Hard Losses

Dale Jacobs privately brings Mayor Tom Riley alarming information about his election campaign. An anonymous note has led the Odyssey Times to discover that the RBG Foundation, a contributor to Tom's campaign, owns Edgebiter Chemical Company. Tom had opposed the company after chemicals were supposedly found on his farm, and the connection now makes it appear that Edgebiter paid him to clear its name. Tom knew nothing of the ownership and believed the foundation had also supported Bart Rathbone, but Bart's public records show no such contribution.

Dale believes Tom, but he warns that voters may wonder whether every piece of evidence against Edgebiter was staged. Before the Times can finish investigating, Bryan Dern broadcasts the accusation. Bart joins him in declaring Tom guilty and demanding his resignation or recall. What began as an anonymous tip becomes a public campaign to remove the mayor.

Late that night, as Tom asks God to reveal some purpose in the crisis, Richard Maxwell appears in his office. Richard has completed his prison term and has watched recent events in Odyssey from a distance. He says something large and dangerous is unfolding and offers a warning, but Tom remembers the harm Richard has caused and suspects another threat. He orders him out.

The plot is real. Philip Glossman reports to an unnamed superior that he deliberately leaked the Edgebiter information and that the plan is preparing Odyssey for the superior's arrival. Jellyfish visits Glossman's hotel room and identifies the Israelites as the group opposing the Bones. He also reports that Jason has taken control after his dispute with Jack. Glossman is delighted: Jason has already invited state officials into Whit's End and appears easier to manipulate than Jack.

Glossman admits that the Edgebiter evidence against Tom was planted. He orders Jellyfish and the Bones to collect some genuine signatures on recall petitions and promises to handle the rest. Outside the room, Jellyfish unexpectedly meets Richard, whom he knew at the Campbell County Detention Center. Their conversation reveals a hostile history, and Richard warns, “I never forget.” Meanwhile, Bart tells Rodney that the mysterious man above all of them is finally coming because the operation is ready.

Richard turns to Jack Allen, hoping that a man like Whit will listen despite his reputation. He admits that he burned Tom's barn years ago, but he also shares evidence connecting the vandalism, the recall drive, Jellyfish, and Glossman. Jack agrees to take Richard back to Tom on the condition that Richard tell him the entire truth along the way.

Tom reluctantly hears them out. Richard identifies Jellyfish as a vandal he knew in detention and says he encountered him at Glossman's hotel. More importantly, Richard believes Regis Blackgaard commands the whole operation. He has tracked Blackgaard since leaving prison and followed him as far as Chicago before losing him. The present scheme bears Blackgaard's unmistakable style, and Richard has come to stop him. He knows words cannot earn Tom's forgiveness, but he hopes his actions might.

Tom still cannot release his anger. He tells Richard that the best help he can offer is to leave Odyssey. Richard departs, while Jack urges Tom to reconsider. Their argument is interrupted when Councilman Bonsall arrives with the completed recall petition. It contains enough names to force a city council vote, and the council has approved a recall election four votes to three.

Tom is hurt but refuses to surrender. He welcomes the chance to clear his name and restore his reputation. If his enemies want a fight, he is ready to give them one.