Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 105803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105803 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 529(@200wpm)___ 423(@250wpm)___ 353(@300wpm)
Mayor Boney loosens his tie. “Those men are bad news, Belle. Believe me, this town will thrive without them. They are a blight, and I will do whatever it takes to get rid of them.”
“And how do you plan to do that?”
“Well, if you sell me the land the clubhouse is on, then they’ll need to find somewhere else to live.”
“How much are you willing to pay?”
“Three million.”
I laugh. Three million dollars is more money than I could ever dream of having.
But it’s an insult.
“We’re talking about two hundred acres of prime real estate overlooking the town, with sweeping views of the ocean in one direction, and the woods and valley in the other. I might not know a lot about these kinds of things, Mayor, but I know that land is worth more than three million dollars.”
“Five million,” he says.
I look him in the eye. “Stop pulling my dick.”
He laughs. “I like you, Belle. Ten million dollars.”
Ten million.
What are the chances of me ever seeing ten million dollars in my bank account again?
“If I agree to sell it, what will you do with the land?”
He smiles, and it’s victorious. “Would you like to see?”
On the way to his home, we stop at his office which is in the tallest building in town. It’s a soaring eyesore of glass that is out of place in the quaint cobblestone streets and thatch-roof stores.
His office is on the top floor and is a lavish room with three-sixty views of the town, ocean, and surrounding woods. Everything screams wealth. The best of the best. Even his secretary is perfectly put together. High heels. Tight skirt. Make up like she’s about to pose for Vogue.
“During my last campaign, the townsfolk said they wanted more green space. More family orientated areas to congregate.” He walks us over to a massive model of the town set up near the window overlooking the ocean.
He points to the hill where the clubhouse usually sits. But it’s gone. In its place is a massive botanical garden and walkways. There is a barbecue area for families to grill on warm summer nights. A large playground for kids. There is even a public swimming pool.
“Being a campaign year, this has proved very popular with the people of St. Bon. They asked, and I am going to deliver.”
As we walk toward the elevator, I catch a glimpse of the clubhouse out the window and the knot in my chest tightens.
I falter, and Mayor Boney takes my arm. “Are you okay?”
I nod. “It’s been a day. I just need to lie down.”
He smiles. “Of course, let me take you home.”
Mayor Boney lives in a sprawling estate near Sunset Cliffs. A massive white mansion with tall arched windows and immaculate green lawns.
“You have a beautiful home,” I say as we step inside the impressive mansion.
“Thank you, please consider it your home away from home while you are here.”
I draw in a rough inhale. “Home…I guess I’ll need to look for a new one of those.”
He gives me an empathetic look. Like a politician looks at one of his voters when they’re supposed to be listening to their sad stories but aren’t paying attention at all.
It’s phony.
But that’s Mayor Boney.
“Just think what ten million dollars will buy you,” he says.
I give him a non-committal smile as his maid joins us.
He says to her, “Millie, please show Belle to one of the guest rooms. The one with the eggshell blue walls.” He looks at me. “It’s the one with the nicest views.”
“Thank you. I think I’ll take a nap. I feel like I could sleep for a week.”
“Take all the time you need, Belle. We’ll talk when you feel better. Dinner is at seven. I’ll send Millie to fetch you when it’s ready.”
I follow Millie up the staircase to the second floor, and along a hallway to the guest bedroom.
She opens the door for me. “If you need anything, just pick up the phone and dial one.”
I thank her and close the door behind me.
The room is beautiful.
Then I see the view.
It is beautiful.
And in the distance, the Knights of St. Bon clubhouse.
CHAPTER 59
BELLE
While the mayor thinks I am sleeping, I slip from the bedroom to do what I came here for.
Somewhere in this over-the-top mansion is the proof the Knights need to show the townspeople what Boney is really like.
I creep through the hallway and down the stairs, keeping an eye out for Millie or any other staff, and start looking for where the greedy fucker has stashed the proof I need.
As quietly as possible, I check closed doors. And luckily for me, I find his den on the third attempt. It’s a massive room with a high ceiling and tall patio doors at the far end of the room behind the massive desk.
I slip inside and quietly close the door behind me. The room shimmers with privilege and greed.