Page 118 of Merciless Obsession

When the man walked off, I quickly made my way over to him. I made sure to turn my phone’s recorder on and held it in my hand.

“Mayor Adams,” I addressed him.

He turned to me. “Hello. I’m sorry, I don’t recall your name.” He held his hand out.

“We haven’t met. My name is Ziora.” I gave him a weak shake.

He flashed that fake politician grin at me. “It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for attending tonight.” He pulled away and went to leave but I stopped him.

“I actually wanted to talk to you about something.”

He raised a brow. “I’m all ears.”

“Are you aware of all the missing girls over in The Sticks?” The mayor looked caught off guard by my question but quickly fixed it.

“Yes it’s a tragedy and we’re doing everything to get a handle on the situa?—”

“How are you getting a handle on it if girls are constantly being snatched up? Did you know there have already been two this year? Based on past numbers, one or two more will go missing before the year is over. This has been going on for years and yet Chief Bolden and his team have done nothing about it.”

“Did I hear my name?” A frown formed on my face as Chief Bolden appeared.

“I’m here asking our mayor how come he hasn’t made the safety of adolescents a priority. I haven’t seen or heard one statement from him addressing the issue, and since local law enforcement can’t handle it, then someone needs to step up and do it.”

Chief Bolden squared his shoulders and glowered down at me. “Do you have an issue with how I do my job Ms. Lambert?”

“You’re familiar with this woman, Hugh?”

“I am, sir. She’s been causing trouble for me and my men for years.”

“Only because you and your men refuse to do your job,” I shot back, then turned to the mayor again. “You’re up for reelection next year, correct? How would citizens feel knowing your concern isn’t on missing children? Do you think they’ll want to reelect someone like that?”

Mayor Adams’s jaw ticked. He cleared his throat and adjusted his tie. “Your concerns are valid and have been noted.”

“But is something going to be done? In fact…” I turned to Chief Bolden. “Are you aware the community center has been a common denominator with all the girls? Whoever is taking them finds them there.”

“I was wondering what was taking you so long.” Ezra’s voice rang from behind then he was at my side. His arm went around my waist and he pulled me into his side.

“Mayor Adams.” He nodded at the mayor.

Mayor Adams’s gaze was still on me before slowly moving to Ezra. “Ezra. It’s nice to see you again. It’s a shame your father couldn’t make it tonight.”

They shook hands. “He sends his regards and a check with apologies,” Ezra replied.

“And you are?” Ezra faced Chief Bolden.

His hand went out. “Chief Hugh Bolden.”

“He’s in charge of the precinct in The Sticks,” I mentioned.

“Ah.” Ezra left his hand hanging.

“Ezra, do you know this young lady?” Mayor Adams asked.

“Yes. This is my fiancée, Ziora.”

“Fiancée, eh?” Both his and Chief Bolden’s eyes peered into me.

Someone came over and tapped the mayor’s shoulder and whispered to him. “Excuse me. My presence is needed. It was nice to see you again, Ezra, and Ziora, your concerns have been noted. Hugh.” He nodded at us and turned to walk off.