Chapter 6
Julian’s smirk finally faltered, replaced by a flicker of genuine panic as he realized the mayor was not playing a political game. "Answer to whom?" Julian challenged, standing up and leaning over the table. "You think the board is going to back a street cleaner over me? I hold the keys to the Westside commercial contracts. Without my firm, your downtown revitalization project collapses before the next election cycle. You need me, Harrison."
Harrison did not flinch. He walked over to the mahogany table, picked up Clara’s broom, and ran his fingers along the worn wooden grain. "I need my integrity more," Harrison replied coldly. He pressed a button on the intercom system embedded in the conference table. "Bring in Chief Miller."
The heavy double doors swung open instantly. Police Chief Miller, a weathered veteran with decades of service, stepped into the room followed by two detectives in plainclothes. Miller did not look at Julian; instead, he nodded respectfully toward the mayor.
"Mr. Mayor," Miller acknowledged.
"Place Julian Vance under arrest for assault in the third degree," Harrison commanded, pointing the wooden handle of the broom toward the stunned executive. "Furthermore, I want a complete forensic audit of every zoning permit, subcontractor payout, and land acquisition tied to Julian’s firm over the last three years. If they treat human beings like trash on the sidewalk, I guarantee you they’ve been treating the city’s treasury the same way."
May you like
Julian stumbled back against the mahogany credenza as the detectives moved in, their hands hovering near their belts. "You're committing political suicide, Harrison!" Julian shouted as the steel cuffs clicked around his wrists, the metallic snap echoing sharply in the quiet room. "You think you're clean? You think the board won't bury you for this?"
"Let them try," Harrison said, turning his back on his former strategist. As the guards escorted Julian out of the room, the heavy doors closed behind them, leaving the mayor alone with the silence and the broom. He knew Julian was right about one thing: a war was coming. But for the first time in his tenure, Harrison felt ready to fight it.
