Very convenient of him to finally get my name right. Very convenient of him to bring up my lie to the press after I call him out on his. But the mayor’s face remains pleasant and trusting. His lips are curved in a half smile. He’s handsome, like Cullen—without the transparent arrogance. His is subtle. If my gut weren’t telling me otherwise, I might consider confiding in him. Or Richard at the very least. Only, right now I have nothing to tell. No images. No tweet. Turning over what I know about Ryan—if that’s even his real name—is flimsy at best. Before I say anything to anyone, I need proof that someone big is orchestrating these attacks.

“I told the police everything I know already.” My words come out smaller than I intend.

The mayor glances at the TV behind me. I’m tempted to look at it myself to see what he’s watching, but his focus returns to me. “You know, Amelia, I grew up in this city,” he says, very politician-esque. “I met my first wife at the very school you and Cullen attend. She was something else—smart, passionate, opinionated. She wanted to change the world. I asked her to marry me two months after we graduated college.” He looks down as if reminiscing.

“It was her idea I get involved in politics. I started by running for alderman of Ward 51 and won. Pretty easily. Shortly after I took office, she was caught in gang crossfire while bringing home takeout from our favorite Indian restaurant. It happened in Lincoln Square—a proclaimed safe place to live and raise a family, which we never got to do.” Again, he pauses.

“After that, I vowed to do whatever it took to put an end to gang violence in our city. I’m still just as committed to that cause. But I need the support of the people of this city—of you, Lia—to help me do that.”

My palms press so tightly against one another that I feel the burn running up my arms. I boil inside as I fight to keep my expression even. It feels like a jab. Gangs had nothing to do with the attack. He knows my dad was out to prove that, and he must know I won’t endorse that phony theory. Is that the real reason he’s here? To get me on his side of the debate?

Of course, he, of all people, needs gangs to be responsible. He needs the city to be in control, taking action.