald and Julian, all of Niko’s siblings had been at the debate and were now here. Joining them were Bryce and a few other select members of Niko’s staff along with his staunchest financial supporters. Their festive mood was proof of how well they’d thought their candidate had performed.
Ike Jr. watched Niko slip into an unoccupied room and close the door. He quickly followed. “Sneaking away for a moment of solitude?”
“I see I’m not going to get it,” Niko said with a smile, as he texted on his cell phone.
“How are you holding up?”
“Man, I’m exhausted. But Mom says that as the man of the hour it would be rude to be the first one to leave.”
“I’d say she has a point.” They laughed. “Things seemed to have gone well tonight. The crowd was fantastic.”
“Looked like the whole town showed up. I guess P.C. is ready for change.”
“I must say, there was one face I was expecting to see and didn’t.”
Niko looked up from his phone. “Who?”
“Ashley. Considering her borderline harassment of you lately, I was on the lookout.”
“This is one of the biggest events that’s happened here lately. She would not have missed it. Trust me, you may not have seen her but I guarantee she was there. Her and her messy mama, too.”
“I saw Joy. She was busy shooting daggers at the family while schmoozing up to Dick’s wife, Cindy.”
Niko slowly shook his head. “Joy’s a trip. I almost feel sorry for Ashley. With an opportunistic mother like that, she never had a chance.”
“I have to give it to you, little brother. You held it down tonight.”
“Thanks, Ike.”
“Especially given some of the B.S. being spouted. Dick was in rare form.”
“You don’t know the half.” He shared Dick’s earlier comments.
“Doesn’t surprise me. He’s a part of the old guard who aren’t ready to give up their post and realize that times have changed.”
“I wanted to punch him in the mouth.”
“Yes, I’d feel the same way if someone talked about my woman.” Niko voiced a stern denial, which elicited a chuckle from Ike. “You know I’m right. Terrell and I have suspected it for a while. From our keen observations and your reaction just now, I’d say we’re right.” He looked at Niko for confirmation. A church mouse could not have been quieter.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he finally said.
Ike’s smile broadened. “Oh, really? Then you probably don’t know why I’m getting bills for services rendered by the cleaning company for the San Francisco condo?” Niko’s brow rose ever so slightly. “You forgot that I manage the family expenses and regularly check the books? I know I haven’t spent the night there. I could ask Mom and Dad if they’ve been there recently but—”
“Okay, you’ve got me. So you can stop looking so smug.”
“Don’t worry, little brother. Your secret’s safe with us. She’s definitely the total package—smart, successful, attractive. I can see why you’re interested. But I don’t need to tell you that you should be very careful.”
“No, you don’t need to tell me.”
“Obviously someone does. If you were sloppy enough that I found out about your tryst, know that others who are watching might catch something, too. The last thing your campaign needs is this to hit the news, and the last thing our family needs is a scandal.”
Niko eyed his brother for a moment, then released a deep breath. “Point well taken, Ike. I’ll be careful.”
“I appreciate careful but I’d much prefer patient. Can you wait until after the election to pursue this relationship?”
“It won’t be easy but...I can try.”
Ike smiled. “That good, huh?”
“Even better,” Niko replied, before heading to the door and out of the room.
* * *
Monique tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Even though she’d erased it, Niko’s naughty text message continued to play inside her head. It had been weeks since they’d been together and her body was having withdrawals. Back in her college days, her cousins used a phrase when a woman was head over heels for a man. They called her “whipped.” Monique could never understand what that meant. Until now. Frustrated, she tossed back the covers and hopped out of bed. At the unexpected sound of her cell phone ringing, she jumped again.
“Niko! You scared me.”
“How’d I do that from across town?”
“By calling at this ungodly hour. Do you know what time it is?”
“Time for me to come over and—”
“Don’t you dare,” she rasped between clenched teeth as she snatched on a robe and proceeded to the kitchen.
“I’m not.” Niko’s chuckle was low and sexy, causing Monique’s resolve to falter. “But I want to.”
“Me, too. But it’s not going to happen.” Monique reached for a glass and filled it with water before heading back upstairs.
“You’re right. We’ve already been busted.”
She froze, barely finding her voice enough to utter, “Who?”
“Relax, sweetheart. Fortunately for us, it was family.” He told her what Ike had earlier shared. “He suggested that we take a break until after the election, but that’s not going to happen.”
“I think it’s a wise idea.”
“Wise, perhaps, but not likely.”
“Why not?”
“Did you read the text I sent?”
“Yes.”
“Then you know why.” His raspy voice caressed her like a breeze, causing her nipples to harden and her walls to contract.
“I can’t believe you did that. Of course, it’s been deleted. Emails and text messages are like smoking guns.”
“How was what I said controversial? Animal lovers would be pleased to learn how much I adore...kitties.”
“Ha! You’re incorrigible.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet.”
Monique got into bed and snuggled under the cover, wishing that it were Niko ins
tead of her pillow she was hugging right now.
“You were in your element tonight.”
“I really enjoyed this evening. The courtroom provides an aspect of it, but I hadn’t engaged in a straight-out debate since college.”
“You haven’t lost your touch. Had the constituents waving their support with flags I’d purchased!”
Monique laughed. “I assumed the city passed those out. You’ll notice I didn’t beat you up too badly. Most of my arsenal was saved for Dick. That guy’s a piece of work.”
“I admit I wanted to punch him earlier.”
“Why?”
“Because he was living up to his name. I guess it’s to be expected. He’s a product of his environment and era, born with a silver spoon, grew up in affluence. What is now patently offensive is probably how he was taught. I wouldn’t pay him too much attention.”
“As long as his numbers remain low.”
“Exactly.”
Monique yawned loudly. “Wow, excuse me. That’s my cue for sleep time.”
“Busy day tomorrow?”
“Yes. Devante is a traffic stop away from going back to jail. I have to do some work on his case. Hopefully I can do all I need from here and not have to fly to L.A.”
“You were afraid that he might pick up old habits by going back there.”
“Hard to avoid when the other perpetrators are relatives.”
“He’s lucky to have you in his corner. You’re a good woman, Mo Slater.”
“Why, thank you, Mr. Drake. For someone running as an independent, you’re not bad yourself.”
The sound of his laughter as she ended the call was the last thing she heard before drifting off to sleep.
Chapter 25
The following Tuesday at 7:00 a.m., every mayoral candidate assistant was at the Cove Chronicle offices, ready to snap up that week’s publication. The true yardstick of the past weekend’s debate, the latest election polls, were between these pages, and everyone’s camp wanted to know how well they did.