Hazel:Then I guess we’re all going toLittle House on the Prairieit. Maybe I’ll buy a bigger mattress, and we can all sleep together like pioneers.
Meg:You’re so dramatic.
Hazel:It’s not like I’ve been getting cockblocked or anything the past month *eyeroll.*
Meg:Doesn’t Archer own a whole chain of super-duper fancy hotels? I’m sure you’re fine.
Hazel:It’s not the same. I have to get dressed and put on a bra.
“Meg!” a man called from across the street, I peered in the dark, recognizing the bushy beard and broad shoulders.
“Oh, hey, Remy,” I called. “I didn’t know you were back in town.”
The tall blond man looked at me oddly and crossed the street. But when he stepped into the streetlamp light, I realized that he was not actually Remy.
“Aren’t you…” I took a step back. “Aren’t you Hunter’s dad?”
Leif Svensson chuckled from under his beard. “I’m flattered a beautiful woman like you remembers me.”
I still had my phone in my hand. Did I need to call the police?
“Let’s not make any rash decisions,” he said softly. I took another step back, preparing to turn and run.
“Don’t leave yet, not until you’ve had a chance to hear me out.” His voice had a sharp edge.
“I don’t think I can help you,” I said, trying to figure out how to make a swift exit. Hunter rarely talked about his father, and when he did, his whole demeanor changed, and he turned angry and hateful.
“But I came all this way to see you,” he replied.
“Why?”I need to get out of here.
“Because—” He smirked. “I heard that you need help beating my son in the election.”
I froze. “The election?”
Leif nodded, eyes glittering. “Hunter’s going to beat you unless you pull one over on him first. He has you outspent, outmanned. And you don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to, but I know my son. He is exactly like me. Hunter will surely have a stack of dirty information on you he could release at the last minute to sink you or outright blackmail you.”
I chewed on my lip. That was exactly what I had been worried about. But could I trust Hunter’s father? “I don’t know…”
“It’s good information,” Leif cajoled. “It will sink him immediately. You will be mayor. You’re not going to win without my help. You know that.”
“I-I…” I needed to win. But I didn’t trust Leif, though part of me also didn’t trust Hunter. However, there was no way I was going to work with his father.
“Don’t say no just yet,” Leif crooned. “I’ll be around. Think about it.” He smiled at me. It was chilling. Then he slipped back into the shadows.
I rubbed my arms. I needed to tell Hunter. But then… Hunter hadn’t been telling me things that were vitally important to my life. Why should I tell him about Leif?You shouldn’t tell him, because what if you do end up needing that information?
But that was against the rules of a fair election fight.And where has following the rules gotten you? You’re broke, homeless, and almost jobless. You have to fight fire with fire.
No! Hunter had said he loved me. He wouldn’t blackmail me, right?
But if he does?the rational part of my brain whispered.You need to have a way to fight back.
68
Hunter
Idodged a man walking a ferret who yelled at me when I almost tripped over the leash.
