“What’s that?”
“I feel like I should be compensated. I’m doing this to help Mark get reelected. I deserve something for my trouble. You’re the finance director. You can make it happen.”
Collin’s features shifted and turned to granite. “You want money?”
She shrugged as if it were no big deal. “It only seems fair.”
“I can talk to Mark, see what he says.”
“Maybe you don’t need to go to that much trouble.” She took a sip of champagne. “I bet you could make the decision yourself.”
Collin glanced off into the distance. She could almost see the wheels turning in his head. “Maybe we can work something out.”
“All right. If you’re interested, I’ll expect a call no later than noon tomorrow.”
“Fine, I’ll be in touch.” Collin emptied his glass of champagne and blended into the crowd. April made her way back to Jonah. She could feel his eyes on her though he seemed to be conversing with an older couple.
Jonah ended the conversation and broke away. “How did it go?”
“Too easy. Collin seems to think it would be worth paying me off to help Mark get reelected.”
“Interesting. From what the polls are showing, it doesn’t appear the murder of the mayor’s campaign manager for attempted rape has caused him that much political trouble.”
“I don’t think it has. Which is why I can’t believe Collin is actually considering the idea. He’s supposed to let me know tomorrow.”
They moved through the crowd together, April continuing to introduce Jonah, who had a surprising knack for handling people. Not far away, Chase mingled. He was a charming man and women clearly loved him, but no matter where he was, she could always feel him watching her. As if he had eyes in the back of his head.
“Peggy is over there. I’m going to see what she has to say. I won’t be long.”
Jonah nodded. He was drinking a scotch rocks. So far the volume in the glass had barely gone down. He was staying alert just in case.
She made her way up to Peggy Watt. “Got a minute?”
“Sure.” The little blonde glanced around. “Everything seems to be running smoothly.”
“Yes. Mark’s campaign is definitely moving in the right direction—which got me to thinking. Maybe I should go along with the results of the police investigation. It would certainly be a benefit to Mark.”
“Yes, it would.”
“If I do, it seems to me he should compensate me for the trauma I’ve suffered. After all, David was his campaign manager.”
Peggy looked intrigued. “You’re saying money would convince you to let the matter go?”
“That’s right. I’d have to know by noon tomorrow.”
Peggy sipped her drink. “Maybe there’s a way it could work.”
Interesting. April spotted Jonah in the crowd. “I’d better go before my date gets bored.”
Peggy’s pale eyebrows arched up. “I don’t think you have to worry about that. I saw him when you walked in.” She winked. “Yummy.” Peggy took off, and April returned to Jonah.
“This isn’t going to work.”
“Why not?”
“Because Collin and Peggy both think blackmailing Mark into paying me is a good idea. I have a hunch if I ask Mark, he won’t hesitate to find the money to keep me quiet, either.”
“What about Brad Schweitzer?”
