Deryn’s face was an adorable mix of pleasure and shock, and Paloma took her hand as they strolled in the direction of the town hall.
“Ready to survey the scene of your imminent victory, my lady?” Deryn smirked and motioned toward the open doors of the building that, in a few days, would hold the mayoral debate.
“Cocky much? Aren’t you getting a little ahead of yourself?”
“Cocky is my middle name.” Deryn wiggled her eyebrows.
“It is not.” Paloma shook her head as Deryn walked exaggeratedly spreading her legs, clearly leaning heavily into the joke.
“No, it’s not, it’s Lyn, but you have firsthand knowledge of me and a strap, so I am not really all that far off.” Deryn walked on, laughing at her own play on words, and Paloma’s vision grayed at the edges.
Lyn. Lynnie.
In the distance, the horn of the incoming ferry blew loudly, announcing its arrival. Paloma stood in the middle of Market Square as the premonition settled on her shoulders like an icy shawl.
18
DERYN, DEBATES & SPILLED WHISKEY
MAYORAL DEBATE TODAY!
The town hall welcomes the frontrunners of the election, John Moss and Paloma Allende, to debate their platforms, their promises, and their plans for Crow’s Nest should either of them be elected the next mayor.
Mr. Moss is running on the promise of lowering property taxes, cutting off “pork barrel” spending, and glorifying Crow’s Nest history via the building of a new museum. The project would be funded entirely by donations and would showcase the island and town through, as well as their contribution to the Commonwealth’s prosperity.
Ms. Allende is running on the promise to increase spending on education and welfare, ensuring equality and inclusion across the board, and focusing on the most vulnerable by building a center for survivors of abuse in Crow’s Nest.
Watch this space and watch the town hall.
—Crow’s Caw
“I don’t knowhow anyone could look at the summary of both platforms and have any kind of doubt about who to vote for.” Deryn pocketed her phone and looked at Paloma, who stood in front of the mirror, applying the finishing touches to her makeup.
“Men.” Deryn turned to the sound of the voice and watched as Magdalene Nox entered the little dressing room. “Men is the answer to your question, Ms. Crowhart. I don’t believe we have actually met, but I am a big fan of your talents. My wife watches every season ofBake Your Heart Outand has been rooting for you for years. Though she was wondering why you’re still doing the show when you’ve clearly outgrown it.”
Deryn shook the extended hand, a little starstruck. And a little struck by her forwardness.
“Ma’am, charmed” was all she could murmur, and the Headmistress smiled.
“Oh, you’re trouble. Ms. Allende, watch out for this one.”
The Headmistress reached out and straightened a line on the deep burgundy dress Paloma was wearing. Deryn’s eyes widened at the familiarity of the gesture. Nox winked at her.
“Oh, don’t fret, Ms. Crowhart. I’m also a big fan of your girlfriend, that’s all.”
It was Paloma’s turn to smile.
“Are you here to wish me luck?”
Nox nodded, then reached into a small briefcase.
“Luck, yes, but also to show you these.”
Deryn came closer as Nox spread several folders full of documents over the makeup table. She caught a few words here and there as Paloma perused the papers. Iraq, Afghanistan,Rathcross Foundation. And to her surprise, Crowhart. There were also pictures of some kind of artifacts, tablets. Deryn lifted her eyes to look at Paloma, whose face was drawn, eyes moving quickly over the documents, wide and shocked. When she finally looked up, she was pale.
“Rathcross? My god…”
“Apt. Well, their God, to be more precise.” The Headmistress took the papers back from Paloma’s now-shaking hands. “None of this is confirmed. And none of these are legally obtained. So, while you and I and Ms. Crowhart are now aware, nobody else can be, for now.”
