Chapter 11 - Opening Night
The opening night of the Vance Youth Center was attended by city council members, international philanthropists, and art critics from across the state. The walls gleamed, the air was warm, and the reimagined installations looked not like patched repairs, but like avant-garde masterpieces born of resilience.
Richard arrived uninvited, flanked by two corporate associates, his face wearing a smug grin as he prepared to witness a disaster.
Instead, he walked into a buzzing, vibrant celebration of community triumph. Cameras flashed as the Mayor stood next to Eleanor, presenting her with a civic citation for turning an abandoned municipal hall into an active youth sanctuary under budget and ahead of schedule.
Richard pushed his way to the edge of the circle as the crowd applauded. When Eleanor stepped down from the podium, he blocked her path, his jaw tight.
"A lucky break," Richard hissed under his breath. "Vance paid for the magic tricks. Don't flatter yourself."
"Mr. Brooks," a voice rang out, cold as an arctic winter.
Harrison stepped up, towering over Richard by half a head. Behind Harrison stood two plainclothes detectives from the municipal precinct.
May you like
"You might want to lower your voice," Harrison said quietly, leaning in so only Richard could hear. "The facility’s exterior security cameras captured your driver’s vehicle entering the alley three nights ago. The bolt cutters found in the maintenance corridor had your corporate maintenance company’s registration stamps. Detective Miller here has a few questions regarding criminal property damage and corporate sabotage."
Richard’s face drained of color. He looked at Eleanor, then at Harrison, his smug arrogance shattering into panic. Without a word, he turned on his heel and was escorted out the side exit into the waiting night.
