“Don’t let him kid you, Scott,” Drew said. “If it was here in Connecticut he’s heard about it.”
“We’ve got the contract for the state college systems dorm renovations and I’m working on renovating one of the mill buildings down by the river in Menatuck.”
“That big one on Prescott Street?”
At his nod, the judge frowned. “That’s a hefty project. Might not even be worth it. That area is in bad shape. Can’t imagine you’d get any legitimate businesses to go in there.”
“You don’t think it has any historical value then?”
“Absolutely not. It’s simply an old factory that’s been neglected. I wouldn’t waste any money in thatpart of town.”
“Actually, sir, it’s in an urban renewal district. Many of the surrounding buildings have already been updated. It’s gettingquite popular.”
“I wasn’t aware. I’ve been in Florida the last few years, retired and loving it. I guess I haven’t paid as much attention around here as I should.”
There was a strange look in the judge’s eyes, but he couldn’t figure out what.
“You wouldn’t happen to know Florina Betts would you? She’s the head of the Historical Society around here.”
“Of course I know her. Her husband and I used to play tennis together when we were younger. She’s here tonight, not that I’ve spoken with her. She can certainly get on her high horse about someof her causes.”
Drew stepped forward. “Do you think you could talk to her about that building for us?”
“Well, I don’t knowas much as I—”
Florina caught sight of him and he waved her over. “Ms. Betts, you know Judge Stokinger, don’t you?”
“Of course I do. Old friends,right Bernie?”
“We were just discussing the mill building down on Prescott Street.” Drew stared at the judge waiting for him to jumpin. He didn’t.
“What was it you were saying about the area, sir?” The prosecutor in him began to come out.
“It’s not a great place. Certainly never was in the past.”
“What was your opinion on the condition of the building itself?”
He shrugged, his shaggy white hair flopping a bit.“It’s rundown.”
“And the historical value of the building?” Scott was glad he didn’t have to face off against Drew.
“Well, I’m sure there’s lots of value being down by the river and being sucha large space.”
He cleared his throat. “If it’s in bad shape, wouldn’t renovating it like the other local buildings give it more value, especially if the original design was kept intact?”
Pulling at his collar the judge looked uncomfortable. Of course Florinaa was staring at him with accusatory eyes. She certainly gavehim the creeps.
“I honestly don’t know about real estate value. I’d probably tear it down if I had the chance. Put upsomething new.”
“Oh, no, not there,” Florina objected. “You can’t have something modern in that district. Simplycan’t be done.”
Turning to her, Scott asked, “If you don’t want it torn down and replaced, and leaving it a mess isn’t good for the economy, wouldn’t it be best to renovate it intousable space?”
“Hmm, I suppose. I still have to check some of the background on this place. We got a tip that there was some significance in this specific building. If nothing comes of it, then you get to go ahead with your project, Mr. Holland.”
He should feel elated that she sort of agreed to let him go forward. But he couldn’t help wonder who had given the Historical Society their little tip.
