Chapter 6: The Mayor’s Ultimatum

Several days passed before Caleb summoned me.

I counted the hours by the sun on my wall, the street chatter, the slow healing of my shoulder. When the summons came, I felt ready and tired all at once.

As I walked to the main hall, everyone I passed looked at me with sympathy.

I caught snatches of whispers, sidelong glances from people who’d known me since I was a kid. Even the cleaning lady paused, dishcloth in hand, worry in her eyes.

Deputy Chief Derek stopped me. "Alex, I’m on your side, but the governor’s already signed off—nothing can change it. You..."

He tried to comfort me, but it sounded final. I squeezed his shoulder, grateful for his loyalty.

I patted his shoulder.

"Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing."

"I, Alex Morgan, have never stayed for a man."

My voice rang out, stronger than I felt. Derek looked like he wanted to argue, but didn’t. Sometimes, pride is all you’ve got.

He frowned, thinking I was forcing a smile, and gave me a complicated look before heading inside with me.

We walked side by side, the double doors creaking. I squared my shoulders, trying to look taller.

Inside, Caleb was hunched over his desk, old friends from up north scattered nearby.

The room was full of faces from our past—men and women who’d pulled us from ditches and cheered us on in the cold. They looked tired, the kind of tired that comes from too much loss.

Seeing me, they sighed, shook their heads, regret heavy in their eyes.

Their disappointment stung, but I kept my head up.

I bowed respectfully.

"Mayor Monroe."

The title sounded strange, too formal, too final. The word echoed, and no one moved.

Caleb let me sweat it out, just like before city council meetings. Finally, he spoke, cold.

"Alex Morgan, you’re something else, aren’t you? These past days, countless people have come to plead for you."

His voice was louder than needed, eyes never quite meeting mine. A few people cleared their throats, uncomfortable.

"They say you’ve done so much for me..."

The words trailed off, like he didn’t want to admit it out loud. My cheeks burned, but I kept my face blank.

"Today, I called you here to grant you a wish."

A rustle of surprise from the crowd. A wish. In Maple Heights, a mayor’s word is law.

"The role of First Lady is already promised to Rachel. Anything else you want, I’ll grant."

The words hung heavy. It was as close to an apology as I’d get. Every eye was on me, waiting to see what I’d do.

For a moment, the hall watched me.

Faces ranged from envy to pity to curiosity. I felt like I was on stage, the spotlight burning.

No one expected such good fortune to come so suddenly.

Whispers rippled through the room. "Maybe she’ll ask for money. Maybe a seat on the council."

My legs trembled. I cleared my throat: "Really—anything at all?"

My voice wavered, nerves I didn’t know I had. Caleb arched an eyebrow, daring me to ask for more than I deserved.

He looked like he expected it, a mocking smile on his lips, voice condescending.

His smile was razor-sharp, all politician. I gritted my teeth, determined not to let him see me sweat.

"Of course. The role of deputy is also possible."

The offer sounded generous, but tasted like ashes. I heard gasps from the crowd.

I nodded, then dropped to my knees.

It was impulsive—maybe foolish—but I wanted to make a point. My knees hit the hardwood with a thud, echoing in the silent room.

"In that case, Mayor Monroe, please grant me three thousand boyfriends."

I kept my voice steady, eyes locked on his. The absurdity was the point. I was done playing by their rules.

The hall fell into dead silence.

You could’ve heard a pin drop. For a moment, I wondered if anyone was breathing at all.

Several old friends scratched their ears, stunned.

A cough, a shuffle. One of Caleb’s old buddies gaped, eyes wide as saucers.

Caleb was stunned, sitting upright, his confident expression frozen. He looked at me with uncertainty.

He opened his mouth, closed it, looked at me like I’d spoken another language. The mask had slipped.

"What did you just say? I didn’t hear clearly."

He leaned forward, brow furrowed, trying to take control. But the silence held.

Fine, maybe my voice was too soft.

Suppressing my excitement, I raised my voice and shouted: "Mayor Monroe, three thousand boyfriends!"

The room erupted—some folks laughing, others just staring. But Caleb? He looked at me like he’d never seen me before. And for the first time in years, I didn’t care.