can a frustrated single mom and failed big city journalist save her family and salvage her career by returning to a town run by a gang of bungling thugs?


“The Resurrection of Puerto Cielo” is a novella published in serial form, 43 posts.




25


“Carmen for Mayor”

Bikes careening over rain drenched streets, the Zorros hurled the latest Star headline about town. 

Public response was animated.

At Mama G’s, the brazen announcement sparked debate around the table of gathered ladies. A woman for mayor? This had never happened in Puerto Cielo.

“More coffee, Dona Consuelo?”

The group’s serious faced leader turned to see Mama G smiling and holding a steaming pot.

Consuelo pointed to the headline and asked, “What do you think, Gina?”

“I think it’s about time,” came the prompt response.

“So do I,” came the equally emphatic retort.

***

At the Red Rooster, one voice was not enamored with the headline.

“The people hate me. They love Carmen. I’m going to lose,” Mayor Roddy lamented.

Tibo drew deeply from his cigar and studied the pitiful face in front of him. 

He blew a cloud of smoke into the mayor’s flushed face and calmly replied, “Roddy, it doesn’t matter how much the people love Carmen. What matters is how much they fear us.”

The fat man in the rumpled white suit coughed and squirmed.

Tibo added, “Relax, Roddy, worry will have its way and your ass is safe.”

Unconvinced, the mayor retreated to the bar for a bottle of liquid solace.

Ricky watched the hapless mayor slouch away, musing, I’ve surrounded myself with idiots. But life here wasn’t all bad. It didn’t take help with brains to run the rackets in Puerto Cielo. Prostitution, numbers, protection, a little graft, this was enough to maintain his simple, upscale lifestyle.

Besides, he thought, blowing three perfect smoke rings, nobody was shooting at him here.

Yet.

***