“I don’t know what we could probably have to talk about!”

“Listen, Kaylynn and I are currently in a very… dire financial situation. We’ve got the toddlers, and now the other twins-”

“Thanks for telling me about your awesome life. Now leave.”

“We need money.”

“That’s hardly my problem!”

“Well, what if someone told the press about your real reasons for running for state assembly woman?”

“So what? I’ve done nothing illegal.”

“Do you think your voters would re-elect you if they knew that you’re only in it for the power?”

“That’s kind of the point of a career politician. Are you trying to blackmail me, Leo Depiesse?”

“I- um…”

“Do you really think you could blackmail me?”

Jan’s voice sounded icy, and Leo found it best to backpedal.

“No, of course not. I’m sorry, I haven’t slept in days, the twins are teething. Of course I wouldn’t be stupid enough to blackmail you. It’s just… there’s barely space in our house. There’s an old cottage up the hill, it’s… it’s really run down and in desperate need of renovation, but it’s also really cheap and just big enough. Come on, Jan, I’ve put a lot of my savings into buying this house here, can’t you like, pay me out and… give me the rest as a loan? It would certainly look good for the press. ‘State assembly rep helps out ex in a heartwarming’- whatever. Come on.”

“You know what. I might think about it. I’ll let you know. Now leave.”

“You’re the best, Jan!”

“Shut up.”