92 Pacific Boulevard - Debbie Macomber [77]
But the reasons for the mayor’s behavior, whatever they might be, were irrelevant. Louie was in the wrong, no question about it.
When he called the jail, he discovered that Mayor Benson had been released on his own recognizance.
Their confrontation wasn’t going to be pleasant. Lately he seemed to be at odds with the mayor over a number of issues. This certainly wouldn’t improve their relationship.
Troy found Benson in his office at city hall. The mayor glanced up when Troy was announced, then glanced away. He looked dreadful—pale and disheveled with bloodshot eyes. From his appearance, Troy suspected Benson hadn’t had much sleep.
“Your department seems to enjoy embarrassing me,” Louie said, taking the defensive even before Troy had opened his mouth.
“I’d say you’re doing a mighty fine job of that all by yourself,” he countered.
Louie got up to close his office door. When he turned to face Troy, his mouth was set in a grim line. “I’d like this matter to disappear. I trust you can make that happen.”
Nope, he couldn’t. “Unfortunately, the outcome is out of my control.“
It was as if the other man hadn’t heard him. “Your deputy’s overzealous. She targeted me because of my position as mayor.“
“That’s simply not true. Ashton is a good officer. She—“
“I was only fractionally over the legal limit, Sheriff. The officer refused to listen to reason. Do you have any idea how humiliating it is to be put in handcuffs and escorted to jail?“
“You broke the law.“
“By a fraction of a point,” he said, tapping his desk.
“You’re the one who decided you were sober enough to drive. Don’t cast blame other than where it belongs.” After a meaningful pause, he added, “If you want to make a fuss, perhaps I should mention that not only did you break the law, you threatened one of my officers.“
The mayor ignored Troy’s comment as he paced, his steps agitated and angry. He seemed to be weighing his options. Finally he sighed, shaking his head. “Okay, whatever. You’re right—I shouldn’t have gotten behind the wheel. I accept full responsibility. Still, once word of this gets out, it could ruin me.”
“Possibly.” Troy wasn’t going to downplay the situation.
“But that isn’t your problem, is it?” The question was tossed at him flippantly.
“How you cope with the political fallout is up to you.”
The mayor walked back to his desk and braced his hands against the edge. “I’ve never done anything like this before. I…I don’t drink and drive.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
Benson was quiet for a moment, then looked up at Troy. “Do you have any suggestions on how to deal with this?”
Troy didn’t wait for an invitation; he sat down and met the other man’s eyes without flinching. “I believe honesty really is the best policy. Admit that you made a mistake and that you’ll take responsibility for your actions.”
Slowly the mayor sank into his leather chair. “That’s harder than you think,” he muttered.
“It would be helpful for the public to know how easily something like this can happen.” Troy frequently dealt with similar cases. A couple of after-work beers or glasses of wine in quick succession, and then people would drive home, unaware of how much the alcohol had affected them. Mayor Benson wasn’t alone.
Apparently he didn’t like Troy’s advice. Frowning, he said, “So now you want me to turn this into a public service announcement.”
Troy didn’t feel that was worthy of a response. “However you approach it with your constituents is up to you,” he said dispassionately.
Louie’s face seemed to pale even more. “You’re right…it’s just that…” He left the rest unsaid. Sighing again, he hung his head. “I guess the best way to deal with this fiasco is to face it head-on. I’ll contact Jack Griffin at the paper and give him the story before he prints it on his own.”
“Smart idea.” Jack, the Chronicle’s editor, was a good person for the mayor to talk to, for more than the obvious reason. Jack