Jake noticed that Tomlinson eyed Glynis smilingly. She didn’t seem to notice, but Younger obviously bristled.

Standing beside Cardwell, watching the planetarium empty out, Jake said wearily, “Well, he let Leeds outmaneuver him again.”

“Why do you say that?” Cardwell asked, his gray eyes curious.

“The senator said he’s already put the FBI on the case.”

Cardwell smiled. “Do you believe that?”

“He can call them in tomorrow. Nobody’s going to check the date.”

With a patient shake of his head, Cardwell said, “I don’t think you understand, Jake.”

“Understand what?”

Ticking points off on his fingers, Cardwell explained, “First, your boy definitely linked Leeds to organized crime. And murder. Second, he forced Leeds to retreat on his criticism of MHD. Third—and most important—he’s put Leeds on the defensive.”

Jake blinked at his mentor. “You think so?”

“Definitely. Leeds has been badly hurt. Tomlinson’s going to win this election—barring some disaster.”

October (Fifth Part)

OCTOBER

Topping Plant

TOPPING PLANT

The summer ended. While the election campaign heated up, cool winds swept down from the mountains. A mammoth rainstorm blew in from the west, soaking the state and swelling several rivers to flood stage. The town of Lignite was partially flooded for several days and operations at the big rig were temporarily halted because the roads were awash. Lignite’s sole working coal mine had to suspend operations until the waters receded.

Tomlinson continued his exhausting travels around the state, speaking at every town, appearing at every occasion. He officiated at local beauty pageants, spoke at meetings of Elks and Moose associations, got himself photographed at local Boys and Girls Club activities.

The two candidates crossed paths at the state fair, Senator Leeds delivering a speech at the fair’s opening, Tomlinson speaking on the closing day—to a noticeably larger crowd.

The fall semester started, and Jake had classes to teach. But he ran up to Lignite every week. Each time he visited the big rig Glynis was there, with Younger. Jake wondered if they were living together, but couldn’t work up the nerve to ask either one of them.

Another major rainstorm drenched the state, and locals began eyeing the gray skies and telling one another, “Next one’ll be snow.”

Exactly one month before election day, Tomlinson surged ahead of Senator Leeds in the polls. He moved ahead by only a couple of percentage points, well within the pollsters’ margin of error, but it was the first time he had taken the lead away from the senator.

“We’re going to win!” Amy beamed when Jake visited the downtown campaign headquarters. “I know it!”

Tomlinson’s father was less optimistic. “Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched,” he grumbled.