by Kieran York
“Maybe victory,” Royce commented.
“Oh, you’ll win,” Gwen said with confidence.
“Are you saying that because you now believe I’m the best for the job?“ Royce asked.
Gwen grasped Nadine’s waist. “No. I’m saying that because you had the very best campaign manager.”
Chuckling, Royce glanced back at Nadine. “Yes. I did.”
“I’m so happy,” Hertha said, with a smile that matched the one on Royce’s face. “It sounds like everything is going to work out fine.”
“Yes.” Gwen glanced back at Royce. “Royce, Jorie explained the details. She said to thank you for the exclusive. For everything. And I want to tell you that I’m sorry about keeping Tyler’s secret from you. I did the same thing I chastised you for doing. Tried to keep a confidence. Forgive me?”
“Nothing to forgive,” Royce said with a hug. “Let’s go on with it. The most important thing is that our friendship and your relationship are back on track.”
Royce turned as Nick entered. “Royce, more election projections are about to be announced. Just thought I’d warn you.”
“Thanks,” Royce muttered. “But I think defeat is imminent.”
“We did what we could,” he said encouragingly.
“We?”
“Royce, you left the rally too soon. We had decided unanimously to support you.”
“The deputies? You all backed me?”
“All except Granger. I happened to mention the crapola Granger pulled. Besides that, they were confident in your ability to enforce, protect, and lead. After the standoff with Burke, they knew you have what it takes.”
“Thanks, I appreciate the backing.”
“Hey, like the fellas say, we don’t want a sheriff no one will whistle at.”
Royce smiled. Her blush was evident when she turned her head. “Maybe you ought to have a little talk with them,” she kidded.
“With the paper’s endorsement, and the support of the deputies,” Gwen calculated, “it could be closer than we think. And just maybe we couldn’t get a reading on the polls because people didn’t want to tell anyone that they intended on voting for a lesbian!”
“Royce,” Faye yelled out. “It’s Molly calling from the cabin. They’ve just announced the projected winner. A landslide, Sheriff! You’ve won! Granger conceded. Molly says to tell you she’s proud of you. And your daddy would have been too. She and Gran are on their way down to celebrate.”
“Congratulations, Sheriff,” Gwen shouted as she swooped Royce into her hug.
There was a swarm around Royce. Folks wanted her words of victory. She held up her beer. “I toast you all for your help with the election. The citizens voted for a candidate, rather than for hatred. We all won today. I want to thank my campaign manager, Nadine. All the campaign workers. And Hertha, my family, friends, and,” Royce said with a teasing laugh as Smoky tugged at her trousers leg, “my schnauzer.” Smoky gave a gruff snort.
Hertha lifted Royce’s other arm in victory.
“That’s it on the speech?“ Gwen chided. “If you’re going to keep winning elections, you qualify as a professional politician. So you’d best work on lengthening your speeches. Not exactly your strong suit, Sheriff Madison.”
Nadine’s eyebrows lifted. “She won, didn’t she?”
“You’re all plenty amazing!“ Royce asserted. “Plenty amazing.”
“That’s much better,” Gwen complimented. “Much more eloquent.”