"Lawrence Watt - Evans - One of the Boys" - читать интересную книгу автора (Watt-Evans Lawrence)

“It’s the goddamn mayor.”

“Yup,” Red agreed, grinning, “It’s Hizzoner hisself.”

Ms. Hatch was shouting at her cameraman, who swung around just in time to catch the Honorable Albert
Mazilli climbing out of his limo.

His Honor waved to his constituents, as embodied by the unshaven teenager in the baseball cap and blue
jeans with the TV camera on his shoulder. Mazilli took a few seconds to orient himself, then
walked—no, strode—over to the waiting crimefighters.
The camera followed him every step, and Hatch held out her microphone, calling, “Mr. Mayor, what
brings you here?”

He waved her away and marched directly up to the colorful threesome. Mr. Swift stood with hands on
hips; Red Rover leaned against a lamppost; and Captain Cosmos stood straight, chest out, resisting the
temptation to salute.

The mayor thrust out a hand, and the Captain took it, carefully not squeezing as they shook. Red and
Swift exchanged glances.

“I just wanted to meet you boys in person,” Mayor Mazilli announced, speaking toward the microphone.
“To thank you for your amazing triumphs over the menaces to our society, and for the efforts you’ve
made to stop crime in our city.”

“Our pleasure, Mr. Mayor,” the Captain replied. He threw a quick glance at Red, who smiled and
shrugged.

“And I know you’re busy men,” Mazilli continued, “but I hope you’ll be able to find time to attend a
reception in your honor, and in honor of all the brave volunteers who have stepped forward to fight crime
in the streets and other dangers. I’ve taken the liberty of arranging one, to be held at City Hall on
Tuesday evening.” He reached into his jacket and pulled out three square envelopes, handing one to
each—obviously formal invitations.

“Thank you, your Honor,” the Captain said, accepting his. “It really isn’t necessary, and I can’t say how
much we appreciate it.”

“Then you’ll come?”

The Captain hesitated, glancing at his companions.

“We can’t promise anything, Mr. Mayor,” Red said, “but we’ll try.”

Mr. Swift nodded agreement.

Mazilli turned to face the camera, and said, “And of course, the press will be welcome—I hope we’ll
see you there, Ms. Hatch.”

She smiled. Swift and Red exchanged glances.