Read Hijacked (A Retribution Novel) Online
Authors: Cindy Stark
Hijacked (A Retribution Novel) (22 page)
She paused to smile at each member of the council, hoping her friendliness would temper her grandpa’s caustic manner. When her gaze landed on Corey, an unwanted barb of attraction stung her. Recognition gleamed in his gaze. Then he blinked away their connection to pour himself a glass of water.
Embarrassment nipped her. To this day, she’d never gotten over her one-sided attraction to him. Not that he would ever know.
“I’m sorry, Miss…” The mayor said to her.
“Afton Searle.”
“The council has decided in the matter of the appeal.”
“But you haven’t let us fully present our case. I’m sure if we hired an attorney and took the matter to court, a judge would agree you should hear us out before you decide.” She refused to follow her grandfather and allow the mayor to fluster her. “Don’t you think it would be better to allow the citizens of Aspen to choose? If you’re certain they’ll disagree, then what can it matter if we petition them for their opinion?” She turned her gaze to the redheaded councilman since he seemed to be the most neutral party.
He shifted in his chair, taking a moment to consider her proposition. “I expect I would be okay with that.”
The mayor jerked his surprised gaze in the councilmember’s direction, while Corey’s eyes lit with amused interest. Perhaps the mayor hadn’t been speaking for all of them after all.
When Corey glanced her way, she sent him a questioning look, asking if he’d support her or not. She had no idea how he’d respond, but she hoped he’d be more cordial to her than he had in the past.
“I would agree with allowing Ms. Searle and her grandfather to collect signatures in support of their endeavor before we completely dismiss their application,” Corey said. “There are two-hundred fifty-five residents in Aspen, and two-thirds of them are old enough to vote. If they can collect say…one hundred signatures, roughly sixty-percent of the voting population, I believe we should take another look at their proposal. Otherwise, as you stated Mr. Mayor, the appeal is a moot point.”
Mayor Gardiner’s face flamed bright red as he stared down Corey. He seemed to be angrier with him than he’d been with Mr. Downs. “Is that so? Well. Since it appears my two counterparts are in agreement, we will give you a month to collect your signatures, Mr. and Ms. Searle.”
“One month?” Afton asked with a gasp. That would be next to impossible. “We would ask for a minimum of three months.”
“You have until our next council meeting to present your petition. If the town supports you like you believe they will, you should have no problem.” Dwight banged his gavel. “Moving to the next item on the agenda.”
Afton shot a fiery look at the mayor but took her grandfather’s elbow before he exploded. “Don’t worry,” she whispered. “We’ll make it happen.”
“Damn right,” he said as he opened the chamber doors and let her precede him from the room.
Click
HERE
to purchase CRAZY ONE MORE TIME
Aspen Series
Wounded
(Prequel)
Relentless
(#1)
Lawless
(#2)
Come Back To Me
(#4)
Surrender
(#5)
Love Me Again (Pinecone Valley)
Whispers (An Argent Springs Novel)
Retribution Novels
Branded
(#1)
Hunted
(#2)
Hijacked (#4)
Stand-Alone Titles
Which Witch is Wicked (Coming October 2015)
Cindy Stark lives with her family and a sweet Border Collie in a small town shadowed by the Rocky Mountains. She writes emotional romantic suspense and sexy contemporary romance, and sizzling paranormal romance. She loves to hear from readers!
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