I don't own these characters.

7: Socializing

A little over a week into the recall race, lines were drawn and the candidates had established their positions. Callie felt she had the most dynamic campaign for the simple fact that she had several issues. Manx stuck to business and denying corruption charges while Steele stuck to law enforcement and name calling to discredit her. They had all been drawing crowds of different types. Today, all those types would be mixing as it was their first on stage debate.

"You nervous?" Felina asked Callie, grabbing her into a hug from behind.

Callie was in front of their mirror in the bedroom in her underwear. She had been trying on different outfits for the debate. She needed to find something perfect, so she would not have to hear Jinx's mouth. In the past week, he had been trying to control her life. It was not possible, but it tickled Felina while annoying the hell out of her.

"I've never done a debate before," Callie replied, pushing into Felina. She knew this would not help her pick an outfit, but it would help calm her down.

Felina kissed her neck. It sent a pleasant thrill down her spine to the end of her tail. She caressed her lover's cheek with her tail. Felina grabbed the end of it and brushed it with her thumb. Callie leaned in against Felina even more and sighed.

"But, you've been in court quite a few times," Felina said, planting her hand against Callie's stomach. Her fingers scratched at Callie's belly a little.

Callie let out a little mew. If she were not careful, they would get off track. "This is true, but it's not exactly the same thing."

Felina nuzzled her and nipped her neck. "You'll be fine."

"Will you be there?" Callie wished Felina could be on stage with her or at least in the front of the audience. Instead, she had to be lost in the sea of strangers and Callie had to seek her out. It was not fair, but it worked. The only person bringing up her being a lioness was Steele and there did not seem to be much traction to it right now. It was almost like kats forgot she had been outed.

"I'll be there. I'll sit with my usual band of misfits. I also promised to bring the Captain along. She'll make sure we're not rowdy," Felina promised.

"I thought you wouldn't be as rowdy since you'd be with your squad and not your pride." Callie knew Felina could not be rowdy when she had to be Captain Feral, as she would have to be with her squad in the audience.

Felina smiled. "Okay, fine. The Captain just wants to check it out. She says you're impressive on TV and she wants to see you in person."

Callie stood up a little taller. It was a bit of a stroke to her ego to know one of the highest ranking she-kats in the air force thought she was impressive. She moved, going to find another outfit. She wanted to be just as impressive to everyone.

Felina whimpered when Callie moved out of her arms. "Mara, Katarina, and Blue are going to work security for you, okay? Nia and Hernan both agreed on the layout they came up with and thought it was best to use people we could absolutely trust."

"Isn't that why you suggested they hire your pride?" Callie pointed out, going back to looking at her clothes. She had never been happier to know so many kats with military training.

"Well, I can't just have anybody watching my mate on stage. For all I know, some outside kat might take a shot at you his damn self."

Callie did not dispute that. She knew the danger all too well. Felina trusted her pride and Callie was fairly certain they would not let her down. She was not sure if she could trust strangers to protect her, considering it was strangers who most often harassed her. Beyond that, it was already nice to know her campaign was doing something to help lions and lionesses, by employing several of them.

"Do you think this suit is all right?" Callie returned fully dressed and looked at herself in the mirror. It was one of her best suits, three piece and a lovely shade of blue. It went well with her eyes, according to Felina.

"You slay in this suit, kit. Your words will probably be too much for them. The audience won't know what hit them," Felina replied with a smile.

Callie stood a little taller again. Felina believed in her. This would be fine. So far, things were fine when Felina believed in her. So, it was time to go.

-8-8-8-8-

Standing in front of the audience was not as nerve wrecking as Callie thought it would be, but she had given three speeches already. And while this was not like court, she could see it in the same light. She had to make an argument. There was an audience, in front of her, instead of behind her like in court. Some of that audience was for her, some of it was not. And, there were two prosecutors for the city instead of the one. She could handle this.

But, still, to settle herself, she immediately searched for Felina. It was never hard to spot Felina in a crowd and not because Felina was flanked Captain Amelia Thompson or Captain Diego Lidon. Callie could just sense Felina in a crowd and the thought sent warm waves through her.

"Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Ann Gora and I will be proctoring this first of at least three mayoral debates in the recall election. Our candidates are Mayor Claude Manx," she paused as there were applauds. "Miss Calico Briggs." She paused again for cheers.

Callie had to fight down a blush. She doubted she would ever get used to so many people actually clapping for her. She had captured the attention of plenty of young people in the city. Surprisingly enough, even more she-kats stood with her now than when she first started, even with the chance of being labeled lionesses. It was a good start, but not enough to put her over the top. But, she had two and a half months to change other hearts and minds.

"And finally Mister Peter Steele," Ann finished. There were some applauds for him, not as loudly as for Callie or Manx. This gave Callie a shot of confidence, but it would still be quite a bit of work to defeat Manx.

With introductions done, the debate started. Ann eased them into things with simple questions about business. Manx used very little time and answered as expected, wanting to keep his laissez faire style of business going. Steele did not have much in offering of a rebuttal, but Callie used her whole minute to explain why that system did not work. She got a few applauds for it, but they were scattered, unsure.

"Are we really just going to listen to this pervert?" Steele blurted out. And, he showed the true nature of his supporters as they cheered him loudly for this. Oh, so he had all of the assholes backing him. Not surprising.

"Mister Steele, that is far from appropriate for this discussion," Ann reprimanded him, but he smirked just the same since there were kats with him.

Manx actually scowled in Steele's direction and shook his head. Callie felt a little proud of Manx in that moment. Unfortunately, she knew that feeling would not last and it had little to do with this debate. It was just she knew he was guilty of every crime and more that the colonial government charged him with.

The debate continued on. Callie was able to discuss her business plan. Manx offered up what was now his usual argument as to why Callie's plan would not work — businesses would just move elsewhere. Steele did not have much to say on this, proving business was not his strong point. Callie was not sure if this was a good or a bad thing. Businessmen might think they could use and manipulate Steele and decide to back him if the colony made their case against Manx. Of course, Manx seemed confident that would not happen, which was why he had the gall to run again.

"We all know these corrupt, dishonest piece of trash don't plan to do anything right for us," Steele snapped, motioning to her and Manx. He got more applauds.

"Mister Steele, this is the second time. If you interrupt or skirt the rules once more, I will have you removed from this session," Ann warned him.

"Anything you say, doll." Steele had the nerve to wink at her.

Ann scowled at him, probably held in a hiss. Steele really was a bastard. Ann managed to keep her cool and move on, though. Law enforcement and crime was next, which was obvious. It would seem Ann was going to let them discuss things they were comfortable with and then she undoubtedly would get tougher with each topic.

Manx took pride in the Enforcers and just spoke on them as far as law enforcement went. Steele went on and on about how he would change the Enforcers; he actually used the word "enhance." Callie rolled her eyes and talked about her idea of a general police force. Kats seemed to like her idea, but then again, they seemed to like Manx's and Steele's ideas as well.

Callie got to truly shine when Ann started with the harder things, like the high homeless rate of the city. Manx had nothing for that, especially since it happened under his reign. Steele did not seem to know what she was talking about. Callie had enough answers, though. Manx was able to rebut her, though, because she brought up business again. Steele was silent. This happened with several social issues.

-8-8-8-8-

"Okay, the debate was good," Jinx declared with a crooked grin as the group settled into the campaign HQ right after the debate. Before the debate, he almost got smacked when he dared to say he approved of Callie's suit, like she wore it because she wanted his approval.

Felina snorted. "Good? That's the understatement of the century. My queen crushed it!" She grabbed Callie from behind and pulled her close, not caring about there being an audience.

Callie laughed as Felina gave her a good squeeze. Jinx sneered at them. Callie was not sure if he had a problem with lionesses, but she did not care. He was an annoyance and Felina was her strength.

"We should capitalize on this. I would suggest trying to build your business backers. We've had a few little get-togethers, but you need something for the power players. You made good points today and I'm sure a few would be willing to jump ship, especially when Manx goes down," Jinx said.

Nia curled her lip from the sofa. She rapidly seemed to grow to dislike Jinx. "As poorly as that was put, I think old Jinxie is right and I have just the thing for you."

"You were sitting on that?" Callie asked. She doubted it. Nia was probably waiting for a dramatic moment.

"Oh, please." Nia's amber eyes rolled and waved the question off. "You know I would never. I just did not know how to approach this subject with you."

Callie's brow furrowed as she turned a little to focus on Nia without getting out of Felina's embrace. "What do you mean?"

"Well, you would be expected to bring a date," Nia said dryly.

Callie tensed and Felina yanked her closer. Okay, well, that did complicate matters. She knew how these parties could be and it was best to have an escort. There was always someone there to save the conversation or her if necessary.

"You should definitely go," Jinx jumped in.

"It would be a good way to get good business contacts," Desi said. He was parked at the conference table with his brother, Mel, Rita, Tabby, and Penelope. Tiger moved around the room, making sure everyone had a beverage. He was a great assistant. He always made sure they came into snacks and he already knew everyone's favorite drink.

"Plus, I would be there to look out for you and introduce you to friends," Nia said.

"That's pretty disrespectful to Felina, though, isn't it?" Mara jumped in with a frown. Felina nodded toward her pride sister.

"Thank you!" Tiger chimed in, earning a glare from Nia. He tucked his head and went back to serving drinks.

"No one is saying you would actually date the guy. This would be a simple escort. He should be very aware he's a mane," Nia replied. Mara and Katarina shook their heads before looking at Felina, obviously still supporting her.

"This could work out so well. We all know how well connected Nia is. You have to use her as a resource and going with a date doesn't have to be a horrible thing. Take someone safe who you can be photographed with," Jinx said.

"Now, this is just lying," Blue replied.

Jinx turned. "How is this lying? No one is saying she's actually dating this unnamed male. He would just be someone for her to show up with. If you want, she could take Tiger."

"No, she can't! Tiger very much likes to be alive," Tiger replied.

Mara looked him up and down. "And Felina could break you in half very easily, young kit."

Tiger scoffed. "You think I don't know that? I've already resolved to let all of you fight any battles I have."

Katarina chuckled. "We've got your back, little kit."

"Can we stay on track here? Callie, you should definitely do Nia's event. It can only help your campaign and I know Felina would never want to stand in the way of your campaign," Jinx said, giving Felina a long look.

Felina growled, but she did not say anything. She held Callie close and this was enough of an answer. If Felina truly had a problem with this, she would have said something as soon as the topic came up. Felina did not want to stand in the way of her campaign and Callie did need more businesspeople to get behind them.

Callie scowled. "But, who would I go with?" She swallowed while Felina nuzzled her and kissed her neck. Everyone of Felina's pride sisters, except for Penelope, made a face at the display.

"Hernan can look after you and be your plus-one," Desi volunteered with a bright look.

Hernan blinked. "Me?" He actually looked frightened.

Felina relaxed a little, so maybe this was not such a bad idea. Hernan was probably not very threatening to her. He lacked a personality and he was in her debt. Not to mention, he was the less likable Onca brother.

"Sure, it'll get you out from behind your desk," Desi said.

"And it keeps a kept she-kat from stepping out on her mate," Katarina added.

"It's also not forcing a she-kat to do something with someone she doesn't like," Penelope said. This made Callie wince a bit. She had not considered how terrible this conversation had to be for Penelope.

"Best of all, it helps kats forget about you being a lioness and makes Steele look like a bigger asshole," Jinx said. Okay, so Callie might get to like him, a little.

"Should we all just high-five now?" Desi grinned, somewhat giddy over this. Everyone rolled their eyes to him.

Somehow, just like that, it was settled. The idea unsettled Callie, though. Felina was quiet for the rest of the day, but stayed close. As soon as they got home, Callie addressed this.

"Sweetheart, are you okay?" Callie asked as Felina shut the door behind them.

"I was going to ask you the same thing," Felina replied.

Callie blinked. "Ask me?" Why the hell would she need to ask me that? She's the one who's possessive… Okay, we both are, but I'm the one who would have to go out with Hernan. She groaned in her head.

Felina laughed and pulled her close. Callie sighed and settled against her. The powerful body pressed against her reassured her. Everything would be fine.

"I know you can't stand Jinx and Hernan is about as interesting as white paper. Beyond that, we both know we hate the idea of others touching us or disrespecting our relationship. I want you to know, I understand," Felina said.

Callie purred and turned, rubbing her cheek against Felina's. "I hate this idea of having to hide you. I love you so much and I want everyone to see it."

"I love you, too, and I told you I want you to chase your dreams. Be elected mayor and then you can show me off all you want. Hell, I'll show up everywhere in tank tops."

Callie looked up at her with wide eyes as heat shot down her every nerve. "You wouldn't."

"Tank tops and short-shorts. You can tell every kat in the room, I could break him in half if I felt like it and then I'll flex for you."

Callie laughed. "I'm sure that would be you. You'd also growl at any kat that got close to me and I'm sure he'd back off."

"He'd better."

"Clearly, Tiger made the right choice for his life when he declined this mission."

Felina grinned. "Damn right he did."

Callie smiled a little, but she was still somewhat unsettled by this idea of going out places with Hernan as her… mane? Was that what this was? She was now hiding behind a mane, like some closet case? While she did not like how she was outed, she was out now. She was free, except she was not all of a sudden.

"I don't know how to go back into the closet," Callie realized with wide eyes. Now that she was out, she did not understand any other way to be. No other way made sense.

"You're not in the closet. Think of it as a friend escorted you to a business dinner and this friend can talk business better than I ever could. Hernan is more comfortable at these things than I'll ever be. Besides, he might actually act normal among others more like him," Felina joked.

Callie forced out a laugh. She had seen Hernan work a room at parties and it was much better than watching him try to interact with people in normal situations. He was married to his work, so he could network with the best of them and talk deals with anyone. He would definitely be better at it than Felina, who would undoubtedly be uncomfortable in very unfamiliar territory.

"Fine, but you better start polishing your dress shoes because once I'm mayor, you'll be doing this," Callie said, pointing at Felina.

Felina grinned. "I think we might be better off hiring Hernan to do this permanently."

A playful scoff escaped Callie. She was more comfortable with this idea now that she understood Felina would not be comfortable there. Of course, if Felina could escort her without endangering the campaign, she would. Felina was just that type of she-kat. One of the many reasons to love her. So, it looked like she would be going to a business party with Hernan. Joy.

"I think you might have to psych me up for this more," Callie said.

With a grin, Felina picked Callie up with ease. "I have no problem with doing that. Anything else you need psyching up for?" she asked as she carried Callie toward their bedroom.

-8-8-8-8-

Felina and her squad got their first taste of action when Doctor Viper decided to resurface with an army of creeping things to take over the city. His creations had a failsafe in them, which was they exploded into toxic gas when destroyed. Of course, her uncle went at the idea with a shoot first, ask questions later mentality, as he always did. Thankfully, the streets had been cleared before that, but they did not know how long the gas would hang around in the air.

Fortunately, Felina had learned a great deal from watching the Swat Kats and from being in combat situations all over the world. Sometimes, ammunition was needed that would not destroy a body. Her mechanical specialist, the one Deigo had insisted upon, had equipped their five Hellcat planes with what she called frostbite missiles. They worked just as well as the little spitfire — Felicia Toyger — bragged they would. Felina could learn to like that kit.

Felina piloted the lead plane and her gunner took out a bunch of the creeps. The other planes followed her lead. The Swat Kats showed up, as expected, and did the same. Of course, Commander Feral ordered planes on the Swat Kats as soon as everything was all right. Felina, on the other hand, thanked them for the cooperation as they made their getaway. They did things up nice.

When Felina and her squad landed, the press was there. Felina had no desire to talk with the media. They left a bad taste in her mouth a year ago, after the outing. Some of the press had been friendly, but too many of them had carried on prejudices about lionesses and pushed the corruption rumors about Callie. Too many of them were more interested in a story than the truth.

Felina slipped away while her squad ate up the press, grinning for the cameras and talking into anything that looked like a microphone. She did not mind them enjoying the attention. They deserved it.

Felina returned to their little corner of HQ. Felicia was in her face before she got a chance to sit down. How this skinny, tiny she-kat turned into an airplane mechanic without being in the air force herself was a mystery to Felina, but she knew all she had to do was ask and Felicia would tell her whole life story. Felina did not have the time for that just yet.

"How'd it go? How were the planes? How'd they perform? How were the guns? The weapons? Were they good? How was it? Everything was smooth?" Felicia bounced on her heels as she spoke.

Felina could not help smiling. "I'm going to have to train you to ask one question at a time. Everything went fine. The planes were amazing and everything you did to them was fine. Everything performed at top level. Here, let's see what's goes on." She turned on the television in the corner for Felicia to see their squad doing interviews.

"Holy catnip! We're on TV!" Felicia actually clapped and jumped up and down like an excited kitten.

Felina laughed, but turned to listen to what their guys had to say. She was happy Felicia felt so close to their squad to say "we're on TV," even though she was just in their squad corner.

"This was Captain Feral's first mission. Do you think she did well?" a reporter asked Felina's gunner, Grayling Shoe. He was a pretty built kat with sharp eyes set in a gray face. His parents obviously were not very creative when they had him, but he was a great guy.

"Captain Feral is brilliant. She was prepared for this nonsense before we even went out and she adapted as soon as new intelligence came in. I couldn't be prouder to work under her," Grayling boasted, squaring his shoulders. He was also a former air force pilot. They actually served in the same area during a war ten years ago, but had never met until joining the Enforcers.

"It doesn't bother you to be working under a she-kat?" the reporter actually asked.

Before Grayling could answer, Li Somali jumped on his back with a wide grin. "Bother us? Hell, no! Don't you mangy morons get it? This makes her even more badass! Glass ceiling, shattered! First mission, destroyed! My captain is better than your captain!" Li pointed to the cameras and stuck his tongue out. His flying was just as crazy as his behavior. How his partner, gunner Raas Sib, survived in the plane with him was a mystery. Hopefully, they would work as well together on other missions as they did today.

With a grin, Felicia puffed out her narrow chest. "He's right."

"As crazy as he sounds, he's right. Our captain is amazing and we're more than proud to work for her. The fact that she's a she is actually better because it means she worked at least twice as hard as any of us to get here. We respect that," Grayling stated. "Oh, and we respect our mechanical genius, Felicia Toyger, who made sure our Hellcats were souped for anything and they were able to function properly in this first outing."

Felicia squealed and clapped. "He said my name!"

These guys would be a living headache, Felina knew that. But, she would love every second of it. Her squad was small, loyal, and true. She would give them her all, which included taking them out for drinks and dinner when they finally came in. They celebrated down at one of the few places that would serve her without having to be threatened.

"Whatever these kats are drinking. It's all on me," Felina announced as they took up several booths. They were a small squad, but a big group for a bar.

"Food, too?" Li requested with a toothy grin.

Felina laughed. "Yes, food, too, if you consider bar food actual food."

Several pitchers of beer milk and way too many hot wings were delivered to them. Her squad devoured everything, though. Grayling settled down next to her.

"It really is a pleasure to serve under you, you know that, right?" Grayling said.

"I know it's true for you guys," Felina replied. She already loved them and they had only just went out on a mission. The fact that they had no problem coming out to support Callie with her was better than anything else they could ever do. So, she smirked and chortled just a bit.

"What's so funny?" he asked.

"I'm glad you guys are my squad. I'm going to do my best to always do right by you," Felina replied.

"That sounds like a toast!" Li came out of nowhere raising his glass.

Felina arched an eyebrow. "Is he drunk already?" She doubted it and when everyone laughed, she knew the answer.

They all raised their glasses as Felina stood up, holding up her own glass. She looked out at the dozen-plus kats of her squad. She smiled at them and they all smiled back.

"Guys, we handled that first mission excellently and I couldn't be prouder of you today. You've already proven to be an awesome squad. You've been there for me and I will always be there for you, to the point that when Li undoubtedly gets arrested, I will be the one bailing him out," Felina said and they all laughed. "To many more successful missions and many more celebrations in hopefully better establishments."

"Yeah!" They all cheered and everyone gulped down their beers.

Felina did not stick around for long, even though her crew was having a good time. She just wanted to go home and tell Callie about her day. So, she slipped away, after making sure it was clear whatever tab her squad ran up would come to her.

Felina forgot that Callie was not home, though. She came in, buzzing with energy, ready to embrace her mate and tell her all about how awesome everything was. But, she came home to an empty apartment. Callie's business party had already started. So, plans had to be changed.

"Hey, Katarina," Felina said into her phone. "Wanna go get a couple of beers?" Not that she needed any more beer in her system.

"Sure. Devon's working. Let's get Mara and the others and go bug her," Katarina replied.

This sounded like a great plan. She could at least tell her pride about her day. They would also distract her from the idea that her queen was out with a kat. She doubted Hernan would try anything and she did not doubt Callie, but this still gnawed at her.

"Saw you on TV today. Looking good!" Katarina slapped her on the back as they all met up outside of the bar.

Blue punched her hard in the shoulder. "Your squad was all singing your praises like you're actually somebody."

"You even kept up with the Swat Kats." Mara tossed an arm around her shoulder and pulled Felina close.

Felina rolled her eyes. "You mean they kept up with us." Of course, this was far from true. Her squad kept up with the Swat Kats, but if they logged in enough hours, it would be true eventually.

"Why aren't you out with your squad anyway?" Tabby asked as they piled into a booth.

"I was out with them this afternoon. Hell, they might actually still be spending my money. I forgot Callie wasn't home, though, and left wanting to be with her," Felina explained with a shrug.

With a light laugh, Tabby leaned onto the table and rested her cheek in her hand. "When the hell did you get this cute?"

Katarina smirked. "Obviously when she got a mate."

Felina rolled her eyes, but she was used to this type of ribbing from them. A night of it would distract her from Callie being out. Her pride did not let up for the entire night while Penelope actually tried to defend her and her relationship.

-8-8-8-8-

Nia might as well have been her date for this party, Callie thought. It was beyond the fact that Nia had actually color-coordinated with her, both wearing violet dresses. Nia hardly wanted to leave her on her own, even though she had attended many gatherings like this when she was deputy mayor. It seemed like every few minutes, Nia wanted to drag her off to meet someone. She already knew quite a few people there. Some were inclined to talk to her while others pretended she did not exist.

Hernan stuck close. He did not talk much, just watched Callie talk. It was fine. She did not need him to interject really and it was nice to see he actually did not feel the need to dominate the room like she thought he would. He seemed to think it was her moment to sell herself and he let her.

"Hernan, Nia was telling me you were here with a beautiful female on your arm. I couldn't believe her," a large, tawny kat said as he approached. Callie was vaguely familiar with him since he did not interact much with Mayor Manx. He was Richard Leonhart. A multi-billionaire who was a little older than Nia. He was dressed in a three-piece navy blue suit that probably cost more than Callie made in a month.

Hernan scoffed. "Still sniffing at Nia, Richard? She'll never go for it. You were her husband's rival, after all, making you her rival. Plus, she knows that tie is hideous."

Richard laughed around a cigar in his mouth and he brushed off his rather hideous tie. "She-kats like Nia like a strong male to chase her."

Callie snorted. "No, sir, I think that's something tomkats like to tell themselves so they can continue to chase annoyed she-kats."

Hernan glanced at her, like he did not expect her to say that. Callie did not spare him a look, keeping eyes on Richard. His golden eyes flashed and then he laughed again.

"Is that why you're interested in she-kats? They don't tell themselves things to keep chasing you?" Richard inquired with an arched eyebrow.

Callie rolled her eyes. "I'm only interested in one she-kat and she very much respects my boundaries."

"And yet you're here with Hernan," Richard commented, motioning to him. "Although, you two do cut a charming couple."

"I'm much better at blending in here. We wouldn't want Felina Feral showing you all up with her rock hard abs against your potbellies," Hernan retorted and he made a show of looking down at Richard's stomach. "Not to mention, I'm sure she looks better in a suit than most of us."

Now, Callie glanced at him. She could not believe he just said that. Richard scowled. Maybe this was out of line. It made Hernan a little more interesting to her, though.

Richard suddenly laughed again. "You're right about that. I could only imagine what the room would be like once that rock star walks in here."

It was Callie's turn to raise an eyebrow. "Rock star?" What sort of heroics has Felina done now?

"Well, for some of us who appreciate the fact that she dove in front of bullets to save the two knuckleheads." Richard motioned to Hernan.

Hernan rolled his eyes. "They like to treat me and Desi as if we're the kittens of their new money club."

"Well, I am old enough to be your father," Richard pointed out.

"Then, be a good dad and back our candidate for mayor. Manx is on the way out and Steele's a moron. Callie is our best chance," Hernan replied.

Richard smiled. "You think Nia hasn't talked my ear off about this already? She is Callie's biggest champion amongst us oldies. If anything, Hernan, you need to walk her around to your group, the young knuckleheads. They're more willing to listen to Manx than her. I've heard some of them even want to back Steele." He seriously shuddered as he spoke those words. Callie could understand.

Hernan nodded and he did just that. Callie was surprised. He did not seem as committed to this cause when they were in the campaign HQ, but now that he had a purpose, he was on it. Nia even backed off and just let him work. Well, let them work. Whenever Hernan put her in front of someone, Callie poured on the charm and they walked off with just enough thoughts to consider the problems with runaway business and why they should back her. The night went well and then around eleven breaking news made sure things would probably go even better for her. Unfortunately, it was at Manx's expense.

"Breaking news, Mayor Manx was just arrested on multiple counts of corruption, fraud, tax evasion, and even racketeering charges." Pictures of Manx being taken from his multi-million dollar townhouse with his hands cuffed behind his back. He was flanked by two colonial investigators with their badges on their hips, leading him to a black SUV through an ocean of reporters, microphones, and flashing lights.

Callie could hardly believe her eyes when Manx disappeared into the SUV. But, while she watched Manx, everyone watched her. Hernan smiled and leaned in close.

"Time to really show off and let them know what they're about to get behind," Hernan whispered. He was right. These guys were now hers to lose.

-8-8-8-8-

Next time: it's now Callie versus Steele and Steele comes out swinging.