see. But never forget how much influence Saxon wields or how much money he has. Both are synonymous with power.”
“I’m betting on you.”
“In any event, I’m going to send each member a letter explaining what’s going on, especially since I’m getting a bodyguard.”
“That’s probably smart.” Tony paused. “So when’s this bodyguard supposed to come on duty?”
“I’m not sure. Could be any time now, I suppose. Thurmon and Veronica are in charge of the arrangements.”
“Meanwhile, do you think it’s wise for you to be alone? I can always bunk on your sofa.”
“Absolutely not, even though I appreciate the offer.” Jessica’s full lips thinned. “I’m not about to let this maniac totally rule my life.”
“You’ll be careful, though, won’t you?”
Jessica heard the anxiety in Tony’s voice and realized how foolhardy she must sound. Last night’s incident, in particular, was not something to be taken lightly. Still, it was hard to admit she needed anyone. She’d grown so used to taking care of herself that she resented the loss of that God-given right.
“I promise I won’t take any unnecessary chances. But I’m sure Veronica and Thurmon will see that I don’t, so you can rest easy.”
“Good.” Tony stood, then peered at his watch. “Since it’s almost time for Saxon’s appointment, I’ll let these files slide until later.”
“Not if they’re important.”
“Nothing that can’t wait until after he leaves.” Tony paused, his features becoming solemn and pinched. “There is one more thing. I debated about telling you.”
“Don’t ever do that.” Jessica came as close to snapping at him as she ever had. “What is it?”
“Dale Lipton. He’s thrown his hat back into the mayoral ring.”
Jessica groaned out loud. “That’s not good news.”
“And Saxon will be backing him. Count on it.”
“Oh, I know. Lipton and Saxon are not only good friends but business partners of sorts, or so I’ve heard.”
“No problem. You’ve got class and smarts. They have neither.” He massaged the top of his head. “Besides, you’ve already trounced Lipton once. You can do it again.”
“I won’t give in or up without a fight. Last election, he fought low and dirty.”
“But you didn’t, and that’s why you beat him.”
Tony grinned at the same time his glasses slipped down on his nose, making him look like a figure out of a comic magazine, especially as a twig of unruly hair was sticking up from the crown of his head. But she didn’t dare say a word. He would have a fit if he knew his hair was mussed.
“As soon as things in the office and in my personal life settle, we’ll find a new chief, then I’ll get started on my reelection plans.”
“I have several people in mind to manage the next one. Well-qualified people.”
“Good. We’ll get together on that soon.”
Tony headed toward the door. “Oh, something else.”
“What?”
“Since the council okayed that Zurich mayoral conference, does that mean I’m to make plans for you to attend?”
“Of course. It’s a chance I’d be foolish to pass up.”
“Well, with all this mess going on, I wasn’t sure.”
Jessica didn’t hesitate. “Now you are.”
“Great. I’ll buzz personally when Saxon arrives.”
“Thanks,” Jessica said with a downturn of her mouth.
Tony’s lips twitched. “Any time.”
Once she was alone, Jessica stood, walked into her bathroom and trashed her cold coffee. But instead of heading back to her desk and tackling the phone messages and mounds of paperwork, she went to the window and stared at the Dallas skyline.
Lovely city. Lovely time of the year. Her favorite, in fact. The flowers and trees were in full bloom. Everything looked and smelled fresh, especially after a cleansing rain shower like the one they’d had last night.
Now the sun was shining. Maybe that was a good omen.
She needed that. Since Porter’s death, she had made her career her life in an effort to soak up the loneliness that oftentimes haunted her. She knew she had been a good mayor. She had made things happen for the city—good things. She definitely earned more money than she was paid rather than being paid more than she earned.
Her goal was to continue to be the best, most conscientious mayor she could be, then seek reelection, a prospect that no longer loomed brightly. But it would, as soon as she rode out the current political storm. Because she felt so justified concerning her bold actions, she was determined to remain strong and unbending in her decisions.
The chips would just have to fall where they would.
Her buzzing phone jolted her back to the moment at hand. She crossed to the desk and pressed the button. “Yes.”
“Mr. Saxon’s here.”
“Send him in.” Jessica walked to the coatrack and slipped into her jacket just as the door opened and Saxon strode in.
“Morning, Mrs. Kincaid.”
He rarely showed her the respect of her title, which didn’t bother her. It merely showed how unprofessional and insulting he could be when it suited him. Today was apparently one of those days.
“Good morning,” she forced herself to say as politely as possible. “It’s nice to see you again.”
“I hope you’ll still feel that way after I leave,” he countered with his usual bluntness.
She ignored that and asked him to sit down.
Lance Saxon was of average height, with a balding head and jowls that shook when he made any kind of sudden movement. The circumference of his middle was also noticeable, indicating that he lived the good life to the max.
He took a seat, but by the time she sat behind her desk, he was standing again, seeming to tower over her, his nostrils flaring.
Keeping her emotions in check, Jessica smiled, then asked, “So what’s on your mind?”
“Oh, I think you know. But for starters, I insist you reinstate the police chief.”
Thirty
