Page 65 of In the Shadows
The air felt thin. Lila made herself breathe.
"Are you saying someone hurt my father because of his questions?"
"I'm saying that accidents happen, Lila. Especially to people who dig too deep into things that don't concern them." Warren reached across the table and covered her hand with his. His skin was dry, spotted with age, the hand of an old man who had built an empire on lies and bodies. "I would hate for anything to happen to you."
There it was. The threat, wrapped in concern, was delivered with a grandfatherly squeeze.
She didn't pull away. She couldn't. Not yet.
"Is that what this lunch is about?" She kept her voice steady. "Warning me?"
"This lunch is about offering you an opportunity." Warren released her hand and sat back. "I mentioned previously that the town council has an opening. Evelyn Marsh has now decided to retire at the end of the month. I've spoken to the other members, and we'd like to nominate you for her seat."
"I thought the council seat wouldn't open until next year."
"We thought so too, but I was informed yesterday of this change."
She wondered whether Evelyn wanted to retire early or was being retired.
"You're smart, Lila. Capable. Well-respected." He smiled. "And you understand how things work in this town. How to keep the machinery running smoothly without getting your hands caught in the gears."
The machinery. The gears. He was talking about corruption as if it were infrastructure.
"I'm flattered," she said. "But I'm not sure I'm qualified?—"
"Nonsense. You're Daniel Bennett's daughter. That name carries weight." His eyes hardened, just slightly. "And you're smart enough to know which questions to ask and which ones to leave alone."
"Unlike my father."
"Your father was a good man who made unfortunate choices." Warren picked up his menu. "I'd hate to see you follow in his footsteps."
The waiter returned. Lila ordered a salad she wouldn't eat. Warren ordered the club sandwich, chatting easily about the weather, the centennial, and the memorial dedication on Monday.
When they were alone again, he fixed her with that paternal look.
"I understand there was some trouble at your office last week. A break-in?"
"Someone searched my files. Nothing was taken."
"How unsettling. I hope Chief Fielding is looking into it."
"He's investigating."
"Good." Warren nodded slowly. "Though I wonder—is there anything in those files that someone might have been looking for? Anything sensitive?"
Lila met his eyes. Held them.
"Just centennial planning documents. Permit applications. Nothing that would interest anyone outside of town hall."
"Of course." His smile didn't reach his eyes. "I'm sure it was just some opportunistic thief. These things happen."
They ate in silence. Warren ate, anyway. Lila pushed lettuce around her plate and thought about her father in this same restaurant, having this same conversation. Had Warren made him the same offer? The council seat, the insider status, the promise of protection in exchange for silence?
Her father had said no.
Three weeks later, he was dead.
"The centennial is going to be wonderful," Warren said eventually. "You've done excellent work."
