Page 16 of Sugar & Shadows

Logically, so much of the situation was outside of my control.

A murder? It was unheard of in Maplewood. It was tragic. Heart-wrenching.

Then there was the aftermath.

The conspiracy theories.

The influencer.

The trending video.

The media attention.

And the loss of tourists.

The cancellations and the refunds. My people were hurting.

So while there was no way I could have foreseen the situation, I was still to blame. I was the captain of this ship. And I’d go down with it. Titanic style.

Chapter 4

Gabe

Arecall.

Damn. I knew I’d get my ass kicked verbally, but I hadn’t even considered that they’d want to vote me out of office. Mainly because no one else around here wanted this ridiculous, thankless job.

As people line up to sign the recall petition, Bitsy looks especially pleased, holding court behind her folding table.

God, I want to go home and punch something. But there wasn’t time for that.

So I wandered outside, pasted on my mayor smile and gave the firefighters who were prepping the bonfire two thumbs-up.

“Mayor.” Curtis Miller grabbed my arm. “Wild night, huh?”

“Small towns thrive on excitement,” I said as my brain chanted an endless loop of they’re recalling you. You failed. You let everyone down. Shaking his hand, I clapped him on the shoulder. “It will be okay,” I reassured him. “We’re already working on a plan.” It was a lie, but it was all I had.

As the night went on, several people offered condolences, support, and kindness. I accepted it humbly, inquired about their kids and pets, and did everything I could to keep a gracious and composed mask on.

Despite my best efforts, I could only take so much, and before long, my hands were shaking, both with cold and anxiety.

I considered making a break for it, but before I could, Logan and Josh appeared like bodyguards, ushering me away from the fire and toward the tree line.

“Drink this before another person asks you to solve a problem,” Logan commanded, handing me one of the Sweetwater Ales that Nate had tapped tonight.

“I gave them everything I had,” I mumbled, taking the bottle from him.

Josh crossed his arms over his barrel chest and scanned the crowd. He’d always been a big guy, but the beard added to the intimidation factor. “I’ll keep them back. You look like you’re about to pass out.”

“I’m fine.”

Logan snorted. “You’re pale and shaking. And if my medical instincts are correct, you’re on the verge of hypoglycemia. Josh, get this man a hotdog.”

“On it.” My cousin took off, lumbering toward the food tent.

“You’re not a doctor,” I snapped, bringing the cold beer to my lips.

He arched a brow. “Um. My medical degree says otherwise.”