He answered, “What’s up?”
“I just left the City Council meeting. Kai asked for a temporary moratorium and an environmental review on the project.”
Icon paused. Then I heard movement on his end. “Legend’s with me. I’m putting you on speaker so he can hear. Say that again.”
Legend’s voice came through in the background. “What’s up, Sin?”
“Kai asked for a temporary moratorium and an environmental review on our zone. And it passed. The temporary moratorium was approved. The environmental review was ordered.”
Legend asked, “What the fuck does that mean?”
“In plain English, the city is freezing progress in that zone until extra steps get taken.”
“Freezing what? Demo? Permits? Everything?” Legend asked.
“It can affect all of it. At minimum, it gives city departments a reason to slow-walk permits and approvals. They can say they can’t move forward until the review is complete. Kai is using process as a weapon so the Crown can apply pressure without showing their faces. This is the Crown keeping their foot on our necks until they get what they want.”
Icon asked, “So how long can this moratorium hold us up?”
“Weeks. Months. The city can drag reviews and schedule follow-ups whenever they want. The real damage is time. It makes contractors nervous. It makes investors ask questions. It bleeds money and momentum.”
Icon and Legend were quiet for a moment.
Then Icon said, “It’s time to make a move on the Crown.”
“They want thirty percent of our building. We’re going to take thirty percent of their business.”
I didn’t hesitate. “I’m with it.”
Legend asked, “You ready to get active for real?”
“Yes. But we do it smart.”
Legend let out a slow breath. “Alright then. It’s time.”
“It’s time,” I agreed.
RHYTHM BROOKS
Sincere cut the engine, reached over, and took my hand like he could feel my nerves. “You ready?”
I tried to answer, but my breath came out shaky. I stared out the window at the house we were parked in front of in Naperville. Everyone associated with Sincere lived in luxury, and this house was no exception. It was brick and stone, three stories, and sitting back on a big lot with a circular driveway.
Sincere squeezed my hand. “Don’t think too much about it.”
“Isn’t it too soon for me to meet them?”
“It’s not a formal meeting. It’s my cousin’s birthday,” he reminded me. “My mom is hosting a get-together. It’s just family getting together to eat, drink, and talk shit. That’s it.”
I winced. “Still...”
“I didn’t even tell them I’m bringing my girlfriend. They know I’m seeing someone. I’ve mentioned you more than once, but that’s it. I didn’t tell them I was bringing you because I didn’t want to make it awkward for you.” He squeezed my hand again. “My intentions with you are real. You’ll have to meet them at some point.”
Reluctantly, I reached for the door handle. “C’mon.”
His mouth curved, like he was proud of me.
We climbed out and the cold hit me in the face immediately. I tugged my coat tighter and followed Sincere up the walk. My eyes kept drifting to the details as we got closer. The tall windows, wide front entry, and landscaping that looked professionally maintained even in winter was beautiful and intimidating.
