Chapter 4 - The Signature at the Bottom
"Graham's the sponsor," June said. "If the approval goes through tonight, Homeward Key can sell the buildings. They want the residents out by winter."
"And the money?"
"Nobody on our side knows. Vanessa says it's a renovation. My mom found a notice about a private development company instead."
I magnified the photograph. Graham's name appeared on the authorization line, but the signature was partly hidden by June's thumb. The company receiving the properties was called Morrow Quay Holdings. A harmless name for something that might leave forty-four families sleeping in cars.
"What happens tonight?"
"The charity board votes at nine-forty-five. Graham announces another donation first. They're calling it the rescue package."
I checked my watch. Nine-oh-six. We had thirty-nine minutes.
June wiped her nose. "I was supposed to meet a reporter. Talia Owens. She said she'd wait by the photographer's station. But Pike took the folder, and Vanessa saw me talking to you."
"Did you send the pictures anywhere?"
"To my mother. Her phone died this afternoon."
I gave her mine. "Call her. Tell her to find a charger and stay with someone she trusts. Tell her not to confront anybody."
June stared at me. "Are you scared?"
"Absolutely. That's why we're going to be careful."
During my old job, people loved to talk about fighting. What mattered was getting people safe and protecting the truth. I had failed at that once, years before, when I believed a supervisor who told me an endangered witness could wait until morning. I wasn't repeating it.
Outside, the service elevator chimed. We heard Pike say, "Check every room. Sterling wants the girl before the vote."
I slid the pantry's heavy rack in front of the door and looked at the ceiling vent. Not a way out. Just an opening through which sound traveled.
May you like
Then June's phone lit up with a text from an unknown number.
DON'T TRUST GRAHAM. HE SIGNED THE FIRST DEAL.
