"That's different." He paused. "The prints were clean, huh?"
"As the proverbial whistle."
"They got bigger databases nowadays."
Dean ignored the rejoinder. "Just to make amends, I won't even press you on why you were worried in the first place."
"Well," he muttered, "That's a help except now they've got DNA and stuff like that. I've read all about that business."
Dean simply held out his hand. "Even?"
Fred hesitated as he rocked up to a sitting position. "Even. But watch your step in the future. That was a close call."
After Fred left for the courthouse, Dean retreated to his quarters alone and tried to assemble some notes on timely topics that might be discussed at the Women's Club. He had wanted to convey to Cynthia his concerns over Billy Langstrom's death, but he felt he owed his election bid at least a modicum of concentration if he didn't want to make a fool of himself.
But cogent thoughts were few and he began to feel like an empty-nested squirrel facing a long, tough winter. The churning in his stomach increased as the hours passed. By the time he'd nibbled at a salad for lunch and changed into a suit, he was a nervous wreck.
The debate was held in the community center, on the second floor of a building that accommodated the town's library, City Hall, and police station below. Dean was amazed at the size of the crowd. It was Friday, a week day, and the height of the season, so he had expected most of the town's folk to be too busy for political small talk. Not so, as over a hundred people packed the room. Even more disconcerting, while Dean knew a small number of those present, he didn't spot a one of Fred's supportive cronies.
Smiling Acting Sheriff Fitzgerald, dressed in his uniform, greeted Dean graciously as he poured charm on the ladies. Claudia Something, whom Dean had met at a winter fundraiser, was the moderator. She wore glasses, a maroon business suit, and an all-business attitude to match. She led the participants to the front of the room. After a few words of greeting, each candidate was directed to stand on either side of the raised platform. She would be seated between them, and after introductions and five minutes of comments by each, she would ask questions previously submitted in writing. There would be time for rebuttal.
Claudia introduced the men, reading from printed biographies. Fitzgerald listed a college degree, birth in Ouray, and nineteen years in law enforcement, the last eleven in administrative duty. He was the recipient of two commendations for organizational excellence. Dean "attended" college, served in the military, and was employed by the Parkside, Pennsylvania Police Department for fifteen years. He received four citations for merit and bravery and was wounded in action.