It was Mayor Thomas Sterling.
Mayor Sterling was a beloved figure in the city, known for his no-nonsense attitude and deep ties to the community.
Barbara’s jaw dropped. She took a hesitant step forward. "M-Mayor Sterling? Thank goodness you're here. These people—"
The Mayor didn't even look at her. He bypassed Barbara as if she were a fire hydrant and walked straight up the driveway toward the backyard, a massive, booming grin spreading across his face.
"Marcus, you son of a gun!" the Mayor shouted, opening his arms wide.
Marcus wiped his hands on his apron and stepped off the patio, wrapping the Mayor in a tight, brotherly hug. "Thomas! I wasn't sure you'd actually make it! I thought the city budget meetings would have you locked up all weekend."
"And miss your famous dry-rub ribs?" Mayor Sterling laughed, clapping Marcus on the back. "Not a chance in hell. Besides, I brought a peace offering."
The man in the suit—who Barbara now realized was the Mayor's security detail—walked up holding a massive, expensive-looking bakery box. "Red velvet cake," the security man said with a smile, handing it to Sarah. "From that bakery downtown you mentioned."
"Oh, you guys are the best," Sarah beamed, taking the box.
Barbara stood frozen on the sidewalk. Her brain was completely short-circuiting. The man she had just called the police on was currently handing a plate of ribs to the most powerful man in the city.
Chapter 6: The Turn of the Tide