Elected

You are Hailey O'Connor, the recently elected councilperson in Edgewater, Ohio, a town of about 5,000 people. [[Click to Continue.|New to Office]]

Before your eyes open, you feel the warm comfort of your lover's naked skin against your back. You lift another's hand from between your bare breasts, to kiss it. [[Kiss a perfectly manicured hand.|Kelly]] [[Kiss a big, strong hand.|Kevin]]

(set: $LI = "Kelly")(set: $himher = "her")(set: $heshe = "she") (set: $hisher = "her") (print: $LI) shifts behind you and murmurs, groggily, "Do we have to get up yet?" [[Click to Continue.|Flowers]]

(set: $LI = "Kevin")(set: $himher = "him")(set: $heshe = "he") (set: $hisher = "his") (print: $LI) shifts behind you and murmurs, groggily, "Do we have to get up yet?" [[Click to Continue.|Flowers]]

[You chose to steal more time with (print:$LI).] You whack the alarm clock haphazardly, turning it off, and return to (print:$LI)'s arms. You burrow your behind further against (print:$himher), and (print:$heshe) emits a satisfied sigh. [[Click to Continue.|Sigh]]

[You prioritized your work. (print:$LI) will remember that.] "I suppose your constituents aren't going to represent themselves," says (print:$LI) dejectedly. [[Click to Continue.|Sadly]]

"I made my brothers and sisters call me Madame President," you confess. [[Click to Continue.|Incredible Resolve]]

[You shared a secret dream from your childhood.] "Oh, no way!" laughs (print:$LI). "So now instead of swimming with sharks, you just work with them. I see." [[Click to Continue.|Good at Job]]

You playfully smack (print:$LI) on (print:$hisher) bare behind. [[Click to Continue.|Buttcheeks]]

"And as for the future, well..." (print:$LI) trails off. "It'll be hard to move things forward very far if we're still keeping things a secret. You know. Me the reporter, you the politician." [["We should go public."|Stop Sneaking]] [["People can't know yet."|Private]] [["I don't care."|Doesn't Matter]]

[You asked to continue keeping your relationship a secret.] (print:$LI) thinks on your opinion for a moment, then answers with a sly grin. "I do love the danger, the secrecy, the whole forbidden fruit thing. It's pretty sexy." [[Click to Continue.|Getting Ready]]

"I don't care what we do, as long as I can be with you." [[Click to Continue.|Be With You]]

"Shouldn't you also be getting ready?" you ask, concerned. "I think you're about to be late!" [[Click to Continue.|Actually]]

[You ignored one of the ground rules. (print:$LI) will remember that.] "You know I'm not supposed to tell you," (print:$LI) answers. "But it's something really big. It could bump me from beat reporter to columnist!" [[Click to Continue.|CareerMaker]]

[You respected (print:$LI)'s privacy, and (print:$heshe) will remember that.] "Thank you for understanding," says (print:$LI) with a smile. [[Click to Continue.|Understanding]]

[You expressed frustration with the silence rule. (print:$LI) will remember that.] "Hailey, we made that rule for ethical reasons, to protect both of us. You know that." [[Click to Continue.|Ethics]]

"What is it?" you ask. [[Click to Continue.|What Is It]]

"Bye, tiger," you say in a flirty way. "Rawr!" [[Click to Continue.|Rawr]]

You steal back to bed for a moment, unable to contain your need for another of (print:$LI)'s kisses. [[Click to Continue.|Kissy]]

As you arrive at the ornate stone municipal building, its entrance is surrounded by a throng of reporters and television cameras blocking the front door! Fortunately, you have a key card for the building's side entrance. [[Click to Continue.|Side Entrance]]

[You took Catherine's feelings seriously. She will remember that.] "It's all over the front page of The Edge! Apparently, they dug up an email chain suggesting that Chief Kirby and Controller Lewis have been embezzling funds from the community services fund!" [[Click to Continue.|Scandal]]

[You chose to ignore Catherine's upset. She will remember that.] "Are you kidding me? This is anything but! Have you seen the morning newspaper?" Catherine rages. [[Click to Continue.|Seen Paper]]

[You cracked a joke at an inappropriate time. Catherine will remember that.] "This is really not the time for jokes, Hailey," says Catherine, pointedly. "It's serious. Have you not seen this morning's newspaper?" [[Click to Continue.|Seen Paper]]

"We suspend the police chief and the city manager immediately pending investigation, we authorize an outside financial audit of the city's books, we have Sarah draft a communications plan," Catherine explains, blowing her bangs into the air. "And that's just the start." [["That's a lot."|Stressful]] [["I'll be ready."|I'm Ready]] [[(Say nothing.)|The Start]]

"We all like Ray," Catherine answers sadly. "My kids and his have been going to each other's birthday parties for years. You think you know someone..." she trails off. [["There has to be a reasonable explanation."|Sane Explanation]] [["His poor family."|Poor Family]] [["He's a snake."|Thief]]

"I'm glad I don't have to spell it out for you," she says. "You're a sharp kid." [["Thank you!"|Thank you]] [["And you're a senile old lady!"|Bitchy]]

"Listen...Word of advice here. Whatever your original goal was, getting into politics," Catherine explains, "this situation will test the hell out of you, but if you can keep your head, it might help you meet that goal." [["I'm in it to help people."|Help people]] [["Gotta bring law and order."|Law and order]] [["I want to be a leader."|Power]]

You're not entirely sure whether Catherine was being genuine or condescending, but you're certain that thanking her is the path of least resistance in this particular moment. [[Click to Continue.|Least Resistance]]

"I'm so glad there is someone with your DECADES of experience on my side," you say. [[Click to Continue.|Elder]]

[You are motivated by altruism.] "I wanted to give back to the town where I grew up," you say. [[Click to Continue.|Scoff]]

[You are motivated by justice.] "I grew up in Edgewater," you explain. "It has a lot of problems, and I'm here to help solve them." [[Click to Continue.|Solving]]

[You are motivated by power.] Catherine raises an eyebrow. "Good for you. If you handle this situation well, people will notice and it will be an accomplishment you point to as you work toward higher office someday." [[Click to Continue.|Will do.]]

Catherine continues. "There will need to be an immediate response to the public. Sarah thinks we should just keep saying 'no comment' until she crafts something official, but you saw what it looks like out there. Any ideas?" [["Sadness and solidarity, I think."|Democrats]] [["Shock and outrage works for me."|Republicans]] [["Caution, until the facts are known."|Independent]]

"We should comfort the people and let them know that their government officials are here for them," you say. [[Click to Continue.|Incredible]]

"I think some righteous anger is justified right now," you explain. [[Click to Continue.|Madly]]

"It's too early to speak about this. If there's an unofficial statement, it should be that an official statement is forthcoming," you answer. [[Click to Continue.|Caution is Key]]

Catherine doesn't look up from the newspaper as she notices the name on the byline. [[Click to Continue.|Byline]]

Tio's Tacos is familial and colorful, but the festive mariachi music on the speakers does little to accompany the scene you know is about to unfold, as your eyes find (print:$LI) nervously awaiting you. [[Click to Continue.|On TV]]

"THIS is the big story you were talking about? Seriously? You couldn't have...you know...given me a heads up while we were in bed together?" [[Click to Continue.|Seriously Dude]]

"You threw me under the bus to advance your own career!" [[Click to Continue.|Under the Bus]]

"Maybe you should just explain things to me from the beginning. I'm really hoping this isn't how it looks right now." [[Click to Continue.|Please to Explain]]

"This is bigger than rules, (print:$LI)! You can unflinchingly obey the letter of a rule, but if you do that without common sense or context, you're failing the people AND the rules! That's like Public Policy 101!" Your eyes flash angrily. [[Click to Continue.|Letter of the Rule]]

"I don't know, (print:$LI). If you were willing to hide something this huge from me, I honestly have to wonder what else you're hiding from me." [[Click to Continue.|Really Not]]

"(print:$LI), did you even pause for ONE SECOND to think, in your rush to advance your career, that what you're doing might actually DESTROY mine?" [[Click to Continue.|Destroyer]]

"I thought we had something important," says (print:$LI) bitterly. [[Click to Continue.|Collect Things]]

"I just don't know, (print:$LI)," you begin. "I have so many feelings, so many questions. It's a lot to process." [[Click to Continue.|Running Gamut]]

"Our relationship is really important to me, but I don't know yet how to fix this." [[Click to Continue.|Downcast]]

"Wait...what?" you ask, completely thrown off guard. [[Click to Continue.|Off Guard]]

"I...I can't do this anymore. Goodbye, (print:$LI). Hope the Pulitzer was worth it." [[Click to Continue.|Pulitzer]]

"I...I love you too, (print:$LI). But this is a big deal. I can't let our feelings for each other distract from what just happened here, or what this whole thing is going to do to our lives." [[Click to Continue.|Big Deal]]

"Stop! This is confusing me. You never said it before, but NOW you suddenly love me? It feels like emotional blackmail, (print:$LI)." [[Click to Continue.|Blackmail]]

"Saying you love me, to get yourself out of trouble? Now on top of betrayal and secrecy, I get to add emotional manipulation to the list. You really are a piece of work, (print:$LI)." [[Click to Continue.|Livid]]

"I'm glad you noticed," you purr, playfully swatting (print:$himher) with a pillow. "Seriously, though, it was super thoughtful of you. The dinner, the flowers, the candles...all of it." [[Click to Continue.|Perfect]]

"Just...you're...fantastic..." you manage. [[Click to Continue.|Breathless]]

"We are pretty amazing together," you purr, playfully punching (print:$LI) in the shoulder. [[Click to Continue.|In the Sack]]

As lavender hues of dawn rise through the bedroom window, your sleep is disrupted by the digital caw of a nearby alarm clock... [[Click to Continue.|Choose LI]]

"You blew me away, sweetie. I feel like a queen!" [[Click to Continue.|Queen]]

"I do have to go. Can I help you clean up later?" you ask, as you notice the time on the clock. [[Click to Continue.|All Business]]

As a young thirtysomething new to public office, you are the youngest ever to be elected. There's a new sense of public excitement about the changing leadership in the city. All eyes are upon you. [[Click to Continue.|A Secret]]

What the public doesn't know is that Councilwoman O'Connor has a secret lover in the off hours, who would strike some as controversial. While you worked hard to win your recent election, you couldn't contain your attraction to a certain newspaper reporter.... [[Click to Continue.|Alarm Clock]]

The faint smell of flowers and the vanilla candles from last night, now all melted to their bases, hangs in the air along with (print:$hisher) question... [["Let's cuddle longer!"|Cuddle]] [["I really should go."|Get Up]]

The warmth of your bodies pressed together feels safe...as though nothing else exists on the outside of this down comforter. [[Click to Continue.|Turn to Them]]

(print:$LI) whispers in your ear, "I'm still flying high from last night, and now this. You're magnificent." [["Damn right I am."|Yup, I Am]] [["Because you're the best."|You're the Best]] [["We're magnificent together."|We Rock]]

(print:$LI) smirks, peeling a flattened rose petal from your bum and hurling it at you playfully. "We probably should have brushed the rose petals off the bed last night before getting into it," (print:$heshe) says. [[Click to Continue.|Flowerbutt]]

"No way!" you exclaim. "I loved the spontanaiety." [[Click to Continue.|Spontaneous]]

[You focused on yourself. (print:$LI) will remember that.] "Six months," says (print:$LI), tracing shapes on your bare shoulder with (print:$hisher) finger. "I wanted it to be special." [[Click to Continue.|Go Away]]

You let out a contented sigh. "I never imagined it could be like this," you gush. [[Click to Continue.|Imagined]]

"What DID you imagine?" asks (print:$LI). "Like, did you know you were going to be an elected official?" [["Literally always."|Dreamt]] [["I wanted to be a marine biologist."|Never]] [["I'm going to be late..."|Future]]

"You blew me away last night, you know, with the dinner and the flowers and the candles. You made a big effort. Thank you." [[Click to Continue.|Effort]]

[You focused on (print:$LI). (print:$heshe) will remember that.] (print:$LI) kisses you tenderly on the forehead. "You deserve it, Hailey. Six months...that's a big deal for us." [[Click to Continue.|Go Away]]

"What DID you imagine? Like, did you know you were going to be an elected official?" [["Literally always."|Dreamt]] [["I wanted to be a marine biologist."|Never]] [["I'm going to be late..."|Future]]

[You focused on both of you, as a unit. (print:$LI) will remember that.] "Not just in the sack, either," you continue. "Everything! And you went all out last night, with the dinner, and the flowers, and the candles...." [[Click to Continue.|Just wow.]]

"I'm glad you're happy, too." (print:$LI) yawns and stretches, revealing the sinews and contours of a chest that turns you on each time you see it. [[Click to Continue.|Go Away]]

"What did you think of it all?" asks (print:$LI). [["It was a bit extra."|Winces]] [["I feel really special."|Special]] [["We made such a mess..."|Gotta go]]

"Kinda over the top, don't you think?" you ask with a wink. (print:$LI) winces. [[Click to Continue.|Oops]]

[You kept the tone more casual with (print:$LI).] "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," (print:$LI) sighs. [[Click to Continue.|Six Months]]

"It's just...Six months is a milestone, Hailey. I thought you'd want to celebrate it, or at least to know I remembered." [[Click to Continue.|Never Thought]]

"I guess I never thought anyone would go so out of their way for me," you answer, staring at the floor as the sunrise creates patterns through the lace drapes. [[Click to Continue.|Worth it]]

"You're worth it," answers (print:$LI). "Besides, I bet there are a lot of things about your life now that you never imagined." [[Click to Continue.|Thoughtfully]]

[You appreciated (print:$LI)'s efforts.] (print:$LI) lifts your face to (print:$hisher) and strokes your cheek. [[Click to Continue.|Cheeky]]

"Then my work here is done," (print:$heshe) booms cheesily, imitating a superhero. You giggle. (print:$LI) bats (print:$hisher) eyes at you. "Six months is a milestone, you know." [[Click to Continue.|Tracing]]

"Hmmm...(print:$LI) Jenssen was the reporter on this...I wonder who (print:$hisher) 'highly placed source' is?" [["No idea."|No idea]] [["I know that person..."|I Know Reporter]] [[(Say nothing.)|Seething]]

[You showed consideration toward (print:$LI).] "Guess it's all business with you today, Councilwoman?" (print:$heshe) teases. [[Click to Continue.|Teases]]

"Don't be silly, (print:$LI). You know I appreciate everything. I just seriously do have to get going." [[Click to Continue.|Ask]]

(print:$LI) seems a bit disappointed. [["I'm happy with you."|Just wow.]] [["Aren't you late?"|Getting Ready]] [[(Say nothing.)|Quiet]]

Suddenly, all you can hear are cars outside, each on their way to work, as you should be. (print:$LI) screws up (print:$hisher) face, avoiding your eyes. [[Click to Continue.|What?]]

"Well," says (print:$LI), "I worked extra hours all week on my big story, so I can come in a little later today." [["Big story?"|Big Story]] [["I'm not asking."|Shouldn't Ask]] [["Can we break the silence rule?"|Break Rule]]

[You admitted that you've always been ambitious.] "Well, that's some incredible resolve right there, Madame President," says (print:$LI) with a lazy smile. "And you can take charge of me anytime." [[Click to Continue.|Reporter]]

"I do feel underwater sometimes, and have had to hold my breath on occasion," you offer. "I guess that's similar? Less dolphins, though..." [[Click to Continue.|Dolphins]]

[(print:$LI) noticed that you evaded questions about your past.] "Okay. Stay mysterious, then. I do hope we can talk about the past sometime. I DO want to know you better!" (print:$LI) kisses you. [[Click to Continue.|Reporter]]

[You admitted to (print:$LI) that you don't want things to be a secret anymore.] (print:$LI) thinks on your suggestion for a moment, then answers. "You know you matter to me. But I think we should keep it under wraps for just a little longer." [[Click to Continue.|Secret Still]]

"Okay," you say, with a tinge of disappointment as a dog barks somewhere outside. [[Click to Continue.|Getting Ready]]

[You evaded a decision about whether to go public.] (print:$LI) thinks on this for a moment, then stifles a laugh. "That sounded like a song lyric! It rhymed! My writing must be rubbing off on you." [[Click to Continue.|Lyrics]]

"I can't come up with a rhyme all by myself?" you ask, surprised, as a dog barks somewhere outside. [[Click to Continue.|Rhymes]]

(print:$LI) pulls you back down on the bed and cups your face. [[Click to Continue.|Cup Face]]

"Of course you can. And that was a good rhyme." [[Click to Continue.|Getting Ready]]

"Hailey..." begins (print:$LI). "...it's...It's nothing. Just...try to have a good day, okay? I'll see you at lunchtime." [[Click to Continue.|Wait Until Lunch]]

Something about this is unsettling, but you decide to let it go rather than make yourself more late. You can always ask about it at lunch. [[Click to Continue.|ByeBye]]

You blow a kiss at (print:$LI) as you steal out of (print:$hisher) apartment to return home, get ready, and go to work. [[Click to Continue.|Go to Work]]

"I guess I'll just have to read it along with everyone else," you say, with a hint of passive-aggressiveness. "Okay. I'm really going now." [[Click to Continue.|Sad Trombone]]

"I should leave," you say, frowning at the clock. [[Click to Continue.|Sad Trombone]]

"Okay," you sigh, downcast with disappointment in your voice. [[Click to Continue.|Sad Trombone]]

(print:$LI) looks at you for a long moment, as though deciding whether to say something. [[Ask about it.|What?]] [[Ignore it.|Ignore]] [[One more kiss!|Another Kiss]]

"I guess I should thank you. I learned some things about you as a person I'm glad I saw before I'd married you, or something." [[Click to Continue.|True Colors]]

[You broke up with (print:$LI).] "But, Hailey!" wails (print:$LI) pathetically. [[Click to Continue.|Pathetic]]

"Here's your exclusive today, (print:$LI) Jenssen. Councilwoman Dumps Reporter. Film at eleven." [[Click to Continue.|Film at Eleven]]

The gazpacho splashes everywhere after you throw the keys to (print:$LI)'s apartment into the bowl. To the sound of the mariachis, you storm out of Tio's Tacos, newly empowered to tackle whatever may await you at the office. [END]

[You broke up with (print:$LI).] "...Hailey..." [[Click to Continue.|Wait Please]]

(print:$LI) breaks down as you leave the restaurant, holding back your own tears and gathering any remaining resolve to focus on the scandal waiting for you at work. [END]

"I love you. I know I've never said it before. I know how it looks. But I love you, Hailey O'Connor, and I want to be with you." [[Click to Continue.|Want to Be]]

"I know I screwed up, but just...please. I promise I'll spend the rest of our lives making it up to you, if I have to." [["I love you, too!"|Love You Too]] [["Stop confusing me!"|Confusing Me]] [["Nice try. Bye."|BuhBye]]

"Our relationship is the most important thing to me," says (print:$LI). "I'll prove it however you want me to. I know I screwed up. I'm sorry." [[Click to Continue.|Prove It]]

You swell with emotion, unable to resist (print:$LI). [[Click to Continue.|Irresistable]]

"Listen, Jenssen," you say, wryly grinning. "This isn't going to be easy for anyone. and you are definitely in the doghouse. But damned if I don't love you back. There's got to be a way." [[Click to Continue.|A Way]]

[You and (print:$LI) will work things out together.] A faint flicker of hope flares in (print:$LI)'s pale green eyes, as they meet yours. [[Click to Continue.|Hope]]

"Well, sit down, O'Connor. We gotta strategize. And your soup is getting cold." [[Click to Continue.|Soup]]

You break out laughing, as you sit back down. the joyful mariachi music echoing all around you. "It's gazpacho, (print:$LI)." [END]

"No, wait! It's true!" wails (print:$LI). The server who was on the way to your table notices the scene, widens her eyes, and scurries away. [[Click to Continue.|Truth]]

You are being as patient with (print:$LI) as you can be right now, because somebody needs to keep a clear head. [[Click to Continue.|Clear Head]]

"Listen, (print:$LI), I can't handle this right now. I think we both need a break, to spend some time thinking more about everything," you say. [[Click to Continue.|Time Alone]]

"You need clarity on whether you actually do love me or whether you're saying it in the heat of the moment," you add. [[Click to Continue.|Heat of the Moment]]

[You aren't sure where your relationship with (print:$LI) stands, but it doesn't look good.] (print:$LI) sighs. "I understand. Just...call me when you're ready, okay? I never meant to hurt you. I'm here for you, Hailey." [[Click to Continue.|I'm Here]]

"We'll talk later," you say, turning to leave. "Goodbye, (print:$LI)." You're pretty sure you and (print:$LI) just broke up, but you've got to keep it together for awhile longer today. You will be representing the city on television tonight. After that, you can think, or cry, or just...be your own best friend and look out for yourself. [END]

You blow a quick kiss to (print:$LI), still in bed, and head toward the door. [[Click to Continue.|Blow Quick Kiss]]

"You're amazing!" yells (print:$LI) from the bedroom as the door closes behind you. [[Click to Continue.|Amazing]]

You steal out of (print:$hisher) apartment and back to your place to get ready for your work day. [[Click to Continue.|Go to Work]]

(print:$LI) brushes your lips with the softness of (print:$hisher) own, starting tenderly, but soon turning deep and passionate. It's all you can do to break away and get back out of bed, but if you don't leave soon, the Captain of the Crossing Guards' Union will be waiting in your office, and that won't make her any easier to negotiate with. [[Click to Continue.|Rawr]]

"I wonder what this is all about?" [[Click to Continue.|Hang Coat]]

As soon as you sit behind your desk, Catherine Clay bursts your office door open with her typical bluster, as she has done every day since you were sworn in, bringing advice and gossip in equal measure. You've learned to read the senior councilwoman, and today, the redness in her cheeks says that she is perturbed. [["What's wrong?"|What's wrong]] [["Good morning!"|Good morning]] [["Ooh, she's on the warpath!"|Uh oh]]

You sit frozen behind your desk for a moment, your mouth falling open wordlessly as the full implications of what Catherine has just said wash over you. [["Stealing from Little League?!"|Little League]] [["Someone is leaking council emails??"|Emails]] [["We'll all get investigated!"|Invetigated]]

"No," you murmur, remembering the soft feel of (print:$LI)'s skin from earlier. [[Click to Continue.|The Paper]]

[You chose to walk the high road. Catherine will remember that.] "Thank you!" you say, smiling at Catherine. [[Click to Continue.|Explain]]

[You chose to be catty. Catherine will remember that.] Catherine narrows her eyes and purses her lips. "It will take everyone's experience to get us through this one," she says coldly. [[Click to Continue.|Explain]]

Catherine scoffs. "That’s really noble, but remember you constantly have to make choices about WHICH PEOPLE to help. It can be a fine line to walk, but you can do it." [[Click to Continue.|Study]]

"I'm a quick study," you mumble, meekly. [[Click to Continue.|Party]]

Catherine frowns. "Well, now’s your chance. Everyone needs to face this with honesty and integrity, if we're going to right this situation and bring justice to those who have done wrong." [[Click to Continue.|Do my best]]

"I'll work hard to keep things under control," you say. [[Click to Continue.|Party]]

"I'll do my best to project power and confidence, like you do," you answer. [[Click to Continue.|Confidence]]

"I guess you've seen it," offers (print:$LI), shifting in (print:$hisher) chair. [[Click to Continue.|Discomfort]]

"I sure have." You reach for more words, but they aren't coming. [[Click to Continue.|Say Something]]

"Well? Say something, Hailey!" [[Get angry.|Anger]] [[Feel betrayed.|Betrayed]] [[Be confused.|Confused]]

[You let (print:$LI) know (print:$heshe) violated the rules.] "You're looking at this all wrong," (print:$LI) says. "If we navigate this right, can help BOTH our careers!" [[Click to Continue.|Asshole Says What]]

"And now you're going to reporter-spin this back to me, as though creating a massive scandal for the whole city that I HAVE TO DEAL WITH, is somehow thoughtful toward me? Unbelievable...." [[Click to Continue.|You're the Leader]]

"What will this mean for us, now?" (print:$LI) says meekly. [["We're through."|Break up]] [["I'm not sure."|Uncertain]] [["Maybe we can still work it out."|Work it out]]

"Do you even know what will happen now, especially when they go looking for the leak, and if they tie you to me?" you say angrily. "Did you even think about that at all?" [[Click to Continue.|Stare Into Soup]]

[You explained to (print:$LI) that (print:$heshe) is playing with your career.] (print:$LI) looks sadly into the bowl of gazpacho on the table. "I didn't. I'm sorry, Hailey. Really." [[Click to Continue.|Table Battery]]

"I can't even look at you right now..." Tears blur your view of the gazpacho on the table. [[Click to Continue.|You're the Leader]]

[You let (print:$LI) know you consider this a breach of trust.) (print:$LI) looks sadly into the red bowl of gazpacho on the table. "I did it for us, Hailey." [[Click to Continue.|Silence]]

"It's going to consume every waking hour of mine, for months! And they will be looking for the leak, and when they tie you to me...God..." You stifle tears. [[Click to Continue.|You're the Leader]]

Your eyes are downcast as you wait for (print:$LI) to answer. [[Click to Continue.|Quit the Paper]]

"Look. I'll quit the paper, okay?" says (print:$LI). "I'll become your press secretary. We'll go public, and..." [[Click to Continue.|Not the Leak]]

"Slow down, (print:$LI). We have some time to think about what the next steps are. And make no mistake, you ARE in the doghouse. But we're figuring this out together, right?" [[Click to Continue.|Doghouse]]

"Hailey...I love you." [[Click to Continue.|Love You]]

"I love you, too. But I have to get back to the office. I'm delivering a statement on television later." [[Click to Continue.|Talk Later]]

[You have a feeling things with (print:$LI) will somehow work out.] "It'd be weird for me to congratulate you for that right now, huh?" asks (print:$LI) timidly. [[Click to Continue.|Yup Weird]]

"I need to understand whether I was ever part of your thought process at all." [[Click to Continue.|Thought Process]]

[You don't know whether you can continue your relationship with (print:$LI).] "I'd like us to work through this if we can. I care about you so much, Hailey," says (print:$LI). [[Click to Continue.|Work it Out]]

"Look," you warn. "After something like this, I don't know whether we have a future, okay? I thought I wanted one. Now, I'm honestly not sure. I need to think." [[Click to Continue.|Screwed Up]]

(print:$LI) sighs. "I know I screwed up really bad...." [[Click to Continue.|Need Some Time]]

"Just...call me when you're ready, okay? Off the record, I swear." (print:$LI) smiles at you sadly. "I never meant to hurt you, Hailey. I'm here for you." [[Click to Continue.|Never Meant]]

"We'll talk later," you say, turning to leave. "I'll call you, (print:$LI)." As you reach the door, you honestly aren't sure whether you will call (print:$LI) or whether you've just said goodbye. A light rain begins to fall as you make your way to the car, trying to force some calm before having to represent the city on television in just a few hours. [END]

"You're really good at what you do," says (print:$LI) with a lazy smile. "And you'll only get better." [[Click to Continue.|Reporter]]

"I gotta go! Seriously!" you laugh. [[Click to Continue.|Not the Past]]

"Wait! Hailey...don't go. Please. Just...please give me another chance. I love you! Please!" begs (print:$LI). [["You love me?"|Love]] [["I need time."|Uncertain]] [["No way."|Bye]]

You scramble to collect your purse, your keys, and your phone, standing and preparing to leave as the joyful mariachi music feels suddenly relentless. [[Click to Continue.|Stand Up]]

[You chose to comfort the public.] "That's a great move," agrees Catherine. "The people will be looking to you as the new voice in their government, to reassure them. You should go out front and talk to the crowd." [["Without Sarah's approval? Nope."|Sarah]] [["Why not you?"|Why Not You]] [["I'd be happy to."|Happy To]]

"Have you seen Sarah when she's angry?" you remind her. "I don't know about this..." (set: $statement = "false") [[Click to Continue.|Nope]]

"Are you sure I should be the one to do it?" you ask. "You're the Chair of the Finance Committee." (set: $statement = "false") [[Click to Continue|Finance Chair]]

"I'll ask them to wait for a more official statement, and go on TV later to deliver Sarah's statement. Maybe they'll disperse and let us go to lunch without hounding us anymore." (set: $statement = "true") [[Click to Continue.|Out to Lunch]]

[You chose to model vigilance.] "Hmm," says Catherine. "Done in a controlled way, terse but professional, this might actually be the ticket. Think you're up for it?" [["Without Sarah's approval? Nope."|Sarah]] [["Why not you?"|Why Not You]] [["I'd be happy to."|Happy To]]

[You chose to react with caution.] "You're right...we need the facts first," Catherine says. "Go out there and tell that circus to await the official statement. Then maybe some of us can actually sneak out and get some lunch." [["Without Sarah's approval? Nope."|Sarah]] [["Why not you?"|Why Not You]] [["I'd be happy to."|Happy To]]

[You opted to do things by the book.] "Well, yeah," answers Catherine. "In the meantime, let's actually read the article. We need to know as much as the paper knows." [[Click to Continue|Paper]]

[You placed the responsibility back onto Catherine.] "Hey," says Catherine. "I'm just offering you an extra chance to appear in public." She sighs. "In the end, it's up to you. But those people out front will not be leaving anytime soon. In the meantime, let's actually read this Edge article..." [[Click to Continue.|Paper]]

[You will get the reporters go away by promising them more, later.] "Great!" smiles Catherine. "I can lend you a more camera-friendly jacket, and we just need to make sure the flag pin is on the lapel. In the meantime, we need to see what the paper actually knows." [[Click to Continue.|Paper]]

After what feels like a myriad of emergency meetings and phone calls, a stray glance at the antiquated analog clock on the wall tells you it's time to leave. [[Click to Continue.|Annoying Clock]]

(if: $statement is "true")["You looked great on TV just now," says (print:$LI), gesturing to a television over the bar.] (if: $statement is "false")["Catherine looked great on TV just now," says (print:$LI), gesturing to a television over the bar.] [[Click to Continue|Really]]

You sit down across from (print:$LI), staring daggers. "Talk. NOW." [[Click to Continue.|Seen It]]

[You complimented Catherine. She will remember that.] She smiles, sincerely moved. "Thank you for that." [[Click to Continue.|Party]]

"I baked that lasagna for three hours, lady. It wasn't THAT spontaneous," jokes (print:$LI). [[Click to Continue.| Brush Lips]]

You brush your lips sweetly against (print:$LI)'s cheek. [[Click to Continue.|What do I think.]]

Shifting your body around to face (print:$himher), you see a lone dark curl falling down on (print:$LI)'s forehead. You gently brush it away. [[Click to Continue. | Curl]]

"Ugh," says (print:$LI), grimacing. "You know I hate that stupid curl." [[Click to Continue.|We Met]]

"It's gorgeous. It made me notice you in the first place." You smile, recalling that fateful day in the Sweet Beans coffee shop. [[Click to Continue.|Spilled]]

(print:$LI) smirks. "Is THAT why you tripped and spilled your latte on me?" [["It was an accident!"|Accident]] [["Aw, you caught me."|On Purpose]] [["I'm just graceful..."|Graceful]]

"I swear that was an accident," you explain sheepishly. "Uh huh," teases (print:$LI), rolling on top of you and staring intensely into your eyes with a look you've come to recognize as ravenous. [[Click to Continue.|Means Business]]

"Right. I saturated your suede jacket to get your attention." You stare cheekily into (print:$LI)'s jade eyes and nudge (print:$himher) with your elbow. "Well, it worked," (print:$heshe) says. "Come to think of it, I'm not sure I ever actually gave you the cleaning bill for that...." [[Click to Continue.|Tickle]]

"Me? Spilling something? Despite my catlike ninja reflexes?" you ask, feigning innocence. After a beat, you both burst into peals of laughter. You yelp as (print:$LI) rolls on top of you, holding your arms down and giving you that look... [[Click to Continue.|Means Business]]

The covers are thrown haphazardly to the floor as you give in to your passion once again...your bodies a whirlwind of moans and breaths, lips and hands, hair and legs... Afterward, you lie side by side, breathless, smiling, and glistening with sweat. [[Click to Continue.|Never Old]]

"That never gets old," you murmur, feeling the soft curls of (print:$LI)'s hair as you tousle it. [[Click to Continue.|Embrace]]

Your fingers find (print:$LI)'s ribs and tickle (print:$himher) until (print:$heshe) rolls over on top of you and holds your wrists down. The look on (print:$hisher) face is familiar. You grin, telegraphing your consent, because you know (print:$LI) means business. [[Click to Continue.|Means Business]]

"I was thinking," (print:$LI) says dreamily. "Do you want to go back to that little bed and breakfast by the lake again this weekend? You loved it there." [["Yes!"|Vacay]] [["I don't know."|Dunno]] [["Sorry, I'm busy."|Busy Bee]]

"Really?" you ask, as your eyes light up. "I did love that place. And it's probably cheaper now that their main season is over." [[Click to Continue.|Summer Over]]

"I don't know if we can show our faces there again," you laugh, remembering the look on old Mrs. Cavanaugh's face as you entered the dining room for breakfast the morning after creaking the antique bed all night. [[Click to Continue.|Bed Creak]]

Your eyes cast downward as your face twists with disgust. "Ugh. I can't. I have to address the Rotary Club at their luncheon on Saturday. Damn..." [[Click to Continue.|Rain Check]]

[You chose to plan a getaway with (print:$LI).] "That's my Councilwoman, always budget-conscious!" says (print:$LI). "I'll book it this afternoon." [[Click to Continue.|Tracing]]

[You chose work over a romantic getaway with (print:$LI).] "We can freak out old Mrs. Cavanaugh with our bed-squeaking again another time," (print:$heshe) giggles. "Oh my god." Your eyes roll. "I'm surprised she didn't tap on the ceiling with a broom handle or something!" [[Click to Continue.|Do It]]

[You hesitated to plan a getaway. (print:$LI) will remember that.] (print:$LI) chuckles. "We can certainly creak other beds." [[Click to Continue.|Local]]

"Catherine at work mentioned this place she goes with her husband, out in Amish country. I can get the information if you want! Just, next month would be better." "Book it!" declares (print:$LI), pointing a finger in the air. [[Click to Continue.|Tracing]]

"Maybe she will next time! Let's see if we can top ourselves," (print:$heshe) says. "Just...I hope we get to do that again." [[Click to Continue.|Tracing]]

"Hey! Earth to Hailey! It's all over the front page of The Edge! Apparently, they dug up an email chain suggesting that Chief Kirby and Controller Lewis have been embezzling funds from the community services fund!" [[Click to Continue.|Scandal]]

"The Police Chief and the City Controller have been stealing from the city, and from services for children and the elderly? That's...diabolical." [[Click to Continue.|Diabolical]]

"So, besides the theft, we also have to worry about someone in this building leaking work emails to the press? That's...not ideal." [[Click to Continue.|Less Than Ideal]]

"Looks like every one of us is about to be put under a microscope," you mumble, realizing that your relationship with (print:$LI) might end up public regardless. [[Click to Continue.|Microscope]]

[You showed concern for the residents first.] "It's horrible," agrees Catherine. "Not only will we have a major investigation on our hands, but city insurance moves slowly, and the kids' season starts next week. And Bruce was waiting until this week to buy the uniforms and equipment." [[Ask Catherine's opinion.|Continue listening]] [[Problem solve.|Problem solve.]] [[Delegate.|Delegate.]]

[You showed concern for the integrity of the government.] "It's horrible," agrees Catherine. "We will all need to show integrity and cooperation with the processes, to protect the city. It won't be fun." [[Ask Catherine's opinion.|Continue listening]] [[Problem solve.|2 Problem solve.]] [[Delegate.|2 Delegate.]]

[You showed concern for your own privacy.] "I think everyone is rattled," agrees Catherine. "Any skeletons in other closets are sure to come out during this investigation. It will be a bumpy ride." [[Ask Catherine's opinion.|Continue listening]] [[Problem solve.|3 Problem solve.]] [[Delegate.|3 Delegate.]]

"Let me know how I can help," you say, tentatively. [[Click to Continue.|Tentative]]

"I know...I can visit some businesses I go to regularly and see if they'll sponsor the program. It'll buy us some time, and the kids can still play. If I come up empty, we use the press to appeal to other businesses." [[Click to Continue.|Emergency Meeting]]

"I can have Spencer call in the Presidents of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. Business owners love opportunities to build public goodwill." [[Click to Continue.|Push Off]]

"We should have an emergency meeting with our solicitor. He will tell us what we should, and shouldn't, make public. The Sunshine Act and the Freedom of Information Act only covers so much. Some stuff is confidential." [[Click to Continue.|Emergency Meeting]]

"I can have Spencer look into confidentiality laws, and what precedents exist in other Ohio cities for a situation like this. That way, we'll be armed with good information when the inevitable emergency council meeting is called." [[Click to Continue.|Push Off]]

"I'm going to call IT and our solicitor to find out how we lock down our information, and whether that violates anything. It should buy us some time to find the leak." [[Click to Continue.|Emergency Meeting]]

[You felt overwhelmed by everything.] Catherine eyes you up and down. "Yes. These next several months will be a strain for all of us, but we must rise to the occasion." [[Click to Continue.|Explain]]

"I'll help however I can," you say, as Catherine grins wistfully. [[Click to Continue.|Wistfully]]

[You measured your reaction.] Catherine nods. "Silence will help you in some cases, and hurt you in others. We'll figure it out together. This is uncharted territory for Edgewater." [[Click to Continue.|Explain]]

"In this country we are supposed to presume innocence until guilt is proven," you point out. "I think Chief Kirby deserves that." [[Click to Continue.|Presume Innocent]]

"I can't imagine how his wife and children feel right now. They must be so upset, so ashamed." [[Click to Continue.|Ashamed]]

"How could he? And to think of everything he will bring down on this city because of his greed and selfishness. It's despicable." [[Click to Continue.|Despicable]]

Hearing a swift, loud knock on your office door, Catherine opens it just wide enough for Spencer to hand her a copy of The Edge newspaper, and disappear. Her eyes dart from side to side, then widen as the moment lingers. [[Click to Continue.|Who]]

"I don't know, but I'm sure it will come out in all the investigations," you murmur, imagining what the headlines will say once it's discovered that you and (print:$LI) are in a relationship. [[Click to Continue.|Worrying]]

"I know (print:$himher)," you offer gingerly. "I can schedule lunch and try to find out what (print:$heshe) knows. It's unlikely a reporter will give up a source, but I can find out if there's anything that didn't make the article." [[Click to Continue.|Know That Reporter]]

[You said nothing about (print:$LI), either way.] You silently seethe. Catherine, not noticing, moves on to other things. "I need to make some calls. Let's tag up after lunch, okay?" She winks at you as she leaves your office. [[Click to Continue.|Later]]

[You did not reveal that you know (print:$LI).] "I suspect a lot of us will be poring over everything in our own lives, locking stuff down, making sure we've acted properly. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about," Catherine says, as she gets up to leave your office. [[Click to Continue.|Later]]

"Sounds awfully stressful." You pull your hands into the tips of your sleeves, like you do whenever you are anxious. [[Click to Continue.|It's A Lot]]

[You displayed confidence during adversity.] "I hope you keep that positive attitude. A lot of us have had it worn down over the years. Some folks in municipal office burn out after just one term." she says. [[Click to Continue.|Explain]]

[You chose to give the benefit of the doubt to the accused.] "True," agrees Catherine. "But in our line of work, the court of public opinion is a factor, regardless. We have to remember that." [[Click to Continue.|Explain]]

[You focused on the families of the accused.] "Yeah," sighs Catherine. "I'll ask the solicitor if it's okay for me to give Laura a call. I understand that it might not be, but I hope that's not the case." Your head spins with hurtful memories of childhood bullying, as you imagine what school will be like for the Kirby kids from now on. [[Click to Continue.|Explain]]

[You are angry and believe the accusations.] Your face feels hot from the betrayal. "It's okay to be angry, but there are times we can show that, and times we can't," urges Catherine. [[Click to Continue.|Explain]]

[You chose to reveal that you know (print:$LI).] Catherine gasps. "You know this reporter? That could look bad for you. I agree you might find out more, but just...be careful, okay? We can't handle any more scandal right now." She stands and brushes the wrinkles from her pantsuit, preparing to leave your office for now. [[Click to Continue.|Later]]

You're not sure you'll ever totally get used to how loudly that damned clock ticks, but you're pretty sure you prefer that sound to the conversation you're about to have with (print:$LI) over lunch. [[Click to Continue.|Non-Statement]]

(if: $statement is "true")[Buttoning Catherine's blue blazer, you adjust the flag pin, and head out the front door with your head held high. "Folks, the city has no official comment at this time. A statement will be forthcoming this evening, after we've gathered more information. We appreciate your patience. Thank you."] (if: $statement is "false")[You stealth it to the car, as the reporters out front are engrossed in Catherine's advice to await an official statement from Hailey O'Connor on television this evening.] [[Click to Continue.|Lunch]]

[You deferred to Catherine. She will remember that.] "I'll think on it and have a plan by lunchtime," Catherine says. "I will need your help to pull it off, whatever it is." "You can count on me," you answer, staring off into space. [["What happens now?"|What happens]] [["I can't believe this whole thing."|Very Bad]] [["I liked Chief Kirby."|Could be Worse]]

[You rose quickly to meet a problem. Catherine will remember that.] "That's brilliant," says Catherine. "Good job." You stare at a paint crack on the wall. [["What happens now?"|What happens]] [["I can't believe this whole thing."|Very Bad]] [["I liked Chief Kirby."|Could be Worse]]

Double-click this passage to edit it.

[You showed you can effectively delegate. Catherine with remember that.] "That's brilliant," says Catherine. "Good job." You stare at a paint crack on the wall. [["What happens now?"|What happens]] [["I can't believe this whole thing."|Very Bad]] [["I liked Chief Kirby."|Could be Worse]]

[You reacted angrily.] "Hailey...I tried to tell you this morning, as you were leaving. I wanted to, but I couldn't. We have that rule." [["Trust is more important."|Trust]] [["What else are you hiding?"|Hiding]] [["What about MY career?"|My Career]]

[You showed (print:$LI) that you feel betrayed.] "Under the b...what?" asks (print:$LI), clearly hurt and surprised at your suggestion. "No! This is an opportunity, for both of us, can't you see that?" [["That's slimy."|Failure to see]] [["How can I trust you now?"|Hiding]] [["I'm such an idiot."|Idiot]]

[You responded with confusion.] "This is a big story, I get a promotion. You investigate and fix the scandal, and come out smelling like a rose. Re-election, secured." [[Click to Continue.|You're Mad]]

"No. Please. Explain this," you plead, hoping there is any version of this situation that doesn't make (print:$LI) look like a terrible person. "This is a big story, I get a promotion. You investigate and fix the scandal, and come out smelling like a rose. Re-election, secured." [[Click to Continue.|You're Mad]]

"Sure, when various investigations into the leak uncover that you and I have been screwing for six months. It won't matter who the leak really is. Court of public opinion. I'm DONE. Over. Cancelled." "You worry too much," (print:$LI) says, with a horrifying stoicism. [[Click to Continue.|You're the Leader]]

"Flowers and candles...UGH! I am SUCH an idiot!" Your face feels hot. "To think that I actually envisioned a FUTURE with someone like you!" [[Click to Continue.|That's Just It]]

"So, that's just it, then? Finished? Six months, like that?" asks (print:$LI), incredulously. [["We're through."|Break up]] [["I'm not sure."|Uncertain]] [["Maybe we can still work things out."|Work it out]]

"I'll apologize to you publicly for making you look like the leak. I'll explain that the source came from another department outside of the Council, which is the truth..." [[Click to Continue.|Rushed]]

Dammit. Why does (print:$heshe) have to be so adorable? "Yes. Definitely weird," you say, trying your best not to look as amused as you are. "I'll call you later, Jenssen." "You call me anything you want," (print:$LI) says with a sexy smile as you get up to leave, suppressing a smile of your own. [END]