Not Just Any Lady In Red

My job at City Hall was nothing special or extraordinary.

One day, I was called to the mayor's office.

When I was let inside, the mayor was not there.

The most striking and beautiful woman I've ever seen was waiting for me instead.

She told me that the mayor was ill and wouldn't be able to run for re-election later this year.

She told me that I would run for mayor instead.

I didn't understand. I was good at my job, but nothing special, and I told her so.

She gave me an indulgent smile and explained that my humility worked her favor, as to an outside onlooker (such as herself, she explained), I was an exemplary model of a dedicated civil servant.

She told me that what was important was that I maintain that image until my election, and then I was to sign off on whatever instructions she put in front of me.

She explained that this had been her