His team hit back on social media with footage they’d dug up from an old Christmas staff party, likely recorded by one of the mayoral aides. She stared numbly at herself, dressed like a sexy elf, at fucking Mayor Anderson’s behest. Show some holiday spirit, Vanderpol! And I don’t mean an ugly sweater. In the clip, she was booty dancing with some guy from the maintenance department, and yeah, she’d had a bit to drink because what woman could cope with that costume sober? It hadn’t seemed like a big deal at the time, but now—

The video ended in an ominous black screen. IS THIS THE NEXT CITY COUNCILWOMAN? Vote smart. Vote Dan Rutherford, the candidate you can trust.

Her phone went wild, vibrating and beeping with social media reactions and texts from volunteers worried about how this would impact her at the polls. She didn’t even know where to start with damage control, but there was no question she had to do something.

To her relief, Trev was the first person to call. “Don’t worry, Butterfly. I’m on this. Now that he’s gone after you personally, it’s time to use that footage Mrs. Carmenian sent us.”

Oh wow.

“Are you sure? You said it could ricochet.”

“He threw mud first, now it’s time to wrestle. Wait, does that analogy work? I’m not sure it does.”

“Okay. I trust you.”

Within two hours, Trev had the reel online, and it was glorious. He didn’t show the whole scene, just Rutherford’s spiteful expression, the sound bite “this little bitch,” and then Hazel’s furious reaction with the coffee mug, followed by the SpongeBob “Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?” meme. The clip looped it a few times with a soundtrack reminiscent of Benny Hill, and then ended with a confused-looking cat gazing up at a thought bubble:

Is this the candidate you trust?

She got in the coven chat once the content was uploaded.

Leanne: Clem, I will owe you so big…

Clem: You need me to cast the viral spell again.

Leanne: Sorry, I hope it’s the last time.

Ethel: You probably don’t want to hear this, but all my divinations suggest it’ll be too close to call. I wish I could promise you a blowout, but it’s not in the stars.

Priya: Let’s stay positive.

Danica: I’ll help Clem, give it double oomph. I know how to cast this spell too. Just sayin’.

Kerry: Leanne probably figured you’re too busy appreciating CinnaMan stick right now.

Margie: I don’t know if I should punish or praise you.

Ethel: …was that a pun too?

Leanne: I love you all.