Page 26 of Reaper & the Lioness
“Sorry, I’m leaping ahead. My mind’s moving faster than my mouth. These meetings are performative. We need a show of support. If the council sees a crowd of families—normal people, not bikers—they’ll realize it’s more trouble than it’s worth to create a policy against your businesses. I have some other angles I’ll work on while you call your members.”
“Care to share?”
“Not yet. I have less than twenty-four hours to pull this off, so I need you to just do as I ask.”
Eva hung up. My fists clenched as I slammed my phone down.Are you fucking kidding me?The nerve of this woman.
I fired off orders in the group chat. I told the members to leave the cuts at home and dig out their Sunday best. Then, I called our lawyer, ensuring he’d be front and center, ready to shut down any slander.
This wasn’t the kind of fight I enjoyed. No fists. No bullets. But it was a fight just the same.
And for once, I didn’t think I’d be the most dangerous person in the room.
That honor belonged to Eva.
Chapter Eleven
City Hall filled to capacity just before the meeting began, the fire chief closing the doors and instructing a line of latecomers to wait outside. The standing crowd buzzed with energy beneath the harsh fluorescent lights.
I shot Reaper and Thane a satisfied grin as I scanned the crowd. Mavericks and their families packed the front rows. Jack’s high school shop boys clustered in their letterman jackets at the back. Women I recognized from the shelter visit filled an entire row with toddlers perched on their knees, and a group of elementary school moms crowded around Cora. Maisie moved about the crowd, hugging customers she’d asked to attend on her behalf when they ordered their morning lattes and cinnamon rolls.
Reaper leaned in. “How did you get all these people here?”
I shrugged nonchalantly. “What can I say? I’m charming as fuck.”
Thane’s laugh rumbled as he squeezed my shoulder. “Hiring you might have been the best decision I’ve made all year.”
Reaper scoffed and walked away. He’d never admit it, but the hint of a smile tugging at his mouth told me he was impressed.
“Call to order,” shouted the mayor.
Following the roll call and the meeting agenda presentation, the city administrator opened the meeting to discuss the “facts” as they’d been presented to him by Danielle. But the smug look was quickly wiped from her face as public commenters began to form a line. Each person shared a unique story or perspective on how a Maverick-owned business had impacted their community or family.
I watched with curiosity as Sarah Knapp, the woman I recognized as the city’s director of parks and recreation, moved to the mic.
“Last year, the Mavericks raised $10,000 for the new playground in Crockett Park after the tornado destroyed the old equipment. Grimm Construction, which is owned by the Mavericks VP, installed it for free. Thousands of children visit the park each year. We shouldn’t let a few bad actors chase away companies that support our community.”
I glanced at Reaper, and he met my gaze from across the room. I raised a brow in surprise. I watched as he picked up his phone to type a message. My phone buzzed seconds later.
Reaper: You’re not the only one who can be charming as fuck.
I stifled a laugh as others stood in line to share their stories. Danielle’s face grew more red by the second, resembling a boiled crawfish. She’d underestimated the support we’d bring. What she thought was a sure victory was shot to hell by our countermove.
As more supporters spoke, I watched the executive director of economic development lean over to whisper in the city administrator’s ear. He blanched before standing to address the room. “Thank you to everyone who attended and shared your perspectives. You’ve given us much to consider. I’d like to table this discussion until further notice.”
The room erupted in relieved chatter. I lingered near the door as the crowd spilled into the hall. I watched Danielle slink out, her army of Facebook followers nowhere in sight.
Reaper brushed my arm to catch my attention. “Nice work tonight, PR girl.”
I grinned. “A compliment? Are you okay? Do you have a fever?” I reached to touch his forehead in mock concern.
He snorted and swatted my hand away. “I’m just relieved no one started a riot. Then I’d have to bail you out of jail.”
“Or maybe not. I look good in handcuffs.” The flicker of shock on his face was worth every ounce of bravado. “But it’s good to know you’re here to save me from my bad decisions.”
Reaper stepped a little closer. “You don’t seem like the type of woman who needs to be saved.”
I shrugged. “I’m not. But I like knowing I have a knight in shining leather on speed dial.” I pretended to study my chipped nail polish before meeting his gaze again.
