"The developer."
"That's what I'm thinking. This feels targeted. Too convenient. Right after we started digging into their shady tactics."
I consider that. Turn it over. It fits. Too well.
"If they want me gone, leaving plays into their hands."
"Exactly."
"But staying puts you at risk."
"I'm already at risk. We both are. Running doesn't change that."
She moves closer. Takes my hand. Squeezes.
"So we don't run. We fight."
The anger shifts. Redirects. No longer pointed inward.
Someone tried to destroy me. Tried to use my past and people's prejudice as a weapon.
I've faced worse in the area. At least there the enemy was visible.
"Okay." My voice comes out rough. "What do we do?"
Maris smiles. Sharp and bright.
"We expose them. Publicly. Loudly. Make it impossible for them to keep operating in the shadows."
"How?"
"I don't know yet. But I will. Give me an hour and a whiteboard."
Despite everything, I laugh. "You're terrifying when you're angry."
"Good. Remember that next time you try to make decisions for me."
"Yes ma'am."
She pulls me down. Kisses me quick. Then releases me and heads back toward the stairs.
"Feed yourself too. You're no good to me if you pass out from low blood sugar."
"Romantic."
"I'm a businesswoman. Romance doesn't?—"
"—pay the bills. Yeah. I remember."
She grins over her shoulder. Then disappears.
I stand alone in the kitchen. Pebble finished eating. Now grooming himself with intense focus.
The anger is still there. But cleaner now. Purposeful.
Someone wants me gone. Wants to use fear and lies to drive me out.
They picked the wrong fight.
