Chapter 10 - The Deal Behind the Applause
"I signed a donor packet last Tuesday," Elliot said. "I didn't sign this tonight."
"That's because the paper was switched," Vanessa replied. "You know how many things you sign."
"I know when someone puts my name under a two-million-dollar release."
For the first time, her voice sharpened. "If you embarrass me in front of our guests, you will regret it."
Elliot stared at her. I watched something private and painful break between them.
Sloane pointed to a clause near the bottom of the resolution. "This authorizes the escrow agent to release money Monday morning. The recipient is Marsh Point Restoration."
"Their work is certified complete," Vanessa said.
"On apartments where people were turned out," Iris answered. "My cousin lived there."
Vanessa laughed. "A waitress has opinions about construction accounting now?"
"She has photographs," I said. "And invoices."
Monroe asked everyone to lower their voices. She called a supervisor while Elliot used his phone to instruct the foundation's counsel and escrow agent not to act on the disputed resolution. The lawyer wouldn't promise that a phone call was enough, but agreed to send written notice and ask for an immediate hold.
Vanessa listened, expressionless.
"You're throwing away years of work because two employees don't understand our business," she told Elliot.
"Show me the contracts, then. All of them."
She turned toward the exit.
A server suddenly ran into the hall. "Mr. Ward? Security is clearing the Haven Bridge families out of the west reception room. They said the charity canceled their invitations."
"Who gave that order?" Elliot demanded.
The server's eyes found Vanessa. "Her office."
Iris grabbed my sleeve. "Rosa was invited tonight. She was supposed to speak about the housing program."
May you like
We hurried to the west doors.
Behind them, a little boy was crying while a guard tried to take his mother's coat.
