<blockquote>Everything about Councillor Rand is moisturized to the point of buttery softness. He even smells rich. The thick scent of coconut oil, an imported luxury I have only smelled on kept women with downtown addresses, drifts across the counter and crawls up my nose.
“It’s a simple inter-department water transfer. Why are there so many forms for such a small request?” His smile is the smile of someone used to getting his way.
I try to smile back. “Every request must be approved by the Water Council. Especially within the city departments. Because clarity is purity.”</blockquote>
