Chapter 2 - The Names That Didn't Belong
"Who sent that?" Eleanor asked.
"An unknown number." Jada showed her the screen. "And whoever it is knows the barns."
The manor's old carriage barns were supposed to become studios for twelve artists for eight weeks. Each resident had been promised space, mentoring, and a four-thousand-dollar living stipend. The jury had spent three months reviewing hundreds of applications.
Now sponsor brochures announced four different winners.
In the security office, chief guard Armand Brooks played the recording twice. One camera showed Claire driving both palms into Jada's back. Another showed Jada's retaliation clearly.
"Both clips stay in the file," Armand said.
"They should," Jada replied. "I am not asking you to erase what I did."
Claire stormed in with mascara streaked beneath a face still smeared with cream. "She assaulted me. Put that footage on the board's desk."
"I'll send the complete sequence," Armand said.
"Only the second part matters."
"That's not your decision."
Eleanor asked for the award program. Theo placed the printed brochure on the desk. Four names had been replaced: Imani Brooks, Luis Vega, Salma Haddad, and Nia Flores. In their places appeared Bella Whitcomb, Tristan Hale, Celia March, and Nolan Pierce.
"Those people didn't pass jury review," Jada said.
Claire folded her arms. "Sponsors requested a stronger public profile. It's called development."
"I did not authorize changing the winners," Eleanor said.
"Martin approved the package. Ask him."
Martin Voss was the foundation's board chair. He had missed the gala, citing a conference call with donors. When Eleanor tried his number, he answered on the second ring.
"Martin, were the awards altered?"
A pause. "There are competing versions of the list. We should discuss it tomorrow."
"The applicants were promised answers tonight."
"Then promise patience," he said, and hung up.
Jada left to call the four displaced artists. Before she reached the terrace, her phone rang again. It was Amos Reed, one of the selected sculptors.
May you like
"Jada, somebody's loading equipment into a truck at the studio barns. They said all twelve units are being cleared."
