“National,” Josh said promptly.
Ella giggled at Dillon’s wink. “That won’t go down well.”
“No,” Josh agreed, enjoying the gentle ribbing. “Which is why I will lie through my teeth and tell everyone I support my fiancée one hundred percent.”
“When are you leaving?” Dillon asked.
“I’ve booked a flight to Auckland tomorrow. I need you to explain this to Mum and Dad when they get home, so they’re not taken unawares. Tell them I’ll call them. I’ll speak with Nikolai and Summer when they pick me up at the airport. Once I’ve told them, I’ll contact Ashley.” He grinned. “I’m an engaged man. Wish me well.”
2 – The Stalker Makes A Move
Ashley scanned the audience in the church hall. She smiled and focused on projecting a friendly and approachable persona. Sincerity.Heck.Easier said than done when she kept jumping at shadows.
“In New Zealand, we face the same problems as other countries around the world. We have homeless people, families who live in poverty. The Labor party isn’t promising an instant fix.
“No one can.
“But what we do promise is to lift the minimum wage. We promise to make more affordable housing available for those who need it. We promise cheaper doctor fees and twenty hours of cost-free education per week for your pre-school children. Free university education for the first year. A subsidized apprenticeship scheme for those teenagers who prefer to learn a trade. More funds pumped into mental health and suicide prevention. We want our children to prosper, their parents to have pride in their family and achievements. We want our children to have their health and become productive citizens.
“We aim to not just count dollars and cents and balance budgets but to look after the wellness of every New Zealander, no matter their age or ethnicity. Let’s be happy, healthy, and mindful because that is the way forward for the future.” Ashley paused. “I appreciate you coming out on this chilly night to listen to me discuss our policies. I hope you’ll vote for me and give a tick to the Labor party for your party vote on election day. If you have questions, I’d be pleased to answer them.”
Ashley scanned faces and smiled, encouraging the locals to engage with her. “I don’t bite. I promise. Politicians, no matter which party we come from, serve you—the voters. To help us do a good job, we need your feedback.”
An elderly gentleman wearing a navy beret raised his hand.
“Yes, sir?”
“What will you do for those of retirement age?”
“Well, we will raise the pension in line with inflation, and we understand how expensive heating can be during the winter months. We’re proposing every man and woman eligible for the pension will receive an extra payment of twenty dollars per week during the coldest months of the year. We want you to stay warm,” Ashley said.
The questions flew quick and fast after the initial one, and Ashley thought she did well. She’d prepared, and her extra diligence meant she didn’t waffle or show a lack of confidence in providing answers.
“Ms. Townsend has time for one more question. Yes?” The local pastor nodded to a scruffy man in a long, black coat. He stood at the rear.
“Do you have secrets, Ashley?” The man’s gap-toothed smile held mockery and challenge.
Ashley blinked. Her pulse raced, and she swallowed hard. She didn’t recognize him. Conversation from her audience rose like the low buzz of bees, growing louder until she wanted to clap her hands over her ears. She forced a polite smile because smiles were her secret weapon. “I’m sorry. I don’t understand your question.”
“Do you have secrets?” the man repeated.
Ashley met his smirk with another courteous smile. “I believe I’ve been honest and open regarding our campaign and our policies.”
The pastor shot Ashley a look, seeming as confused as she. He clapped, and the audience joined his applause.
Ashley turned to the pastor and offered her hand. After a firm and businesslike shake, she beamed enough to make her facial muscles ache. “Thank you for hosting me tonight.”
“Did you know that man?”
“No.” Ashley lifted her hand to rub her face and stayed the movement before her fingers settled. “I’ve never seen him before.”
“Me neither. He isn’t one of my parishioners.” The pastor frowned, deepening the lines of experience on his forehead. “He… Never mind. The Labor party has my vote.”
“Thank you,” Ashley said. “We appreciate your support.”
Ashley shrugged into her red coat, picked up her laptop bag, and her handbag, and made her way from the hall. Two steps into the floodlit car park, a woman stopped her. A junior reporter for the local newspaper. An ambitious one. Her business-smart attire of a blue jacket and matching skirt plus heels were the uniform of the woman this reporter aimed to be in the future. Ashley understood drive and goals, owned them herself, but on seeing the determined light in the reporter’s blue eyes, tension slid through Ashley’s torso to settle on her shoulders. No matter what, she refused to offer the woman a quote to boost her career at the Labor party’s expense.
“Ashley.” The reporter’s high voice grated Ashley. “Can you discuss the secrets the man mentioned?”
