Almost immediately, conversation erupted. Who was going to get sacrificed first? No one wanted to be "that guy", least of all the mafia. But it was true that the mafia were hidden very well amongst the citizens. Maybe, one thought, hidden in plain sight?
"What about you, Mayor?!" was heard over the crowd and met with uproarious applause.
"Yeah! Who says you're not one of them?"
"No wonder you can afford that nice mansion on the mafia's dime!"
"Lynch the mayor!"
Mayor Kara, for her part, remained as cool as could be expected when faced with an angry mob. "Listen, everyone, I understand your frustration. No one wants to get these bastards more than me. But I'm not one of them and I'm issuing myself a full pardon in the matter. Choose someone else."
The crowd's fury was turned up to eleven. "She's guilty for sure! Why else would she try so hard to save her own skin?! How can you expect us to make any progress if you just pardon everyone you want?!"
"Please, calm down, everyone," Kara soothed. "You're right. It does slow things down. I appreciate everyone coming together and working to help solve this problem, but you're barking up the wrong tree. Both my family and the police have been working very hard to bring Tristan Wise down, and I can give you my personal guarantee that I am not in his pocket.
Now, with that said, I believe in being fair. I give you my word that the next person you suggest will meet this blade. If I haven't convinced you that I am innocent in this matter and that person is me, I will go. No more pardons. I love this town. I don't want to see it go to hell. If my death will calm you, I'm sure you'll find someone else to lead in my stead. Now let's try again: who is going to be first?"