“Good morning,” she called, as she trekked through the fire station into the conference room, where a number of retirees awaited.

Gladys winked at her. “Can’t get enough of us, huh?”

“I’m hoping to get the most powerful voting bloc firmly in my camp,” she said seriously.

“We’re yours, honey.” Hazel hurried over to take the bakery box from her and carried it to the table where the coffee was set up.

“Not me,” said Leonard. “I belong to Gladys.”

“Stop being so literal,” Howard grumbled.

“I hope to see everyone at headquarters later. But mainly, I wanted to talk about outreach. Even if you’re not actively volunteering…” She made eye contact with a few seniors and smiled. “I hope you’ll mention that I’m running to your friends. At church and bunco, bingo and the singalong, or at your weekly breakfast catch-up.”

“You’re trying to get on our gossip circuit,” Mrs. Carmenian said with a chuckle. “I’m already canvassing for you, darling. And yet you want more?”

She bit her lip, trying to look rueful. “Is that wrong? I probably shouldn’t—”

“I’ll take care of it,” Hazel promised.

Impulsively, Leanne crossed to the doughnut table and gave the old woman a hug. She whispered, “I appreciate you so much. Read the book for this month’s club meeting yet?”

Hazel grinned. “I’m halfway through! It’s pure filth and I love it.”

Leanne let her go with a final pat on the back. “I saw how you went after Dan Rutherford. Don’t get in trouble, okay?”

“Please, that rodent can’t mess with me. My grandson is a lawyer.”

While Hazel filled a plate with pastries, a few other retirees offered to spread the word to folks who didn’t get online. Leanne said, “I truly appreciate it. I don’t have the same resources as Dan Rutherford.”

Howard patted her arm in a comforting gesture. “Of course you don’t. He’s sixty-eight and owns a car dealership.”

Leanne headed toward the door, content with what she’d accomplished. “Thanks so much. I won’t take up more of your time—”

“Oh, please,” Mrs. Carmenian cut in. “We don’t have that much of it left at our age, but ironically, there are so many hours to fill with our families busy and no actual job.”

That cut close to the bone. She went back to Hazel, who’d unexpectedly become her fiercest defender. “Can I hug you again before I go?”