Chapter 4
No Rescue Package
Theo arrived at Nora's kitchen with a preservation plan and the wrong kind of money.
Mercer Urban would finance repairs if the cooperative granted it a twenty-year management lease. Priya called it a collar. Daniel called it the only adult offer on the table.
Nora read every page before answering. "The building survives, but we stop owning what happens inside it."
Theo did not defend the terms. "Malcolm wrote them."
"You brought them."
"I also brought this."
He unfolded a hand drawing of the sealed balcony, including two exits and a lift shaft hidden behind the old projection wall. With those seats, the Lantern could double weekend revenue.
Cal entered carrying a rusted brass plate found above the staircase: UPPER CIRCLE - 146.
"The floor holds," he said. "The wiring is criminal."
Priya began recalculating aloud. Daniel stared at the plate as if it were money.
Nora pushed Mercer's offer back to Theo. "We will pay you for the design. We will not trade the building for rescue."
His gaze held hers. "You don't have the fee."
"Then invoice me after the bid."
"That is a terrible business model."
"You came to a speed-dating event with a demolition report. Your judgment is discoverable."
He smiled despite himself.
Cal cleared his throat. "There is another problem. Someone removed the balcony from the 1998 fire plan by hand."
Theo looked at the correction marks.
The initials belonged to their late father.