Running With a Bad Girl

Chapter 9

Reminder: This chapter will no have a POV (: Enjoy!

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Cascading across the city was the shadows of the clouds, covering the sun as it set behind the distant mountains. A cool breeze followed the dark colors as golden leaves fluttered from the branches of trees as summer began to end. Located inside city hall, the mayor began packing his briefcase so that he could journey home for the night. As he settled a stack of papers inside the case, a soft knock echoed across the room from someone in the open doorway. The mayor smiled at his old friend, one he feared. He ushered the girl with his head to have a seat across from him, inviting her in only because she would grow furious if he denied her visit.

"To whom do I owe the pleasure?" the man announced as he took a seat in the cozy chair he'd been in since early that morning.

"We have some business to discuss," Zoe informed.

"And you couldn't have come at an earlier time?" the mayor asked her, looking hastily down upon the silver watch wrapped loosely against his wrist. He wanted to get home to his wife who would surely have supper prepared.

"You know how busy my schedule is," Zoe smiled, even though she knew today was filled with lounging by the television. "Look John, you and I both know elections are coming up, yes?"

John chewed the inside of his cheek, staring across the oak desk at the girl, hoping to vanish her with his eyes. He knew where this conversation was going and he wanted no part.

"Of course," John said anyways.

"I need you to run for mayor again. You've only served one term which means you can serve another."

"Zoe, I am almost sixty years old. I've been a council man for a very long time, working my way up to mayor. Now that I finally have the chance to retire, why would I take another five years of my life to work?"

"Because you got yourself involved with a gang, remember? And we've been having some complications lately. Complications that the mayor can help with."

John sighed and stretched back in the chair. He knew what would be done if he didn't compromise with the boss. She had him wrapped around her finger, posing as her puppet all because she was his drug dealer. Being in the job field he was caused much stress to his life. Drugs helped with that, but no one knew his dirty secret. No one except for Zoe.

"C'mon, can't you understand where I'm coming from?" John pleaded with his eyes. "I want to spend the rest of my days with my wife and grandchildren. I want to retire."

"Five more years is all I'm asking for John," Zoe leaned in closer. "I wouldn't want to tell the whole city that their mayor is a drug addicted old man."

John looked around the room furiously, tapping his fancy shoe covered foot against the white carpeted floors, his arms crossed. He hated Zoe for controlling him, but he also adored her as if she were one of his own. She always reminded him of his own daughters; demanding and had the courage to take shit from no man. Knowing Zoe's back story put John in an uncomfortable situation because it made him feel as if he needed to be there for her and help her through tough times, and not just because she provided him with substances he craved. Even though he wanted to end his career path, he knew he'd cave under the kid's spell.

"Fine, but after this I'm done," John huffed.

"Fair enough," Zoe shrugged. "All I need right now is the cops to stay away from Brotherhood. I told you this before but apparently, they haven't done as they were told. No one from the gang is to be arrested or questioned."