Carter Wright's hand, holding the cigar, froze in mid-air.
Leo's voice continued to emanate from the television.
"Thank you, Mr. Mayor, for giving our 'Pittsburgh Revival Plan' such high praise in public."
"This isn't just a personal endorsement. More importantly, it proves one thing."
Leo turned and pointed to the large screen behind him, his expression growing serious.
"This proves that even an Establishment Faction official like Mayor Carter Wright, who represents the old system and its outdated ideas, must concede when faced with iron-clad facts. He has to admit that the path we champion is the only future for Pittsburgh."
"The Mayor's praise is, in effect, a public endorsement of our progressive ideals. It shows that even he has realized his old playbook from the last eight years just doesn't work anymore."
The corner of Carter Wright's mouth twitched.
But that wasn't the deadliest blow.
