Chapter 17 - THE HEARING
The courthouse hallway smelled of coffee and floor polish. Damon arrived early enough to see Victor walk in beside a team of attorneys. Elisa followed in a gray dress, her eyes fixed on the floor.
Jessica asked the judge for a temporary order preventing the Hope House transfer. She presented the questionable deed, the building inspector's statement, and evidence of a related-party interest. Ben explained how the administrator override had bypassed ordinary approval checks.
Victor's lawyer objected repeatedly. The judge allowed the records for the limited purpose of deciding whether an immediate hold was justified, not as proof of every accusation.
“Mr. Cross,” the judge asked, “why did your foundation miss such large discrepancies?”
Damon stood. “Because I was more concerned with what the reports said about our success than whether the families received what we promised. That was my failure. The documents before you show there may have been others.”
He sat down feeling exposed but relieved he had told the truth.
The judge granted a temporary restraining order. Hope House would remain open, and the disputed property transaction could not close before a fuller hearing. Police and independent auditors would continue their work.
Ruth exhaled so loudly that a court officer glanced her way. Carmen squeezed Sofia's hand.
Outside, reporters crowded the steps. Damon spoke briefly about the ruling and refused to describe Daisy's experience for cameras.
Elisa emerged behind Victor, who caught her elbow.
“You won't say a word,” he warned.
She pulled her arm away. “You told me the settlements were legal.”
Victor turned sharply. “Be careful.”
Damon heard every word. Elisa looked at him for a long second, then walked toward Detective Vega.
“I want a lawyer,” she said. “And I want to tell you what happened to Carmen.”
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Victor was already reaching for his phone.
