Page 73 of Risk Assessment
Dylan nodded. He kicked the gun so it went in the far corner, about seven feet from Josh.
“You did that on purpose!” Josh dug the knife into the Raleigh’s throat a bit more. A drop of blood started to run down the blade.
Dylan cursed silently. Raleigh’s body was quaking. “No, Josh. I didn’t aim well. I wasn’t very good at soccer.” He took a breath and tried again. “Seriously, Calvin told Bill right in front of me what a great job you’re doing for him. The only reason he treats you like crap is because he’s afraid you’ll run for mayor and beat him at his own game. He made Bill promise to support him and not you. You’ve got him on the ropes.”
Josh looked up again, giving Dylan a view of one eye and the top of his head.
The team needed to have a clear shot if it came to that. Dylan glanced at Raleigh. She was still pale but her hands weren’t shaking as visibly and she seemed to be able to move her limbs better. Maybe whatever Josh gave her was wearing off.
Josh eyed Dylan. He moved the knife a fraction closer to Raleigh’s throat.
Dylan’s gut churned. He couldn’t lose Raleigh. Not now. This weekend with her had made him realize so much. He would not lose her even if it meant Josh had to die.
“Josh, I think you should run for mayor and make Clark your deputy or, better yet, run him out of town. I know he’s been up to his old tricks again. You’ve been covering for him, but I think it’s time you told the truth. If you tell people what he’s been up to, harassing all those women, then you’ll be the hero and you’ll win the election for mayor by a landslide. Now is your moment. It wouldn’t surprise me if Bill Harris switched to supporting you!”
Josh’s head came up a bit more, and the knife eased back a bit from Raleigh’s throat.
“You’re lying,” Josh called out, but his voice wasn’t as firm as before.
“No, Josh, I’m telling the God’s honest truth. Once Bill has to admit Clark is scum, he’d switch his to support you. As a matter of fact, I think you have a good chance of getting the current administration to support you as well. Isn’t the mayor almost ready to retire? If she finds out you’re running, she’ll go for sure. She won’t want to run against you. She knows how smart you are at dealing with stuff.”
Josh straightened up. His grip on Raleigh loosened a fraction more. “Yes! We worked together on a project earlier this year.”
Patience was key. Dylan couldn’t move too fast. He wanted his team to have a clear shot.
Dylan bluffed a bit longer. “She said. Really Josh. This is your moment. I can feel it. Can’t you?” Raleigh had shifted her weight away from Josh. It was subtle but it was there. She definitely able to move much better than when Dylan first arrived.
Josh didn’t seem to notice the shift in Raleigh’s stance. His head came out a bit more.
“I have a shot.” Jaxon said through the earbud.
Dylan gave a slight negative shake of his head. God help him, but he didn’t want Josh to die. Not if he didn’t have to. He’d been down this road with his mom. Mental illness is not something someone should die from. Josh needed help. Dylan just had to talk him down. He could do this.
“There’s still time for you to make the reception. It would be a big opportunity for you. You could swing a lot of votes your way.”
Josh tilted his head. The knife moved further from Raleigh’s neck. The sirens grew louder and suddenly the sound of skidding tires and slamming car doors filled the room.
“But they won’t let me leave!” he yelled and tucked back in behind Raleigh.
Fuck!Dylan worked on keeping his voice even. “Yes, they will. They aren’t going to stop the next mayor of Bedford Hillsfrom going somewhere. It would mean their jobs. The cops aren’t stupid Josh. As a matter of fact, the police chief is at the reception. This could be your opportunity to get him on board.”
Josh’s head popped out again. “Will the governor be there? I thought I saw his helicopter land earlier.”
Dylan blinked. “Yes, he just arrived. Honestly, this is a great opportunity for you. A chance to chat with the governor about all the great things you’re going to do in Bedford Hills. You really shouldn’t miss it.”
Josh stood up straight. The knife was several inches from Raleigh’s throat.
“Josh, why don’t you go to the party and leave Raleigh here with me. She’s not looking so good. This isyourmoment. She’ll just hold you back at this point. You don’t need her.”
Josh glanced at Raleigh and then looked down at his suit.
“Don’t worry, Josh, you look great. I’m sure you can dash back to your room and clean up if you feel you need to.”
“Yes, well, I could use a quick clean up.” His eyes narrowed. “How do I know you’re telling the truth and the cops won’t detain me?”
Dylan held up his hand. “I swear, they won’t.” Josh didn’t appear to be convinced. His mouth flattened into a straight line. “See this, Josh?” He turned his head slightly so Josh could see his earbud. “I’m connected to the officers outside. I’ll tell them now to let you through. Does that work?”
The knife wavered in Josh’s grip.
