Meeting the press (Narrative)
"Now, as you all are aware we have no definitive leader of this City and the absence of guidance has been an issue here as of late," Edward stated, standing tall and proud before the series of microphones. He was set up on the steps of the Mayor's office, a building that still sits vacant and waiting for someone to claim it. And why not him? He was as capable as anyone else that might rise up to take the spot, and certainly if anyone else was interested then the position already would have been filled.
"Recently we have had a wave of crime hit this City. It has come and gone, and like the tide it shall come again. What will we do when the streets are full of vigilantes and rogue criminals? Who will we turn to for guidance when nobody is there to assist us? Of course we have heros, those with special powers or abilities but will they stand up and fight against the criminal element here all the time, while trying to maintain the standards of the law? Nobody can be that perfect. No. We need someone in office to guide this City through dark times, allow everyone the chance to have the things they want and offer opportunity for growth and development. I can give you these things." Eddie smiled at all of the flashing cameras, the staring eyes and the hands outstretched with microphones, cellphones and recordin devices.
"I, Edward Nashton am now declaring myself in the running for Mayor. This City deserves someone who has all of your best interests at heart. Who will fight for you when times get rough, who will stand beside you when tragedy strikes and who will uphold the law when times turn violent. You have your heros helping the streets, yes, but I will help the citizens beyond the line where the pavement meets the sidewalk. You need more than men and women in capes and tights to aid you. Vote for me, and you will see a brighter future for this City. That, I can promise you, and Edward Nashton is always a man of his word. Quote me on that."
The cameras and voices erupted into a roar, and Eddie beamed. He shook his hands at the onslaught of questions and shaking of recording devices.
"Mr. Nashton!" One reported piped up, "Weren't you recently in court for a charge of kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon?" Eddie nodded and frowned sadly at the woman whom had asked, addressing the crowd, "Yes, Sally. I was. But I was found not-guilty on those charges. How could I be when there was no evidence to prove that I was even there? I do have a link to Arkham, it's where my family lives. We serve our patients there with the utmost care and respect. Arkham is a place of healing. Perhaps if the girl in question had been there to offer her side of the story we would have caught the man responsible."
Sally chirped a reply, "Why did she name you as her attacker? And why did Steve Rogers throw you in jail if the charges were false?"
Eddie smiled, "Great questions, my dear!" He cleared his throat, "Sometimes tragedy had a way of blurring the details. Stress, fear, trauma...all of these things and more can cloud judgement, blur mental images and often the imagination itself runs rampant with details that aren't always exact and correct. It wouldn't suit me to call the girl a liar, something perhaps had happened to her. Whatever it was, I hope she recovers from it quickly and I keep her in my thoughts always. But it had nothing to do with me. The extraction from Arkham and my short encarceration proves that our Hero's are doing their jobs protecting the citizens, but I was falsely accused. As Mr. Murdock stated in court. All of their evidence and testimony was circumstantial at best and none of it proved that I had any ties. Perhaps she had me confused with someone else, I can't quite be sure. I have not had the chance to get close enough to ask her myself."
Sally nodded, and a few other questions came, but Eddie shook his head and held up his hands. "No more questions. Not today. We have campaigning to do. Vote Nashton for Mayor!" He shouted, before turning and leaving the pulpit, a wide grin on his face. He slung an arm around Effie and together they wandered back to Arkham to start work on the signs.