CHAPTER 9: The Mayor's Smile Disappears

Camden Rusk had won three elections by smiling at ruined people until they felt rude for complaining.
His smile had worked at ribbon cuttings, after floods, beside factory gates, and in front of schools whose budgets he had quietly emptied for donors who called themselves partners. It did not work now.
Mrs. Voss, he said, voice lower, I suggest you sit down and allow us to restore order.
Order is what you call a room where only your side speaks, Elara replied.
A murmur passed through the rows behind her.
The mayor's eyes went to Adrian. Adrian looked away first.
That was the first public fracture between them.
Elara opened the folder in her hands. The sound of paper moving became louder than the damaged pride on the floor.
Inside were permits, bank transfers, inspection logs, and photographs printed with dates in the corner. She placed the first page on the wooden rail in front of her.
This is why Officer Holt was told to remove me before public comment. Not because I was dangerous.
She lifted her eyes to the room.
Because I was scheduled to speak next.