Chapter 18 - Five Days to Keep a Promise
Jada called every original resident individually. Four had already changed their plans. Two could not travel without the first stipend. One wanted nothing more to do with Hudson Colors.
"I understand," Jada told him. "You don't owe us trust just because we finally did our job."
The independent trustees built a rescue budget. Eleanor offered a limited personal bridge loan under terms reviewed by Priya. An arts council agreed to release matching support once the old jury results and restricted funds were independently verified.
The foundation did not count North Quay's disputed money as available. It would pursue recovery separately.
"We don't get to make another promise on funds we can't touch," Jada said.
They leased safe temporary studios while repairs were completed, arranged housing assistance, and offered each selected artist the option to defer without losing the award. The residency would still run eight weeks, but dates would be flexible for people already harmed.
At the injunction hearing, forensic records supported Eleanor's claim that the waiver was unauthorized. The court extended the block on property transfer while the trust dispute proceeded. The judge made clear that the final merits remained for later proceedings.
Outside, reporters asked Jada if Martin was going to prison.
"That's for investigators and courts," she replied. "Our immediate responsibility is the artists."
That afternoon the grant administrator confirmed continued support for a corrected plan, subject to outside oversight.
Jada should have celebrated. Instead she stared at the names of the twelve residents. They had been reduced to numbers, then to leverage, then to a deadline.
A message came from Salma Haddad: I can still come, but only if artists have a vote in how the program runs.
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Jada opened a new document and typed the title: Resident Council — Binding Governance Proposal.
