“Similar but not the same.” Nessa’s thin smile assured Doreen her message had been received. “I also want you to know I won’t take into consideration what you may or may not have done for the town. Your past won’t matter once you’re sworn in.”
Ean turned toward Trinity Falls’ new council president. “Nessa, what’s—”
Doreen clamped a warning hand on her son’s shoulder. “I hadn’t realized you were going to judge me from day one. If my past doesn’t matter, what will you base your judgment on?”
“I’ll consider only what you’ve accomplished since the election.” Nessa’s tone was both prim and condemning.
Doreen ignor
ed the tension flowing from Ean’s shoulder into her palm, as well as the new arrivals she spotted in her peripheral vision. Her focus was on Nessa. “What would you expect me to accomplish between now and January first?”
“I’ll expect you to get your personal matters in order. You’re not morally ready to be mayor.” Nessa’s declaration was curt.
“Excuse me?” Doreen exerted pressure on Ean’s shoulder to keep her son seated—and herself upright. Megan’s presence beside her lent silent support.
“You’re copulating with the sheriff.” Nessa’s nostrils flared with harsh judgment.
Doreen glanced at her new guests standing behind Nessa. “You’re going to consider my private relationship with Alonzo when evaluating my performance as a public servant?”
“Yes, I am.” Nessa drew her back even straighter.
“Will you judge my morality as well, Nessa?” Alonzo’s quiet question came from behind the council president.
Nessa spun to face the sheriff. Standing with Alonzo were the dismayed and amazed Darius, Ramona, Jackson, and Audra.
The council president stuttered her response to the sheriff’s question. “W-well, actually, Alonzo, I have no choice. But you won’t be judged as harshly as Doreen, since, as mayor, she’ll be held to a higher standard.”
“You self-righteous—”
Alonzo cut off Ean’s choked words. His coffee eyes were cold as he stared down at Nessa. “As much as I appreciate your interest in the state of Doreen’s and my immortal souls, what we do in the privacy of our homes is none of your business.”
Doreen shivered at Alonzo’s coldness. He rarely spoke like that. Beneath her palm, the tension in Ean’s shoulder eased a bit.
Nessa rallied. “Actually, Alonzo, as council president, the mayor’s private life is my business. Her morality—or lack thereof—could have an adverse effect on her judgment.”
Alonzo’s voice grew even colder. “If it’s all the same to you, Nessa, I won’t have a politician judging my morality. I’ll leave that to God. And I don’t think Doreen would mind if I spoke for her.”
“No, I don’t mind.” Doreen managed to respond to Alonzo even though Nessa’s arrogance stole her breath.
Nessa’s thin cheeks paled. She looked at Doreen, seeming to shut out the other people around her. “I’ve said what I came to say.”
“Yes, you have.” Doreen forced an even response.
Alonzo, Darius, and Jackson stepped aside to clear a path for the council president’s exit.
Ramona slid onto the bar stool beside Ean. “What’s gotten into Nessa? She used to be so rational.”
Doreen collected coffee mugs for her friends. “She seems out for me personally.”
“Are you all right?” Alonzo claimed her free hand once Doreen placed his mug within reach.
“Thank you for everything you said.” Under Alonzo’s touch, Doreen’s hand stopped shaking.
“In Nessa, you’ve made a dangerous enemy.” Audra took the stool next to Jackson.
“If she plans on giving you trouble while you’re in office, you’ll have to protect yourself.” Megan walked along the counter, pouring coffee for the newcomers. “Keep a record of everything you do and every exchange you have with her.”
“Megan’s right.” Ean nodded. “Don’t let your guard down.”