Page 13 of Christmas Souls

"He's been looking for you, Mandy. May I call you Mandy?"

I'm shaking in this seat, and I don't really care what this man calls me, so I ignore him.

"Running from a man like Buchanan is not smart, Mandy. You're in luck, though. I can help you."

Another chill goes through me, and the leer on his face signals that nothing good can come from this conversation. I knew the loan shark would find me, but I thought I had more time.

"What do you want?"

"I can pay your debt. You'll be free of Buchanan."

"Just like that? What's the catch?" I eye him warily.

"I can see you're a smart woman, Mandy. You'll become my mistress, of course. First, we'll tell people we're dating, and then, if everything goes well, you'll be my fiancé."

He's surprised at the revulsion on my face. I don't know why. What he's saying is completely crazy.

"You're unhinged."

I start to get up again and he puts his hand on my shoulder once more. I'm about to push it away when the phone rings. The mayor answers it and seems to get annoyed at whatever they tell him over the phone.

"Tell him she'll be a few minutes."

Hope springs in my mind that Michael might just be out there. I wasn't supposed to be gone this long.

"Selling your grandmother's house will only pay half of what you owe Mr. Buchanan. You don't need to sell it at all if you accept my proposal."

"I don't think…"

"Everyone will find out that you had to strip to make ends meet back in New York. Even your little beau, Michael Hoffer. What else did you have to do to hold back Buchanan, Mandy?"

I turn around and walk directly to the door. When my hand is on the doorknob, he lets loose this diabolical laugh like they do in the movies.

"It's either him or me, Mandy. You're out of options. I'll give you three days to decide. I'll be waiting. Oh, here's your permit. Everything is fine now."

The door is locked, and I can't open it. My hands are shaking so much I almost can't turn the lock to get out. I'm livid with a mixture of rage and fear. I walk out of that office and onto thecold streets without looking at my surroundings. I just keep on walking until I'm close to Woodland Falls Park.

I keep going until I reach the center, where the big gazebo is. All celebrations in Woodland Falls are done here and I collapse on one of the benches. I stare out at nothing for a few minutes and then feel, more than see, Michael sit down beside me.

"What happened? You look so pale, Mandy. Did he say something inappropriate to you? There's a reason we call him Mayor Douchebag."

I try to compose myself. Michael is the last person I can tell about what just happened in the mayor's office.

"I'm okay, Michael. I think something didn't sit well with me during breakfast."

"You know you can tell me anything, right?" He leans forward to catch my eyes.

"I know. Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something."

I try to avoid his eyes, but he crooks his index finger and hooks it under my chin, making me lift up my head so I can meet his gaze.

"Is this about the kiss?"

My head moves on its own, and I nod.

"Mandy…"

"I really liked it, but… but I don't know if it’s smart to start something right now. I don't even know what I'm going to do after I sell my grandmother's house."