The pictures were beautiful.
The promises were impressive.
Then a board member asked about the southern access route.
Richard smiled.
“Negotiations with the affected property owner are ongoing.”
Eleanor rose.
“For the record, my client has declined to grant the access rights requested.
The developer’s assertion of a prior agreement is disputed and is now the subject of legal proceedings.”
A murmur moved through the room.
Richard’s smile faded.
The board member looked toward him.
“Mr.
Vale, did your company represent to prospective purchasers that access had already been secured?”
Richard adjusted his microphone.
“We believed we had a reasonable basis for that representation.”
“Is that a yes?”
His lawyer leaned toward him.
The room grew quiet.
I sat near the back beside Miriam.
My heart hammered.
Then I saw Jared.
He stood against the wall near the exit.
Our eyes met.
For a moment, neither of us moved.
