Chapter 53 Sawyer
SAWYER
Today is the brES Jamboree, and the petting zoo I secured for it is a hit. There are bunnies, pygmy goats, chicks, ducklings, and a baby pig. I promised Brie to get extra cuddles from all of them for her while she’s at her interview. I had Senora Martinez get video evidence as proof.
“Remember not to get too close to the animals’ behinds,” I tell the new group of kids as they walk into the pen.
“Because of poop!” Tori, a kindergartener, yells, delighted at herself.
“That’s right,” I sigh, “because of poop.”
“Hi, Mr. Mayor!” kids shout.
Will said he’d make his appearance later this afternoon. I turn around to rib him for not resisting the baby animals, but the words die in my throat. He’s red, something close to distress on his face, as he strides swiftly over.
“You aren’t answering your phone,” he huffs, ushering me away from tiny ears.
I sweep my hand at the Jamboree. “We’ve been here. What’s going on?”
He cups my shoulder. “I’m not Dad.”
“You having a stroke? What’s going on?” I repeat.
“I don’t hate your girlfriend,” he says.
I poke his face. “Do you feel any numbness?”
He swats my hand away. “I just found out the school district, they’re having a special committee meeting right now.”
Even with Will’s agitation, my chest inflates at the mention of Brie’s interview. “I know.”
He shakes his head. “You don’t understand. Dad’s on it. Both Beauforts. I don’t know how they managed it, but they—”
Brie. She’s all alone with those vultures.
I don’t wait to hear another word as cold panic propels me in the direction of the parking lot.
“Cover for me,” I shout over my shoulder.
“Here!” Will shouts. “My car’s faster!”
He doesn’t have to add that no one pulls over the mayor’s car.
I turn around in time to catch his keys, and spot his Audi on the curb just ahead.
It’s a thirty minute drive to the building.
I get there in seventeen.