Richard Day's Legacy

Chapter 011

Oblivious to the planning against his life, Richard had awoken the next morning ready to enjoy his current peace and quiet, but that plan was far-fetched as some policemen had come on Vivienne's orders to escort him to a luxurious restaurant .

When they got to their destination where Vivienne was waiting for him with a warm smile, Richard quirked his eyebrows and shook his head subtly.

“Mayor Richard, I hope you're doing well this morning and that your living arrangement is to your liking?”

In response, Richard shrugged his shoulders, just as one of the men pulled out a seat and he sat,

“What's all this? And this fuss?" 

Richard questioned as he spread his arm to the array of food on the table, Vivienne's cheeks tinged a bit before she sat up to respond,

“I just felt it right to treat you to a hearty meal” was her simple response as her gaze remained on Richard, who raised an eyebrow at her,

“This is really unnecessary. The hospitality isn't needed" Pausing for a second, he sighed and added, “I appreciate the thought, Thank you".

Vivienne's eyes sparkled at his praise.

Suddenly,her phone rang as she glanced at the caller before glancing at Richard, giving a nod,

“Excuse me, Sir, I have to take this." 

She politely informed, and in return, Richard gave a curt nod while he chewed on his savory toast.

As Vivienne listened to the caller, her gaze changed to a questioning one, filled with concern, and as she listened on, her eyes found Richard and she gaped at him with widened eyes.

 As the call ended, Vivienne wasted no time in heading back to her seat, 

“Mayor Richard, do you mind if I ask you something?" She immediately asked as she took her seat, peering closely at him

Leaning back on his seat with his arms crossed to her chest, Richard awaited her question; although he had an idea of what she wanted to ask.

Vivienne braced herself, swallowing hard as she watched him. She was a little fidgety and didn't know how to ask the question without arousing suspicion or offending Richard

“A-are you housing some women in Avalon Heights?” She finally asked, leaning closer to gaze at him. 

“Yes. Yes, I am" Richard nodded at her question, taking a napkin off the table, he wiped at the corner of his lips.

About two years ago, Richard had purchased several houses in Avalon Heights to provide shelter for the families of fallen soldiers—comrades who had fought alongside him to defend Dalton City.

At that time, Dalton had been a warzone. 

Richard, along with other heroes, had stood resolute against invading forces, often at great personal risk. 

Many of his comrades never returned, leaving their families without support or security. 

While it was the government’s responsibility to care for those who had given everything, Richard, as the acting mayor, took it upon himself to ensure their sacrifices weren’t forgotten. 

He provided homes for the widows and children left behind, offering them stability in the wake of their devastating losses.

At his admission, Vivienne’s eyes widened and she immediately sat up, her throat suddenly going parched.

She tried to gauge Richard's expression as she gazed at him, his brows furrowed and he quirked a brow at her. 

She was told that Richard was housing mistresses in some luxurious mansions. And he didn’t deny it.

Now she didn’t know how she should react.  

With shaded eyes, she glanced at Richard, vowing to look into the matter before making her decision.

As she arrived at the gates of her office, her head drew back, her eyebrows raising as she saw the amount of people surrounding the building,

Coming down from her vehicle, her eyebrows remained raised, her eyes popping a little as she saw Harold Delaney, the deputy mayor, the secretary of state, some top judges, some top officials that had been under Richard's administration as well as some citizens of the state.

Vivienne's ears perked up, chills going down her back as she saw the people that were gathered, even Andrew Morris had the guts to show face. But before Vivienne could address them, they saw her and hurried over to her, everyone speaking at the same time,

“What is this insane news that I hear?" 

"Rumour has it that Mayor Richard was charged with corruption! That's quite outlandish!”

“I believe he's guilty" someone chipped in, and people began defending Richard,

“If there's anyone free of corruption and malice, it's Mayor Richard Day!" 

“Yes! That man is so upright, that I admire his character" 

Some people laughed loudly at the notion that Richard was indeed corrupt, but Vivienne couldn't answer everyone at once. Meanwhile, Harold and Andrew were fuming to see the amount of support and supporters that Richard was still getting even with the news of his arrest, and he aimed to correct that,

Standing on a podium, he cleared his throat, garnering the attention of some people as he began speaking in a loud voice,

“It is indeed unfortunate that we are forced to do this. It is just as hard for us as it is for you, that the person we entrusted Dalton's care to is nothing but a fraudulent individual.”

As his voice rose and gathered more attention, he nodded at Andrew and some of his minions that he had infiltrated into the crowd, who had begun sharing some documents into the people’s hands,

“We wouldn't accuse him of corruption if there wasn't any proof.” Looking around, he smirked as he saw that the majority had the papers and were looking between themselves with raised eyebrows and bulging eyes. He smiled sinisterly and went on,

“In your hands is all the proof you need; it has information on properties that he owns that he shouldn't with such a miserly salary. Therein, you'll find large transfers that we're sure are nothing but embezzled funds”

Harold's shoulders rose and his smile deepened as he watched the people take it all in,

Some people's mouths had fallen open, others were gazing at nothing in particular, and a few others stood with slumped shoulders as they gazed. Even with the evidence, some chose to hang on faintly to their beliefs,

"T-this is unbelievable”

"It's impossible”

One after the other, they cried out while Harold and his men tried persuading them with their truth. Vivienne was dumbfounded at the scene before her; one thing was certain to her: Richard wasn't the person he was being painted out to be. Her respect for him had doubled from yesterday at the border; his influence was glaring, and she found it hard to believe the accusations were true.

Straightening herself up, she cried out in a loud voice, urging everyone to listen to her,

“Please, let's not be quick to judge the mayor. Investigations have to be done before we decide if he's guilty or not. Please, let's investigate this matter, then follow through with our investigations”

Harold quickly took that as his opportunity, and he spoke loudly, gloating as he did,

“I agree with Inspector Vivienne! We have to investigate this matter, and what better way than to visit these houses that are listed under him”

He smiled widely as he looked at the crowd, who immediately nodded their heads, and began chanting their choruses. They were eager to see things for themselves, and Harold was eager to bury Richard.

As they all headed out to the location, Vivienne trailed behind with a heavy heart.