But He Stopped Pt 2

I Can't Control Myself

I dropped my head to the desk with a groan.

I had no idea when I accepted the task of Mayor five months ago that there would be so. Much. Paperwork.

Contracts and agreements for the two shops, insurance for their wares if they get broken into. The new bar that was being established below, hiring Magnolia as our entertainment, the Memory Den and the supplies that were needed, establishing which traders would bring me what supplies, insuring those supplies, meeting with the neighboring towns to establish commerce and trade with their wares...

It was exhausting.

On the plus side, I'd laid off the drugs for the most part. My body was gaining more muscle from helping in the repair of the city and the dismantling of the extravagance that Vic had been used to. First thing to go was the damned chandelier. I couldn't bring myself to part with the books, instead spreading them out throughout the State House to make it seem as though I had less. I looked at the bookcase across from me.

Soon. I promised, soon I'll have time to read you.

The bed had stayed too, and right now it was enticing. I pushed aside a stack that said 'URGENT'. I was going to have to hire an electrician to keep the buildings that were hooked up running, make sure they were up to code. I scoffed. I didn't ever live in a building that was 'up to code". I didn't even know there was a code. Who the fuck decided these things?!

But after the warehouse down the street had caught fire and burned down a drifter colony it seemed a necessary expenditure. As did a contractor and general maintenance guy after the balcony railing had crumbled with the weight of Vic, crushing his body neatly onto a group to revelers below. I sighed again, feeling the itch.

I pushed away from my chair, letting it scrape along the wooden floor in an agonizing screech. I put my hands on my hips looking around. It was far too professional in here. Next thing I was going to do was lug up a few couches. I was going to make this place feel like home... even if it really didn't seem to fit my yet, like a second skin that was too tight. I yanked on the lapel of my frock, adjusting my holster as I stepped around the desk and grabbed my hat from where it had landed when I threw it out of frustration.

Smacking it on my head and tucking a stray strand of curly yellow hair behind my ear, I all but danced down the stairs. One of the men posted at the door looked at me with curiosity.

"I'm goin' out Billy." I slid past him, "don't wait up."

"AH wait, Hancock..?"

I paused mid-step and turned to face him. He seemed a little nervous.

"Someone... ah, someone left this one the door for you. I-I don't really know..."

I snatched the small note away from him, "Thanks Billy."

He nodded, shifting a little, obviously relieved. The regime may have changed hands, but the shadow of Vic still haunted the place. I knew it was going to take time to ease the people's fears. I strode across the cobblestone, waving at Daisy as she flagged me down.

"What's up gorgeous?" I winked at her.

"Nothing." She responded, dead pan. "Look, I was wondering if you'd be able to find time to head down and check out that bookstore-"

I held up my hands, shaking my head, "Daisy, I'm sorry, but you know I don't have the time for that kind of stuff right now. I promise that as soon as I have a free minute I'll go and clear it out for you. I swear as Mayor. But I'm just..."

"Swamped." She finished for me, "Yeah. I know. Funny you still have time to go get high."

I snorted, "Don't start on that shit again, Daisy. You know I don't have time to get high, which is why I look as good as I do now! I have to sneak away and neglect my paperwork to get high. Which I'm doing right now."