"There's strategy for everything." She flips open the folder. Articles, printed emails, screenshots of social media posts. All neatly tabbed and highlighted. "Blair's narrative is how the program lacks oversight and creates inappropriate situations. She's using you and Stone as Exhibit A."
"Because we're together."
"Because you're visible together." Tess pulls out a page covered in talking points. "We spin this as a success story. The program facilitated cultural exchange and economic partnership. Stone's contributions to your business are measurable. Everything else is private."
"They're not going to care about private."
"Then we make them care about measurable." She taps the page. "Increased foot traffic since Stone started helping. Socialmedia engagement. The festival booth numbers. We show them data, not drama."
I scan the talking points. They're good. Clinical. Everything reduced to metrics and outcomes.
It feels like erasing what actually matters.
"What if I just tell the truth?"
Tess looks at me like I suggested streaking through the council chambers. "Which truth? That you fell for an orc you barely know and now the whole city's treating it like a circus?"
"That the program works exactly how it should. It brings people together. Sometimes that's complicated, but complicated doesn't mean wrong."
"Lacy."
"I'm not going to stand up there and pretend this is just business partnership. That's what they want. Reduce it to something safe and forgettable." I push the talking points back across the counter. "Stone's not a line item. Neither am I."
Tess is quiet for a long moment. Then she sighs. "You're going to give me an ulcer."
"Probably."
"Fine. We do it your way. But we prep answers for the ugly questions. Because they will ask ugly questions."
"I know."
We spend the next two hours running scenarios. Tess plays Blair, all pointed insinuation and concern-trolling. By the eleventh round I want to throw something.
"How does your relationship with Mr. Venn affect your judgment as a grant recipient?"
"It doesn't. My business decisions are based on community need and financial sustainability."
"Some might say accepting help from a placement worker creates a conflict of interest."
"Some might say rejecting help based on species creates a bigger one."
Tess breaks character. "Okay, don't say that last part."
"Why not?"
"Because calling out racism, even politely, makes you the problem in their eyes." She rubs her temples. "I know it's unfair. But this hearing isn't about what's right. It's about what they can justify."
The bell above the door goes off. Aunt Rene shuffles in, wrapped in her purple cardigan and carrying a small paper bag.
"You feeding my niece? She gets mean when she's hungry."
Tess grins. "Working on it."
Rene surveys the spread of papers and pastries. "This the hearing prep?"
"How did you?—"
"Gladys saw the email. Her daughter works in the council office." Rene settles into the reading chair by the window like she owns it. "Whole neighborhood's talking."
