“Have you?”
“Enough that I no longer want to slug you. Plus I’ve had some time to think about it. We don’t like each other, which makes it difficult to work together.” She heard her brother choke and cough in the distance.
“That’s exactly what I thought.”
“In fact, it’s probably me who owes you an apology.” It wasn’t often she felt magnanimous around the mayor, so she might as well get this over with while she did. “About the nickname. It was childish and rude.” Actually, what was childish and rude was the fact she still called him by that name, but for today, she could move beyond that.
“Ah, thanks.” Gil’s frown was one of confusion, and it lifted Frankie’s spirits considerably.
“I mean, you kind of deserved it, but I could have at least been more original. You know, given you a name that really packed a punch. Something you could have incorporated into one of your campaigns, for instance.”
“Stop while you’re ahead, Frankie!” Monty called out from the kitchen.
Frankie bit back her retort, motioning instead for the mayor to take a seat. “What brings you by, Mr. Mayor?”
“To give you an update about Roman. And to explain. Beyond my not wanting to work with you, Frankie, there was a good reason I didn’t promote you.”
“Do tell.” Frankie folded her hands on top of the desk. “Please,” she added when Gil narrowed his baby blues at her.
“You don’t need it.”
“I’m sorry? I don’t need what?”
“You didn’t need the promotion. You’ve been the defacto chief for months, Frankie. Heck, maybe years. Bud might have had the title, but you’re the one people rely on. When all is said and done, you are chief.”
“All the more reason to officially promote her!” her brother chimed in.
“Shut it, Monty!” Frankie yelled before refocusing her attention on Gil. “So, I’m good enough to do the work, just not have the title or pay that goes with it?”
“I’m not going to argue that you’re qualified for the position. You and Roman were pretty evenly matched on paper. But maybe you should consider looking outside Butterfly Harbor. You know, spread your wings.”
“Spread my wings.” Frankie repeated the statement as if testing out the words.
“Look, let’s be honest, Frankie. You and I are never going to work well together, and Roman won’t be here forever. If I pass you over again once he leaves, it’s only going to be trouble for me, and I can do without that. I’ve got it on good authority the recently elected mayor of Durante is looking for a new chief. I’d be happy to put in a recommendation—”
“What do you mean Roman won’t be here forever?” A familiar pang of dread hit her. “Once he leaves?”
Gil’s expression went blank. “I assumed he’d have told you, or that you’d at least have heard.” He shrugged. “Roman’s contract with Butterfly Harbor is only for six months. There’s the possibility of a six-month extension, but he’s not here to stay, Frankie. He’s got his sights set on a big federal investigator’s job. Being chief here is something to boost up his résumé. Nothing more.”
“Is it?” Frankie’s throat felt hot. “Is it really?”
“I’m sorry.” Funny. He didn’t sound sorry at all. “Maybe I shouldn’t have told you.”
No, but Roman should have. She’d been right. Men like Roman Salazar didn’t stay. And yet she’d still let herself start to fall a little bit in love with him. Let herself believe... “I appreciate you filling me in. But just so we’re clear,” she added when Gil stood. “Even when he leaves, you won’t be considering me for the position of chief.”
“No.” Gil took a deep breath, as if considering what to say next. “Once Chief Salazar leaves, there’s every possibility we’ll be closing the department altogether.”
“What?” Frankie bolted to her feet. “But you can’t... Gil, this town needs a fire department. Emergency services are vital to a town’s survival. People rely on us.”
“All that’s being taken into consideration. There are contractors we can call in for a fraction of the cost. We can also route the calls to other stations that aren’t too far out. Response times might go up, but it will save the town a huge amount of money and allow us to expand in other areas.”
“What you’re proposing is going to add even more responsibility to the sheriff’s department,” Frankie said. “Luke’s already stretched thin. And if the town grows the way you want, we’ll need more firefighters, not fewer.” How could he not see this?