Darius hadn’t bought that four days ago when Simon had shocked him with his announcement in Books & Bakery. He wasn’t buying it now. “You didn’t care when the last three mayoral elections were uncontested. Why do you care now?”
Simon shrugged. “I just do.”
This sounded more like his father. They were making progress. “What made you change your mind?”
Simon looked puzzled. “Is this the interview?”
Darius unfolded his arms and straightened from the wall. “I’m not interviewing you. And you’re not running for mayor.”
Simon stiffened. “Who do you think you are?”
“The better question is, who do you think you are?” Darius drew in a deep breath. The room was small and the air was stuffy. He had to get out of here.
Simon stood. “I’m your father. You owe me respect.”
Respect? Is he kidding?
Darius stepped closer. “You know that your mayoral campaign would not be a good idea for this family.”
“Who are you to tell me what to do? I can do whatever I choose.”
“Not if it’s going to hurt other people, although I realize you’re probably too selfish to even consider that.”
Simon pointed a finger in Darius’s face. “Watch your mouth, son.”
Darius held his ground. “Before you go any further with your pursuit of public office, you’d better consider the things in your life that you don’t want brought to light.”
Simon searched Darius’s expression. “What are you talking about?”
Darius’s temper spiked. “Don’t pretend not to know.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Simon turned away.
The movement exposed his lie. Simon may not realize Darius was aware of his secret, but his father knew damn well his closet hid skeletons.
Darius glared at his father’s back. “Yes, you do. You may not care about the embarrassment, but Mom would be mortified and so would other people. You have no right to do that to them.”
“How would my campaign embarrass your mother?”
“In fairness to Mom, don’t pursue this petition. She doesn’t want you to run for mayor. You owe it to her to respect her wishes.”
Simon spun back to him. “I’ve done nothing wrong.”
“Is that the way you’re going to play it?”
“If you have something to say, say it.”
“I’m not playing this game with you.”
“Are you interviewing me or not?”
“I’m not.” Darius turned to leave.
Simon’s voice stopped him. “You’re not the only reporter on the Monitor’s staff. This will be the first contested mayoral race this town has seen in three terms. It’s big news. I’m sure one of the others will jump at the opportunity to interview me.”
Darius gripped the doorknob, then faced his father. “For the record, I won’t sign your petition.”
Simon shook with anger. “You’re my son. Are you going to vote against your family?”