Page 80 of Executive Decision

“This is an interim appointment. I have faith in Chief Wilkes-White’s abilities to shepherd CPD in this turbulent time and will let her tell you about her plans for the next week of critical changes. Before that, however, I want to state how we will fill this role permanently.”

I composed myself, taking a deep breath. Here was what I waited for.

“As I promised when I was elected to office only weeks ago, I will deliver on a new appointment scheme for future Police Superintendents.”

There was chatter.

“As is outlined in the plan you received in your briefing, this reform ensuresallstakeholders have a say in the appointment of Chicago’s top policing official—from our students to our neighborhoods and clergy on up to our city political institutions. I want to thank all the community organizers, religious leaders, school officials, and policing experts who have engaged in a dialogue about the way forward. And for the many citizens who expressed their concerns for policing and safety here in Chicago, your voices will be heard. I know my administration will always strive to listen—even if we don’t always get it right the first time.”

“Sir, will you release the video?”

I didn’t answer. “With that, Chief Wilkes-White, would you like to take over?”

Sherry took the helm. “Thank you, Mayor Markham.”

I disappeared into the hallway, letting Sherry earn her keep.

“She’s going to be eaten alive,” Craig, Jo’s assistant, sighed.

“She’s tough. She’ll be fine,” Jo said. “Better her than the mayor.”

“That’s not why I took off,” I said. “I didn’t want to undermine her. How bad would it look to appoint our first female superintendent only to mansplain over her?”

“It’s a bad look,” Jo agreed. “And she can be the one to own the fact that we are releasing the tape. She’s taken enough heat from both sides. Now, we begin the next campaign. And focus on the vote.”

I champed at the bit—salivating over a chance to hit the initial part of my agenda within my first hundred days. It was historic and boded well for my chance at a second term. I was about to do a rare bit of gloating before my phone distracted me. I spied a text from Daphne.

Daphne

You did great. She did, too.

Me

It’s a new beginning I hope.

Daphne

So, tonight’s the night?

Tonight’s the night? What did that mean?

Me

?

Daphne

The big meeting with the council. What did you think I meant?

I chuckled.

Me

I was hoping it meant I got to see you.

All of you.

Daphne typed. Had I flustered her? We’d not sexted. We never discussed it, but it seemed she avoided it. I wasn’t sure if that was on purpose.

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