“Of course she is. It’s an election year. She’s probably kissing babies and shaking hands like she actually gives a damn about these people.”
I wanted to turn around. Wanted to walk in the opposite direction and pretend I hadn’t seen her.
But it was too late.
Vivica spotted me. And her entire face lit up in that practiced politician’s smile that made my stomach turn.
She was surrounded by campaign staffers and photographers, but she broke away from them, heading straight toward us with her arms outstretched.
“Prentice! Rita! What a wonderful surprise!”
Grandma Rita’s grip on my arm tightened. “Stand your ground,” she muttered under her breath.
Vivica reached us, pulling me into a hug that felt like a performance. I stood stiff, my arms at my sides, but she didn’t seem to notice—or care.
“It’s so good to see you,” she said loudly, clearly aware of the cameras pointed our way. “I’ve missed you, baby.”
The word “baby” in her mouth made me want to shove her away. But I didn’t. Didn’t want to cause a scene. Didn’t want to give her the satisfaction.
“Vivica,” Grandma Rita said coolly. “Still campaigning, I see.”
“Always working for the people.” Vivica’s smile didn’t waver. “You look wonderful, Rita.”
“I look old and I’m going blind. But thank you for lying.”
I almost laughed.
Vivica turned back to me, her smile faltering slightly. She leaned in close, her voice dropping to a whisper only I could hear.
“We need to talk. Privately.”
“Hell no.”
Her smile tightened. “Meet with me, or your mentor goes back to prison.”
My blood went cold. “What?”
“You heard me.” Her voice was still low, still sweet, but there was steel underneath. “I have enough evidence to put Rashid away for life. All it takes is one phone call.”
She pulled back, her public smile back in place, kissing my cheek like we were a happy family.
“Think about it,” she said brightly. “It was so good to see you both! We should do this more often!”
Then she was gone, swept back into her entourage, leaving me standing there with rage coursing through my veins.
“What did she say?” Grandma Rita asked quietly.
“Nothing. Just politician bullshit.”
“Liar.” But she didn’t push. Just patted my arm. “Don’t let her get to you. That’s what she wants. To make you feel small. Don’t give her that power.”
I nodded, but I wasn’t listening. My mind was already racing. Evidence against Rashid? What evidence? And how long had she been sitting on it? And what did she want in return for it?
“Come on,” Grandma Rita said. “Let’s get those strawberries before they’re all gone.”
I started to follow her, my thoughts a mess of anger and strategy and?—
That’s when I saw her.
